Top Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Eat Before A Face Fit Mask Test

Let’s face it: nobody likes being told what not to do, but when it comes to face fit testing, skipping that pre-test snack is more important than you might think. As a wearer of a tight-fitting respirator, you probably already know how critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is. What you may not realise is that something as minor as chewing gum or grabbing a quick coffee beforehand could seriously compromise the accuracy of your test.

In this article, we’ll explore why avoiding food and drinks before a face fit mask test is essential to making sure your mask fits properly and protects you when it matters most.

1. Eating Affects The Seal

Eating just before a test could lead to an increase in wearer-generated particles. For a quantitative fit test, which uses a machine to measure the concentration of particles inside the mask, this can be a critical issue. The machine may detect these wearer-generated particles as if they were leaking through the seal, leading to a false failure and making you unaware of potential real leaks. You will likely have to undertake repeated tests, which will take up more of your precious time or may even be retested in a mask that you find less comfortable to wear.

2. Strong Flavours Interfere With The Test

During a face mask fit test, two primary methods can be used:

• Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT): This method uses a bitter (Denatonium Benzoate) or sweet (Saccharin) test solution sprayed into a hood. The wearer indicates if they can taste the solution, which suggests a leak. If you’ve just had a mint, a fizzy drink, or spicy food, your sense of taste may be less sensitive than usual. This may mean you are unable to detect the test spray, leading to a false pass result. You’ll assume that the mask achieves an adequate fit, but in reality, it won’t.
• Quantitative Fit Testing (QNTF): This method uses a CNC machine, such as AccuFIT, to measure the concentration of microscopic particles inside and outside the mask, providing a numerical fit factor. While not reliant on taste, having eaten food before a quantitative fit test could increase the creation of wearer-generated particles. The machine, which relies on particle counting, could assume that those appeared due to a leak in the mask, which would lead to a test failure.

3. Chewing Gum Or Sweets Can Ruin The Results

While meals should be avoided before any face fit test (FFT), chewing gum or sucking sweets during the test can alter how your mouth moves or sits, affecting the fit of the mask. Breathing, talking, and mouth movement are key parts of the assessment, so anything that may affect those movements can make the results unreliable.

4. Discomfort Is A Distraction

Grabbing a quick snack or coffee before your face fit test might seem harmless - but ten minutes in, you could be dealing with indigestion or trying not to burp. It might sound minor (or even funny), but discomfort can interfere with your ability to follow the tester’s instructions. You may struggle to complete essential parts of the assessment, like talking or performing breathing exercises, jeopardising the accuracy of the test. Bending over is an important part of the test, and you might find this uncomfortable if you have trapped wind or indigestion!

5. You Might Have To Reschedule

Most testing providers follow HSE guidelines, which recommend avoiding food, drink, smoking, or chewing gum for at least 15 to 30 minutes before your test. If you’ve just eaten, there’s a strong chance your appointment could be delayed or cancelled, and without a valid face mask fit test, you won’t be cleared to perform your full range of duties until a new assessment can be arranged.

Book Your HSE Face Fit Test today

To avoid delays and ensure an accurate result, it’s best to hold off eating or drinking until your face fit test is complete. Just as importantly, make sure your chosen provider has the expertise to carry out the test properly, so you can be confident that your PPE offers the protection you need.

To book your face fit test with the experts at Fire Safe International, please get in touch today.

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