The Importance of Respirator Fit Testing

How can I make sure my respirator fits me?

Respirators are available in different sizes (e.g. Small, Medium & Large) to suit different people’s face shapes and features.

To know if your respirator fits your face properly, have it fit tested at least once a year.

A respirator fit test is a method for checking that a tight-fitting facepiece adequately seals against your facial features. The performance of a tight-fitting facepiece is dependent on achieving an adequate seal between your skin and the seal of the facepiece.

Each new brand, model, size and style of respirator that you wear needs to be fit tested. If you lose or gain weight, have dental or other facial surgery that changes your face shape, you will need to have your respirators fit tested again.

Where can I get my respirator fit tested?

RESP-FIT is the national respirator protective equipment fit testing program in Australia, and through them, you can find accredited fit testers that will complete the fit test for you.

When getting a fit test, remember to shave beforehand and bring with you your respirator and the other PPE that you regularly wear (e.g. glasses and goggles) as these can impact the fit.

Can I have facial hair while wearing a respirator?

You must be completely clean shaven wherever the mask touches your face when being fit tested and when using a respirator, otherwise there will be leak paths that allow contaminants to enter your airways.

Many hazardous particulates like asbestos, silica, mould and bioaerosols are many times smaller than a single facial hair and can bypass between them. Gases and vapours can bypass between facial hair as well.

Any small gap between your face and the respirator will reduce your protection. Not only does facial hair create gaps that prevent a good fit, but chemicals will also be absorbed into your uncovered beard.

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Overall, be mindful that wearing a respirator will not protect you from hazardous chemicals if it doesn’t fit you properly so take care to safeguard your health by regularly having an accredited fit tester check the fit of your respirator.