Our Services
Face Fit Testing
Ensuring your employees' respiratory protective equipment fits correctly and provides the protection it is designed to give.
What is Face Fit Testing?
As an employer you have a legal duty to ensure that any tight-fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) you provide to your employees fits them correctly. A face fit test checks that the facepiece forms an adequate seal against the wearer's face, ensuring the RPE delivers the level of protection it is rated for.
No two faces are the same. Even RPE from the same manufacturer and in the same size can fit differently depending on the individual's facial features. Without a face fit test, there is no way to confirm that the RPE is actually protecting the wearer from airborne hazards such as dust, fumes, vapours and biological agents.
At 1ST Safety Ltd, our qualified face fit testers carry out both qualitative and quantitative testing at your premises, issuing certificates on the day. We cover a wide range of RPE makes and models and will advise you on the most appropriate type of RPE for your specific workplace hazards.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose 1ST Safety for Face Fit Testing?
- Qualified and experienced face fit testers
- Both quantitative and qualitative testing methods available
- Testing carried out at your premises anywhere across the UK
- Certificates issued on the day for each individual tested
- Covers a wide range of RPE makes and models
- Fully compliant with HSE guidance and BSIF standards
Who Needs Face Fit Testing?
Face fit testing is required for any employee who uses tight-fitting RPE as part of their work, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to:
- Hazardous dusts (wood dust, silica, flour)
- Chemical fumes and vapours
- Isocyanates (spray painting, foam manufacturing)
- Biological agents and airborne pathogens
- Asbestos fibres during disturbance or removal
- Welding fumes and metal particulates
- Lead and other heavy metal dusts
Our Methods
Testing Methods We Use
Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT)
Qualitative fit testing relies on the wearer's subjective response to a test agent — typically a bitter-tasting aerosol (Bitrex) or sweet-tasting aerosol (saccharin). The wearer performs a series of exercises while wearing the RPE; if they can detect the test agent, the seal is inadequate.
- Suitable for disposable FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 respirators
- Also used for half-mask respirators
- Quick, cost-effective and easy to administer
- No specialist equipment required on site
Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT)
Quantitative fit testing uses specialist equipment to measure the actual concentration of a test agent inside and outside the facepiece simultaneously, producing a numerical fit factor. This removes any subjectivity from the test result.
- Required for full face masks and higher-protection RPE
- Provides an objective, measurable fit factor
- Suitable for all tight-fitting facepiece types
- Recommended where higher levels of protection are needed
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is face fit testing?
Face fit testing is a procedure used to check that a tight-fitting facepiece — such as a half mask, full face mask or filtering facepiece (FFP) respirator — correctly seals to the wearer's face. It ensures the RPE provides the level of protection it is designed to give.
Is face fit testing a legal requirement?
Yes. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to ensure that any tight-fitting RPE provided to employees fits correctly. The HSE states that all tight-fitting facepieces must be fit tested before use.
What types of RPE require face fit testing?
All tight-fitting facepieces require face fit testing. This includes disposable filtering facepieces (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3), half masks, full face masks and powered/supplied air hoods with tight-fitting visors. Loose-fitting hoods and helmets do not require face fit testing.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative testing?
Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) uses the wearer's sense of taste or smell to detect leakage — typically using a bitter or sweet aerosol spray. It is suitable for disposable and half-mask respirators up to FFP3/Class 3. Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses specialist equipment to measure the actual amount of leakage into the facepiece and is required for full face masks and higher-protection RPE.
How often does face fit testing need to be repeated?
Face fit testing should be repeated whenever the type or model of RPE changes, when the wearer's facial characteristics change significantly (e.g. weight loss, dental work, scarring), or if there is any reason to believe the original fit may have changed. Many organisations also repeat testing periodically as best practice.
Can you come to our site to carry out testing?
Yes. Our face fit testers are fully mobile and can attend your premises at a time that suits you, minimising disruption to your operations. We cover the whole of the UK.
Ready to arrange face fit testing?
Contact us today to book testing at your premises or to discuss your RPE requirements.