All tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required to be fit tested to prove it fits the individual user’s face. Users must be issued a certificate to show that their RPE fits them correctly and is fit for purpose.

Tight fitting RPE must be Face Fit tested to ensure that it fits the individual and therefore provide proper protection and subsequent retesting must be carried out to ensure that the RPE continues to fit when changes in the user’s face occur. Both additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and stubble can adversely affect the fit of RPE and therefore, the Face Fit testing must be performed when wearing other PPE required by the user. All Fit Testing must be carried out on a clean-shaven face. In addition to the Face Fit testing, a fit check must also be conducted whenever the RPE is used to make sure the equipment is worn correctly and therefore continues to provide the appropriate protection.

Whilst US legislation stipulates that a Face Fit retest is conducted every year, and Canada requires retesting bi-yearly, there is currently no UK legislation enforcing regular timed Face Fit retesting. It is a legal requirement that this is conducted when significant facial changes have occurred or alternative RPE is worn. A 2006/7 survey showed over 100,000 respondents feeling that they experienced breathing difficulties which were related to their employment. Data presented by the HSE also indicates that in the UK Face Fit retesting should carry out more regularly.

RPS Operations Manager, Scott Campbell’s recent article in Health & Safety International magazine examines and discusses the concerns surrounding current enforcement of RPE legislation and the impacts of negligent compliance.

To view the full article, published in Health & Safety International magazine (April 2008), please click on the pages below (kindly reproduced with the permission of Health and Safety International magazine).

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5

For more information please contact:
RPS Manchester - HSED
T: +44 (0) 161 872 2443