Our Ear-Fit Testing Service checks that hearing protection, when worn, seals adequately inside the ear, and that the user can correctly insert and apply the hearing protection.
We use the latest technology- The 3M™ E-A-R fit™ Dual-Ear Validation System.
Our quantitative face fit testing service ensures the mask or RPE being used seals adequately to the users face. We have 8 PortaCounts, 3 onsite vans and multiple competent fit test operators.
We now accept online bookings for fit testing conducted at our Woolloongabba office.
Face Fit Testing is conducted through the use of quantitative testing equipment (such as the PortaCount or Accufit).
A thorough understanding of the fit test equipment, and a detailed understanding of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required to accurately and compliantly fit test workers.
Our tailored trainingand courses are delivered by industry leaders and gives you the confidence so that you can use the equipment and software associated with quantitative fit testing.
Our Face Fit Test Training Courses includes the following:
RPE Overview (what respirators are available, how they work and their allocated protection factors).
Fit test methods (qualitative and quantitative).
How fit testing is undertaken quantitatively.
Components of quantitative fit test equipment.
Software setup and management for fit testing.
Setup of equipment and daily checking.
Exporting fit test data.
Monitoring of equipment.
Conducting fit tests.
Using Fit Test Protocol Checklists.
Troubleshooting of equipment.
Analysing results and reporting.
Calibration of equipment.
Legislation and related guidance material (coal, metalliferous, construction and general industry).
Fit Testing Protocols (INDG 479/HSE 282/28 and OSHA 1910.134/OSHA Fast- Half/Full, OSHA Fast- Filtering Facepiece).
There is no nationally recognised training available for the use of quantitative fit test equipment, however the manufacturer of the equipment recommends training in respiratory protection, respirators, and fit testing by a consultant and this training is to be a one, two or three day course.
We have built this course specifically based of the manufacturer specifications for the equipment, consultation with industry, our own experiences with fit testing over 8 years of conducting testing and then aligned and mapped the training with the following standards:
AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
ISO 16975-3:2017 Respirator protective devices – Selection, use and maintenance Part 3: Fit testing procedures.
All RESP-FIT training is delivered by Sebastian Rasche, a passionate fit tester who has been fit testing since 2013 and currently sits on the RESP-FIT board. He is a firm believer of continuous improvement, fit test compliance, research in fit testing protocols and Fit Testing systems.
After completing our Face Fit Testing training course successful participants will receive a certificate of completion for Quantitative Face Fit Testing .
Please note this is non-accredited training as there is currently no nationally recognised training package for face fit testing. We are however an approved Respiratory Fit Testing Training provider for Coal Services NSW (Order 43), and are a approved fit test training provider for RESP-FIT.
Please note we do not conduct qualitative fit test training- as qualitative testing is not entirely reliable ( see Clause 8.5.2 AS/NZS 1715:2009)- we only conduct quantitative fit test training.
Please note- establishing fit testing in house is only a financially viable option if you have a large number of employees, or a high turnover of staff, if you are a small to medium business it may be more cost effective to engage Pro Safety and Training to conduct fit testing, we offer very competitive pricing on group fit testing.
Pro Safety and Training can provide Quantitative Face Fit Test training at your facilities anywhere in Australia, or at our office in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
Contact Sebastian Rasche directly on 0412 889 317 or email seb@prosafetytraining.com.au for an obligation free quote, or for discussion on what is required to establish in house quantitative face fit testing.
Establishing Fit Testing in house after completing this training is a straight forward process which can be split into 5 categories- resources, procedure, administration, data management and audit.
PortaCount 8038/8048 or other quantitative fit test equipment- please note each PortaCount is ~$29,500 + GST. We do not sell PortaCounts (but can recommend a supplier)
Particle Generator (usually comes with PortaCount when purchased)
A thorough policy and procedure based off either INDG479 (previously HSE 282/28) or OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, this procedure then needs to be contextualised to the type of fit testing you are conducting and any other additional products you are providing (ie- spirometry, Order 43 Medicals, RPE supply). The procedure is best written to also ensure compliance with AS/NZS 1715:2009 and ISO 16975-3.
Fit Test Protocol Checklist- this is a simple checklist that is mapped to the protocol and proves compliance with the protocol. This is a good tool to demonstrate to clients and regulators that your testing has been done in a compliant and consistent way. We can provide this with training and has been well received by our clients.
Fit Test Adaptor cleaning procedure
Fit Test Calibration Procedure (we recommend this software)
Operator training procedures/ Verification of Competency procedures
Fit Test Data Management Process
By testing in line with a well written procedure you ensure your testing is conducted to protocol, is legitimate and ensures your client gets the best outcome possible.
There is currently no statutory legislation on fit test providers so it is critical that testing is completed in line with recognised standards and this can be demonstrated.
Your fit testing program and policies and procedures need to be able to be audited, to show compliance with the protocol and to demonstrate that your organisation is a reliable testing provider. This can be achieved by exporting and keeping records of:
all fit tests completed
all daily checks completed
all calibrations completed for each PortaCount used
Some managers may think in house testing is difficult however it is purely a new process that requires consultation, planning, training and implementation.
For an in depth discussion on establishing quantitative face fit testing please contact us today.
These links may assist you in understanding fit testing and specific requirements:
While all effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above links, Pro Safety and Training strongly recommends you access all compliance based documents from your applicable regulator or manufacturers website.
Public Face Fit Courses
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Contact Pro Safety and Training for more information on our quantitative face fit training course
