Face Fit Testing

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Our team of Respiratory Technicians are available to support you throughout the UK with the implementation of an effective Respiratory Management Programme

Face Fit Testing

If you wear a tight-fitting respirator for protection against hazards at work, you will be required to have a face fit test to make sure the respirator fits correctly and therefore protects the wearer from the hazard.

The supporting guidance for COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), CLaW (Control of Lead at Work), CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations) and the Ionising Radiation Regulations, stipulate that fit testing should be carried out as part of the initial mask selection process.  This ensures that inadequately fitting face pieces are not selected for use. Further guidance can be found in the HSE document INDG479 and the accompanying guidance documents. These can be found here: [1] [2] 

This should be done at initial selection of the Respiratory Protective Equipment or if facial configuration alters in any way such as:

  • Excessive weight gain or loss
  • Major Dentistry work
  • Changes to facial characteristics
  • 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 (Warrington, Enfield, Stafford, Hull)

Our large team of Fit2Fit Technicians can carry out Face Fit Testing throughout the UK and also deliver one of the few Fit2Fit approved training courses on Qualitative 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 Accreditied. 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.

You will have access to one of the largest team of Fit2Fit accredited Respiratory Specialist’s covering the UK. Our Respiratory Specialists have over 125 years’ experience between them and are able to deliver Respiratory Training, Face Fit Testing, RPE Servicing and Maintenance and air purity testing. The team are available to deliver these services at your site.

Important links

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’.


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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