Qualitative Face Fit Testing of FFP Masks and Half Face Respirators

What is the reason for qualitative face fit testing ?

The supporting guidance for COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), CLaW (Control of Lead at Work), CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations) and the Ionising Radiation Regulations, stipulate that fit testing should be carried out as part of the initial mask selection process. This ensures that inadequately fitting face pieces are not selected for use.

Where respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used, it must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. RPE cannot protect the wearer if it leaks. A major cause of leaks is a poor fit (Recent research indicates that up to half of all respiratory protective equipment used does not afford the wearer the level of protection assumed) so tight-fitting facepieces need to fit the wearer’s face to be effective.

As people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes it is unlikely that one particular type or size of RPE facepiece will fit everyone. Fit testing will ensure that the equipment selected is suitable for the wearer.

Which masks require qualitative fit testing?

Qualitative face fit testing is required for all of the following types of masks:

• Disposable half masks (FFP dust masks)
• Re-usable filter or cartridge half masks

What does the qualitative test involve ?

The qualitative test can only be carried out on half masks. The test takes around 20 minutes and involves the person being tested wearing a hood over the head and shoulders. The tester sprays a bitter (or sometimes sweet) tasting solution into the hood whilst the delegate carries out a series of 60 second exercises:-

• Normal breathing;
• Heavy breathing – walking/stepping with the mask on;
• Turning head from side to side;
• Moving head up and down;
• Talking;
• Heavy breathing – walking/stepping with the mask on;
• Normal breathing.

If the wearer can taste the solution then the mask does not fit correctly.

How often should a qualitative fit test be performed ?

The test should be carried out 'regularly' or if the wearer:

• gains or loses weight,
• undergoes significant dental work, or
• develops facial changes, i.e. scarring, moles etc. in the face seal area.

Some companies have a policy of retesting every one, two or three years (depending on level of risk).

Who can carry out a qualitative face fit test ?

A competent person should carry out a face fit test. Competency can be proven by accreditation to the BSIF Fit2Fit Fit Testers Accreditation Scheme, however this is not compulsory. Manufacturers of masks or fit test equipment may also provide competency training and evaluation and proof of these may be sufficient to prove competency.

Qualitative face fit test record keeping

A record should be kept of the fit test and this should clearly state the manufacturer of the mask, model and size (if appropriate) of the mask tested. Records should be kept up to date and made available for inspection if required.

Where to buy qualitative face kit test kits?

Face fit test kits and replacement solutions can be purchased at dustmasksdirect.co.uk.

Useful links

HSE - Face Fit Testing Basics
3M Face Fit Test Guide

NPPTL Issues Counterfeit Respirator Notice -- Occupational Health & Safety

NPPTL Issues Counterfeit Respirator Notice -- Occupational Health & Safety

EN 143 Particulate Filters

European standard EN143:2000 covers particle filters and these are classified according to their filtering efficiency. Particle filters trap and hold particles (dust, mist, fume, smoke, micro-organisms) from the air flowing through them. Large particles are easier to trap than small ones. These filters can be used against both solid particles and liquid particles (mists, fine sprays and aerosols).

There are three classes of filter:

• P1. Low efficency. Filters at least 80% of airborne particles. These filters have a WEL* of 4 when attached to either a half or full face respirator.
• P2. Medium efficency. Filters at least 94% of airborne particles. These filters have a WEL* of 10 when attached to either a half or full face respirator.
• P3. High effiency. Filters at least 99.95% of airborne particles. These filters have a WEL* of 20 when attached to half face respirator and 40 when used with a full face respirator. 

*Workplace exposure limit.

WELs are British occupational exposure limits and are set in order to help protect the health of workers. WELs are concentrations of hazardous substances in the air, averaged over a specified period of time, referred to as a time-weighted average (TWA).

Two time periods are used:

• long-term (8 hours). Some adverse health effects require prolonged or accumulated exposure. The 8 hour TWA is to set to control these effects by restricting the total intake by inhalation over one or more shifts.
• short-term (15 minutes). Some adverse health effects may be seen after short exposures. 15 minute STEL may be applied to control these effects. For a substance assigned a 15 minute STEL WEL, this level of exposure should never be exceeded.

 In addition the filters will be marked as either 'R' (resuable) or 'NR' (not reusable).

How to Choose a Dust Mask

Home projects and hobbies frequently produce dusts and particulates that can be harmful to health such as building dust, wood dust and airborne particulates from sanding surfaces. As well as having adequate ventilation a dust mask will protect your lungs and your health.

No all dust masks are equal in the level of protection they give. There are 3 dust mask ratings FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. FFP3 dust masks give the highest level of protection and FFP1 the lowest. Whatever rating you select always ensure it is CE marked.

When choosing a dust mask some things to consider are:

• Is the dust mask a good fit? A poorly fitted dust mask will give you a false sense of security.
• Does the dust mask have an exhalation valve? Dust masks with an exhalation valve will make breathing easier. 
• Are the airborne particles highly toxic? For example asbestos dusts will require a minimum of a FFP3 mask. 

Some dust mask safety tips:

Follow the fitting instructions provided with your dust mask. 
You should change your dust mask if it is clogged or difficult to breathe through.
Disposable dust masks are designed to be worn once and then discarded.
Discard any dust mask that is damaged e.g. a broken strap.

