

Pro Safety and Training has been completing fit testing since 2015 and have been delivering CNC RESP-FIT approved training since 2021.
A common question we come across is how to fit test PAPR, and positive pressure RPE in general, this news post aims to clarify some common questions around this.
What is PAPR?
The acronym PAPR stands for Powered air-purifying respirator. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 1716:2012 refers to PAPR as:
A device incorporating a half facepiece, full facepiece or head covering which provides the wearer with air passed through a powered filtering unit, comprising one or more filters, and an electrically operated blower unit. This respirator is referred to as PAPR.
Some common PAPR that we come across are:
PAPR can be either tight fitting or loose fitting. Tight fitting will involve a face piece that seals to the face, whereas loose fitting will incorporate a hood or helmet.
We have found that PAPRs have become more common in mining, construction, healthcare and manufacturing industries and their use is only growing.
Do we need to fit test PAPR, if so, how do we do this?
If PAPR is tight fitting, it needs to be fit tested.
When fit testing tight fitting PAPR we must always undertake the testing in negative pressure mode– this can be achieved by either removing the battery or turning the PAPR unit off or attaching a filter to the RPE.


Figure 1- All tight fitting PAPR is to be fit tested
There is often debate about testing PAPR in negative pressure mode, for guidance on this we would recommend reviewing Section 6.5.1 of AS/NZS ISO 16975.3:2023, which states:
All tight-fitting respiratory interfaces shall be fit tested in the negative-pressure mode regardless of the mode of operation in which the RPD is used. For positive-pressure breathable gas RPD and assisted RPD, this can be accomplished by:
— temporarily converting the RI into a negative-pressure RPD by using appropriate adapter and
filters; or
— using a negative-pressure RPD with an identical RI sealing surface.
The following additional sources state testing of PAPR must be in negative pressure mode:
Do I need to test loose fitting PAPRs?
No- if the PAPR is loose fitting, such as the 3M Versaflo and 3M M-207C, then it does not need to be fit tested.


Figure 2- Loose fitting PAPR does not need to be fit tested
Do I need to be clean shaven when wearing loose fitting PAPR?
Always check the manufacturers specifications for the equipment you are using- generally for workers with facial hair, PAPR loose fitting systems are seen as a solution, however you will need to ensure that facial hair does not cross the elasticized seal that comes in contact with the face.
For more information see this link here, or this link.
Summary:
When testing PAPR always ensure you complete the following:
- Only fit test tight fitting PAPR (loose fitting PPAR does not need to be fit tested)
- When completing fit testing on tight fitting PAPR, always complete the testing in negative pressure mode (either remove the battery, switch the unit off, or convert the system to negative pressure with a filter)
- Follow manufacturers guidance for testing of PAPR
- Follow the requirements of the protocol
How we can help?
If you need assistance with face fit testing, or setting up fit testing in house, please call 1300 336 003 or email office@prosafetytraining.com.au.