Face Fit Training
Train the Tester
Face Fit Safety provide face fit training (train the tester courses) in both qualitative and quantitative face fit test methods.
The Hse state that Face Fit Testing must be conducted by a competent person.
Face Fit Safety can provide the knowledge and training to delegates to competently perform face fit testing. Our face fit training courses cover both theory and practical. Delegates will be trained to conduct face fit testing in accordance to INDG479. The training courses meet all the requirements of knowledge & instruction set out by the HSE.
All training is provided by experienced fully fit2fit accredited face fit testers. This ensures the highest quality of training. Trainers can pass on useful tips and experience to assist delegates learn, enhancing the learning experience.
Face Fit Testing Methods
There are 2 methods of conducting face fit testing.
Qualitative (also referred to as a taste test).
Quantitative (which relies on specialist equipment such as a portacount ambient particle counting machine).
Face fit training can be provided in either method.
Qualitative Testing
Qualitative is a method for testing disposables (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3) and reusable half masks.
It can not be used to test full face masks.
It is a subjective test. This method relies on the individual to be able to taste a solution (often a bitter solution). It also relies on the individual’s honesty to advise if they taste the solution during the actual face fit test.
Quantitative Testing
The quantitative method involves counting particles in the ambient air and comparing to particles that get within the respirator.
It is an objective highly accurate method of face fit testing.
Quantitative can be conducted on all mask types, including full face masks.
Face Fit Testing Supplies & Portacount Hire
Everything required during the course will be supplied on the day.
However delegates trained in the qualitative method will require access to a qualitative test kit after training to be able to conduct face fit testing. Face Fit Safety Ltd can supply 3M qualitative face fit test kits and ongoing supply of solution as required.
For anyone who books quantitative training, Face Fit Safety Ltd can supply TSI portacount machines, or can loan a portacount on a hire agreement.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
HSE guidance HSG53 and INDG479 (INDG479 replaces OC282/28) advise that face fit testing must be conducted by a competent person. Therefore, Face Fit Safety Ltd recommend conducting face fit testing on your behalf. All face fit testing is conducted by fit2fit accredited face fit testers. The fit2fit scheme is operated by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) with the support of the HSE to ensure the competency of face fit testers.
There may be good reasons as to why you decide that face fit testing should be conducted by internal employees, such as high churn rates due to seasonal staff or having to manage remote locations. Face Fit Safety Ltd can deliver on site training to provide the knowledge required to meet the 16 points of competency defined by the HSE for a face fit tester.
Please consider how often face fit testing will be conducted prior to booking training. If face fit testing will be conducted regularly this will help maintain the delegate’s skills and knowledge. If it is only conducted a few times a year or less then the learnt skills and knowledge will be forgotten, and the delegate would no longer be deemed competent.
Please note that training is a “train the tester” course to allow you to conduct face fit testing internally. It is not a “train the trainer” course which they are often mis-advertised as by other training providers.
Anyone wishing to conduct face fit testing for external companies or deliver training should first book a training course (such as the training course we offer), consider mentoring an accredited face fit tester for a period to build their experience prior to application to the BSIF for fit2fit assessment.
Please note the BSIF do not deliver training and the fit2fit scheme is an assessment process (not a training course). Please see fit2fit.org for further info.
There is a lot of companies offering face fit operator training – not always to a competent standard. The training provided by Face Fit Safety is delivered only by experienced fit2fit accredited face fit testers who can pass on their expereince and knowledge to delegates which greatly enhances the quality of our course.
There is a practical element to this course, and therefore the best training environment is a classroom.
A competent face fit test can be observed, and delegates can be coached and observed to ensure they conduct the face fit test correctly. The British Safety Industry Federation have publicly stated that they do not endorse online training and that face fit testing training should be delivered in person.
Delegates will also be taught the required control measures to reduce the risk of spreading Covid19 during the face fit test process.