Moldex CompactMask Half Face Respirators

The CompactMask range of half face respirators from Moldex have many features that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Firstly all the masks in the range are tested and certified to EN 405:2001 (Valved filtering half masks for use against gases or gases and particles).

These respirators have integral filters which means the mask is ready to wear and no assembly required.

This range half face masks are very lightweight which is important if wearing the mask for extended periods. The 5120 mask weighs only 210g compared to the 3M 4251 mask which weighs 232g. I know it is only 22g but if you are wearing the mask for long shifts trust me you will notice the difference.

A good face fit is always important and this is handled very well by Moldex's FlexFit technology. In addition the mask body is made from hypoallergenic thermoplastic material.

It is always good to see what you are doing when wearing a respirator and these masks have very low profile filters which allow for excellent peripheral vision.

The range has 4 variants that all protect against gases, vapours and particulates:

Moldex 5120 CompactMask. This half face mask has A1/P2 filters. The A1 gas filters protect against organic gases and vapours (with a boiling point > 65°C) encountered when working with solvents created by varnish, paints and adhesives. The P2 filters protect against moderate levels of harmful airborne particulates. This combination of filters is popular among paint sprayers.

Moldex 5230 CompactMask. This half face mask has A2/P3 filters. These will protect against the same hazards as the 5120 mask but to higher levels.

Moldex 5330 Compact Mask. This half face mask has A1B1E1/P3 filters. These filters will protect against the same gases and vapours as the 5120 mask plus working with chlorine, bromine, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, hydrochloric acid and other acid gases. In addition to the the P3 filters will protect against high levels of toxic dusts and mists.

Moldex 5430 CompactMask. This half face mask has ABEK1/P3 filters. This combination of filters protect against all the gases that the 5330 mask can handle plus ammonia vapours.

 

Moldex CompactMasks are available to buy at DustMasksDirect.co.uk.

AOC Hit With $16M Asbestos Verdict - Legal Reader

The dangers working with asbestos and not wearing a correctly rated and face fit tested respirator. In the UK the guidance from the HSE is either a FFP3 dust mask or a half face mask with P3 filters.



AOC Hit With $16M Asbestos Verdict - Legal Reader: AOC hit with $16M asbestos verdict over a faulty respirator. On Friday, a California jury rules that American Optical Corporation must pay a former machinist who developed mesothelioma $16 million, along with possible punitive damages after finding the manufacturer of the respiratory equipment knew its product could not prevent dangerous exposure to asbestos and hid that fact from purchasers.

Tips and tricks on refinishing your furniture

This article mentions using a respirator for protection against lead in paint when renovating old furniture. If you are sanding paint that may contain lead the recommended minimum protection is an FFP2 mask such as the Moldex 2405 FFP2 NR D dust mask.

Tips and tricks on refinishing your furniture

Asbestos contractors target homeless, other vulnerable people

Asbestos contractors target homeless, other vulnerable people

'The workers had no training, no protective gear, no water to wet the crumbly asbestos and no leak-proof bags in which to dispose of it. Some did the work dressed in flip-flops, T-shirts and shorts.'

If you need to remove asbestos a properly fitted FFP3 dust mask and type 5 coveralls are required.

HSE have published a guidance sheet on asbestos removal and personal protective equipment (EM6).

Asbestos removal kits including PPE and UN disposal sacks are available to buy at DustMasksDirect.co.uk.

Hood Helps Close Gaps in Respirator Protection

An interesting concept. It would be good to hear from anyone that has tried this.

Hood Helps Close Gaps in Respirator Protection: The Kimtech Pure A5 Sterile Elasticized Hood from Kimberly-Clark Professional helps prevent gaps in respirator coverage by offering an uninterrupted seal and customized fit for anyone wearing a full-face respirator.

3M 4251 Half Face Masks

3M 4251 half masks are among the most popular '28 day' respirators.

The manufacturers description is as follows:

• 3M 4251 Organic Vapour and Particulate Respirator: FFA1P2R D Gases/Vapours :10xWEL* or 1000ppm whichever is lower; Particulates:10xWEL* 

The A1 gas filters will protect against organic vapours (boiling point >65 degrees C) and the P2 filter will protect against airborne particulates. This combination of filters makes this mask popular with paint sprayers.

Lets go through some of the 3M bullet points for the 4251 mask.

• Maintenance free design for maximum safety and simplicity.

The 3M 4251 mask is ready to wear once removed from its foil bag.

• No maintenance records are required if disposed of within one month.

If using a half mask with replaceable filters records need to be kept of filter changes. The 3M 4251 mask does away with these requirements.

• Replace after 28 days or when damaged, breathing resistance increases or breakthrough occurs, whichever occurs first.

The whole 4251 mask is disposed of after 28 days OR sooner if the gas filters become saturated or the particle filters clogged.

• 2 large bonded carbon filters for low breathing resistance.

The filters on the 3M 4251 mask are integral and cannot be changed.

• Low profile design for better peripheral vision.

Because the filters are built in to the mask they intrude less on the field of vision.

• Low resistance parabolic valve to reduce heat build-up.

The 3M 4251 mask has an exhalation valve (all half face masks do!).

Downloads: 3M 4000 Series datasheet.

3M 4000 series half face mask fitting video.


Where to buy 3M 4251 respirators: DustMasksDirect.