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The Importance Of Respiratory Fit Testing (Mask Fit Test)

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The Importance Of Respiratory Fit Testing (Mask Fit Test)

on 19 Aug 2024 10:22 AM
Blog Category: Health Blog, Safety Blog

If workers require tight fitting respiratory protection as part of their PPE, Respiratory Fit Testing is required to ensure the respirator is working correctly. 

You are required to conduct Respirator Fit Testing: 

The variance between a respirator that is suitable for the person and applied correctly and an incorrect fit can cause workers to be exposed to higher levels of contaminants than anticipated. 

As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) you are required by OHS/WHS regulations to manage exposures to any airborne contaminants as far as reasonably practicable based on the hierarchy of control. 

Protect your staff and your organisation by adhering to the regulatory requirements for Respiratory Fit Testing.

What Is The Purpose Of Respiratory Fit Testing (RFT)?

Respirator Fit Testing is conducted to ensure that your employees have maximum protection from airborne contaminants. The effectiveness of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) relies on a good seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face. If there isn’t a good seal, contaminated air will leak into the respirator and the wearer may not get the level of protection that is needed. RFT is used to test tight fitting respirators.

JTA’s Respirator Fit Testing 

Our testing covers:

We conduct our RFT onsite at your premises. The room should be quiet and private with power available. Each fit test will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on the selected protocol. Learn more about our Respirator Fit Testing.

Respiratory Fit Testing Methods

There are two methods of RFT:
Qualitative – a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer’s ability to taste or smell a test agent
Quantitative – considered the gold standard as it is objective and uses specialised equipment to measure how much air leaks into the respirator

Our preferred option is to conduct quantitative testing as it is objective and more accurate. However, if the respirator isn’t suitable such as a full face mask, we will conduct qualitative testing.

Your Record Keeping Requirements

You should keep a written record of fit tests carried out for each worker, including:

Complementary Services

JTA provides a range of air quality monitoring services, including:

We can meet your annual requirements for Respirator Fit Testing at the same time as we conduct any of the above services.

Fit Test vs Fit Check

A Fit Test has to be conducted by a competent person at least once per year.  The competent person may be an Occupational Hygienist, safety professional, a company employee who has undertaken appropriate training or an external fit test service provider.

A Fit Check should be carried out by the wearer each time they put on the respirator to make sure it has been properly positioned on the face and there is a good seal. 


If you have any questions about RFT call us on 1300 856 282


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