Face Fit Testing

All members of our team have taken and passed the industry recognised exam and practical assessment for Face Fit Testing, and are Fit2Fit Accredited. Our team work closely with the BSIF and HSE to promote best practice and to increase the awareness of Face Fit Testing. Our team also includes Assessors in the BSIF Fit2Fit Scheme.

We have the one of the largest number of accredited training instructors across the UK with 15 Fit2Fit accredited Face Fit Testers covering the UK and Ireland, with over 125 years’ experience of Face Fit Testing between them. We provide a Fit2Fit accredited service, carrying out face fit tests for clients throughout the UK, either at your premises or one of our training or satellite centres. Click here to see more frequently asked questions about face fit testing

If you wear a mask at work that relies on making a seal with your face then you need a face fit test.

Which masks need to be tested?

Face fit testing is required for all of the following types of masks:




  • Disposable half masks

  • Re-usable filter or cartridge half masks

  • Powered respirators with full face masks

  • Full face filter or cartridge masks

  • Escape set with full face masks

  • Full breathing apparatus masks


We offer Qualitative and Quantitative testing

We conduct two forms of face fit testing, qualitative and quantitative, both result in matching an individual’s face shape with a compatible mask to ensure a tight seal is achieved.



Qualitative Testing



  • Used only for disposable and half face masks.

  • The individual wears a hood over the head and shoulders and the tester sprays a bitter solution into the hood.

  • The wearer carries out a series of exercises, such as turning the head from side to side.

  • If the individual can taste the solution, there is a break in the mask’s seal. 



Quantitative Testing



  • Used for all tight fitting respirators, including Full Face Masks.

  • The mask is attached to a particle counting machine (a Portacount).

  • The machine detects whether airborne particles are passing into the mask via a break in the seal.

  • At the end of the test the machine will give a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’.


How often should a fit test be carried out?

The test should be carried out 'regularly' or if the wearer:




  • Gains or loses significant weight,

  • Undergoes significant dental work, or

  • Develops facial changes, i.e. scarring, moles etc. in the faceseal area.



The BSIF Fit2Fit companion supporting the recent HSE INDG479 recommends a suitable interval for repeat fit testing is two years. In some situations, more frequent testing may be more appropriate.


Who can carry out a face fit test?

A competent person should carry out a face fit test.  Competency can be proven by accreditation to the BSIF Fit2Fit Testers Accreditation Scheme, however this is not compulsory.  Manufacturers of fit test equipment may also provide competency training and evaluation and proof of these may be sufficient to prove competency.


Face Fit Training

We currently deliver one of the few Fit2Fit approved Qualitative training courses, which provides your employees with the cornerstone to begin face fit testing. We can also provide ongoing coaching for your employees to achieve Fit2Fit Accreditation.


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