The Difference Between The AccuFIT 9000 and AccuFIT 9000 Pro

The AccuFIT series of respirator fit test devices provide an accurate means of checking whether respirator masks are safe and fit for purpose for each user.

This provides assurance that the respirator mask will perform as expected in a live situation, without any performance issues due to an inadequate fit. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the AccuFIT 9000 series, before discussing the differences between the standard and pro variations.

What Is The AccuFIT 9000 Series?

The AccuFIT 9000 is a very simple device which can detect and measure the concentration of microscopic, naturally occurring, airborne particles in the size range of 0.02-1µm.  The device takes a known volume of air, counts the number of particles it finds in the sample and reports a particle concentration in the form of the number of particles per cc of air. By taking a sample of air from both outside and inside a respirator (as it is being worn) and comparing the particle density in both samples respirator performance can be measured. The machine is equipped with an intuitive user interface so that users can easily enter data and follow directions for each test without the need for extensive training.

The AccuFIT 9000 can be used to test all types of respirator masks as long as they have a P3 filter. This includes disposable filtering facepiece respirators (FFP3), half-face elastomeric respirators, full-facepieces, CBRN/Gas masks, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), any tight fitting facemask with incredible accuracy.  If the respirator is fitted with a high-efficiency P3 filter, then it can safely be assumed that any particle found inside the mask has entered via a route other than the filter media.

If the mask is fitted with a lower efficiency filter, such as N95/FFP1/FFP2/P2, then these filters may not remove ALL of the particles meaning that some particles may be inside the mask simply because the filter has not removed them, not because the mask is leaking.

Standard And Pro: Testing Capabilities

The AccuFIT 9000 series is available as the AccuFIT 9000 Standard and the AccuFIT 9000 Pro versions.

• AccuFIT 9000: All FFP3 masks and Half or Full facemasks. One testing mode for both filtering facepieces and elastomeric respirators. Masks must be fitted with P3 level of filtration.
• AccuFIT 9000 Pro: Not only does the device perform tests on any masks described above, but also tests masks fitted with lower efficiency particle filters such as N95, FFP1 and FFP2, making it even more versatile.

In terms of AccuFIT 9000 price points, the pro model is more expensive than the standard due to its including additional technology that expands its testing capabilities.

How Does The AccuFIT 9000 Pro Work?

The AccuFIT 9000 PRO contains all the same technology as an AccuFIT standard but in addition, it contains an additional item known as a “particle classifier”.  The classifier sorts the particles by size before they are counted in the particle-counting device. We know that low-efficiency filters (P1/P2/N95) do remove some particles, but not all.  The classifier enables us to ignore the particles that are not collected by the filter and so we are only looking for particles of the size range inside the mask that SHOULD have been stopped at the filter. Any of this size must have leaked into the mask via an illegal leakage path. Particles that are not trapped by the filter will be there anyway so we can ignore these.

This particle classifier can be switched on or off as required meaning that the PRO model can be used to test both masks fitted with a high-efficiency filter and those without – we switch the classifier on only when we need it.  This gives the AccuFIT PRO greater flexibility than the standard.

Fit testing with the AccuFIT 9000 Standard or Pro ensures that masks can provide an adequate seal to protect the user from hazardous materials. It offers an easy-to-use, objective method of measuring leakage rates between the mask and the face of the user

AccuFIT Solutions From Fire Safe International

Both AccuFIT 9000 variations can be purchased from Fire Safe International. Each device comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, an individual robust travel case, and full training support from our knowledgeable team.

If you’re still unsure whether to choose the 9000 9000 Pro, please check out our AccuFIT 9000 series fit test starter pack by clicking here.

For more information about the AccuFIT range or to find out more about our fire safety consultancy services, please call 01743 761000 today.

Image source: Pixabay