5 Things To Expect When Having A Mask Face Fit Test

When you're about to attend your first face fit testing appointment, it’s normal to feel uneasy about what awaits you. Nonetheless, as someone required to use a tight-fitting respirator mask, this is an essential step, as your Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is only effective if it forms an adequate seal with your face.

A poorly fitting mask will reduce your protection; it can leave you exposed to harmful particles, fumes, or biological hazards. Being prepared for what the test involves can make the experience more straightforward and help ensure accurate, hassle-free results.

Here are five things to expect when having a face fit test:

1. You’ll Undergo Either A Qualitative Or Quantitative Test

There are two main types of RPE face fit testing:

• Qualitative testing is typically used for disposable or half-face masks and involves wearing a hood while a test agent is sprayed inside. If you can taste the agent, your mask probably doesn’t fit properly.
• Quantitative testing, which must be used if you wear a full-face mask but can be used to test all mask types, uses a machine, such as a Quantifit, AccuFIT, Portacount or Aerofit to measure leakage. It’s a reliable process than qualitative testing as the machine takes quantifiable measurements, but it is also designed to assess whether the face fit test mask achieves a reliable seal.

2. You Shouldn’t Eat, Drink Or Smoke Beforehand

This isn’t a box-ticking exercise, but a vital precaution to ensure your face fit test for PPE delivers accurate results. Whether you're undergoing a qualitative or quantitative test, you'll be asked to avoid eating, drinking (except water), chewing gum, or smoking for at least 30 minutes beforehand. These activities can dull your senses and affect your ability to detect the bitter or sweet solution used during a qualitative test or leave residues which could affect the accuracy of the test, meaning the results of the assessment may not be reliable.

3. Expect To Perform Some Exercises

During the test, you’ll be asked to perform a series of simple movements and breathing exercises while wearing your mask, such as turning your head from side to side, reading aloud, or bending over. These actions simulate real-world tasks and help the assessor check whether the seal stays secure whilst you are moving. For emergency responders and others, who often work in fast-moving and unpredictable environments, this is a crucial part of ensuring a reliable fit and adequate protection.

4. Beards Can Affect The Test Result

Facial hair, including stubble (> 24 hours of growth), can seriously interfere with the effectiveness of your mask. During your RPE face fit test (and whenever you wear your RPE in the workplace), you’ll need to be clean-shaven in the area where the mask is in contact with your skin. Even the slightest gap caused by facial hair can allow harmful particles or fumes to seep in, so the requirement isn’t about appearance but protecting your health. If you are habitually not clean-shaven, then you may need to discuss if there are any alternative means of protection available with your employer or safety representative (or give us a call).

5. It’s About More Than Just The Mask

A proper face fit test isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. You may need to try several different mask models or sizes to find one that fits your face shape securely. The session is also a valuable chance to get expert guidance on how to maintain your respirator as well as how to put your mask on correctly, carry out seal checks, and ensure it offers the protection you need every time you wear it.

Book A Face Fit Test Today

At Fire Safe International, our qualified face fit testers provide accurate and thorough assessments to ensure your mask delivers the required level of protection against hazardous airborne substances.

Rather than leaving your safety to chance, book a face fit test today.