Fit Testing Brisbane
Face Fit Testing Brisbane clients has slowly evolved over the years. When we first started fit testing (back in 2015), it was a process for mainly asbestos removal workers wearing RPE (respiratory protective equipment) to check that their RPE sealed, and that their workers were able to don the RPE.
Fast forward to 2023 and fit testing is now a common occurrence in the construction, mining, and healthcare industries and is required and enforced under legislation.
The Problem:
Unfortunately, with the rise in fit testing in Australia there has been an increase in providers of fit testing that have received no formal training in fit testing methods, the equipment, or the protocol.
We have heard through market feedback that there are untrained operators completing fit testing that do not follow the requirements of the protocol and interfere with aspects of the testing to ensure that a pass result is always achieved for fit testing.
In one example a healthcare student was saying that when they were last fit tested the operator sprayed deodorant into the air at the end of the test. This would increase the ambient at the end of the test, increasing the average ambient particle count, and would artificially increase the fit factor (so a pass may be achieved).
In another example a construction worker was stating that when they were fit tested the fit test operator told them to stay still, and not complete the exercises (how would you know the mask seals to your face if you did not challenge it?).
Ultimately if fit testing is done incorrectly, by an untrained operator the results of the test are void, and the effectiveness of the RPE is questionable. Poor quality fit testing means that worker health can be put at risk and respirators may not provide the intended protection.
The Solution:
Fortunately, the AIOH (Australian Institute of Occupation Hygienists) formed RESP-FIT, an initiative to improve worker health by ensuring reliable fit testing is completed by competent fit testers. RESP-FIT provides a training syllabus for training providers to map to, and an accreditation program for fit testers.
We always recommend using an Accredited RESP-FIT Fit Tester for your fit testing, with the main benefit being that the fit test operator has been assessed against ISO 16975-3 and has shown competency in fit testing.
A RESP-FIT accredited fit tester will complete testing in line with the protocols, in an accurate and reliable way.
To find an accredited fit tester see this link here.
How we can Help?
Pro Safety and Training completes thousands of tests per year in Brisbane and has 4 accredited fit test operators, and 8 calibrated PortaCounts.
We take fit test compliance seriously and complete the following:
- All fit test operators are RESP-FIT accredited.
- All fit test operators have received training through a RESP-FIT approved provider.
- We complete VOCs for operators annually and provide ongoing staff training to ensure operators are competent.
- All equipment is calibrated annually and daily checked prior to use.
- We work to thorough policies and procedures built around the Manufacturers Specification and Protocol.
- We are constantly auditing our results to ensure compliance.
- We backup all fit test data in 3 separate ways (paper copies for 1 year, electronically in the cloud, electronically in a physical state).
- We are constantly listening to market feedback and making improvements where we can.
We are one of the longest running companies in Brisbane and work with a variety of businesses.
To get a quote for respirator fit testing, to purchase masks, to enquire about fit test training in Brisbane or Australia, or for more information please contact us.
