Face Fit Testing

Face Fit Testing Guidance

What is Qualitative Face Fit Testing?

We offer Qualitative Face Fit Testing in Cornwall as it is a legal requirement, and is covered by HSE legislation, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) used must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. RPE cannot protect the wearer if it leaks.

Everyone required to wear any type of Respiratory Protective Equipment in the workplace must be face fit tested to ensure correct fitting and protection against substances potentially hazardous to health.

Masks rely on a good seal against the face so that, when you breathe air in, it is drawn into the filters where the air is cleaned. If the mask does not fit correctly, this process is compromised. It is therefore particularly important that you put your mask on correctly and check for a good fit every time.

You must be clean-shaven when wearing tight-fitting masks, this will help prevent leakage of contaminated air around the edges of the mask and into your lungs. You will, therefore, be breathing in clean air, which will help you stay healthy.

Please view the link below for a video from the HSE around Face fit Testing and why its so important

Face Fit Testing Hood

Face Fit Testing Half Mask

The Face Fit Testing test is conducted in two stages:

Sensitivity test

Confirms that the wearer can detect the test agent (either smell or taste). The test agent is sprayed into a test hood.

Face Fit Test

The wearer dons their face mask and the test hood. The tester sprays the test agent into the hood at intervals whilst the wearer is conducting a series of low intensity physical tests during the Face Fit Testing. These include

Normal breathing.
Deep breathing
Turning head side to side
Moving head up and down
Talking
Bending over

If at any point throughout the test the participant can taste the test solution, then the mask is not protecting the wearer.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the test, and certification to show the test has been completed.

Fewer than 20 delegates: £25 + VAT per delegate

For 20 + Delegates: £22.50 + VAT per delegate

There is a minimum charge of £150 + VAT per session where you have fewer than 4 delegates.

We also only charge for mileage to you if we come to your site plus the test costs if above the minimum numbers.

We can offer a range of Health & Safety services and Training.

What do I have to do?

You must be clean-shaven for your face fit test. Facial hair prevents your tight-fitting mask from sealing correctly around your face, thereby failing to provide adequate protection. We CANNOT test if you have facial hair.

Face Fit Testing Guidance document is INDG479 (rev1)

The HSE guidance document for RPE can be found at https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm

If you have facial hair then a positive-pressure air-fed mask would suit.

You must bring your own adjustable mask with you. We will advise you whether the mask is suitable and whether it fits correctly.

For further information on Respiratory Protection and Face fit Testing can be found on the HSE website at https://www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/

Local Occupational Health Support in Cornwall

Where staff use Face Masks for respiratory Protection, you will also need to have Occuational Health Surveillance in place.

At CTC, we understand the challenges businesses in Cornwall face when accessing reliable, local Occupational Health services. To bridge that gap, we have opened a dedicated Occupational Health facility in St Austell, designed to meet statutory health responsibilities. We can also come to you if you have a room that meets the requirements.

✔ Local

✔ Affordable

✔ Flexible

✔ Easy to access

We provide one‑off medicals, ongoing health surveillance programmes, and bespoke Occupational Health packages tailored to your business needs.

Occupational Health