24/7
UK Coverage
200+
Rescue Technicians
50+
Specialist Trainers
70+
Years Experience
FaceFit

Testing Services

There are two types of face fit testing, qualitative and quantitative. Rescue2 provide both tests. Each test lasts for approximately 20 minutes.

What does the face fit testing involve?

Face fit is a series of tests and exercises emulating a full range of facial movement to ensure an adequate seal is maintained. The test is laid out as such:

  • Normal breathing
  • Deep breathing
  • Head side to side
  • Head up and down
  • Bending over
  • Talk out loud (reading a passage of text)

All face fit testing exercises (except bending over) are carried out while stepping on and off a low step.

All exercises must be passed.

Call us or fill out a contact form to book your face fit test today.

How to prepare for your face fit test

Several things could affect the results of your face fit test, due to the accuracy of the equipment. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Facial hair (see below)
  • Long hair (will need to be tied back)
  • Eyewear

It is also recommended that you do not smoke, eat or drink for at least 1 hour prior to the test.

Facial Hair

Facial hair, stubble and beards make it extremely difficult to get a good seal. If there are good reasons for having a beard (i.e. for religious reasons) alternative forms of RPE, that do not rely on a tight fit to the face are available: i.e. full hooded masks.

Further information can be found here

If you have any questions regarding face fit tests or the different types of RPE available, please speak to one of our face fit team on 01903 871105.

Qualitative Testing

Qualitative testing is suitable for disposable and re-usable half masks.

The test is carried out in two stages:

The sensitivity test confirms if the wearer can detect the test agent (either smell or taste). The test agent is sprayed into a test hood so that the wearer’s sensitivity can be established.

The fit test requires the wearer to don their face mask and the test hood. The tester sprays the test agent into the hood at intervals whilst the wearer is carrying out a series of exercises designed to simulate movement expected in the workplace (e.g. moving head side to side, up and down, and talking out loud). If the wearer can taste or smell the test agent at any time this indicates a fail – the mask does not fit.

Costs

Our Head Office, Poling, West Sussex BN18 9QA
£39.95 + VAT per test
Subsequent test for the same person (different mask) £22.25 + VAT


Client Site
Up to 10 tests at client location, from £450.00 + VAT
Additional tests (conducted on the same day) £32.25 + VAT per test

NB: Additional costs (potential depending on location) – accommodation and mileage

Quantitative Testing

Quantitative testing is required for all tight fitting respirators, including full face masks.

There are several methods of quantitative testing, the most commonly used is ‘particle counting’ using a machine called a TSI Portacount. This counts the number of microscopic dust particles in the ambient air and compares this to the number of dust particles inside the mask. The machine is connected to the mask with a plastic sample tube. During the test the wearer carries out a series of exercises designed to simulate movement expected in the workplace (e.g. moving head side to side, up and down, and talking out loud). The machine detects particles leaking into the mask and at the end of the test indicates whether the test is a pass or fail.

Costs

Our Head Office, Poling, West Sussex BN18 9QA
£39.95 + VAT per test
Subsequent test for the same person (different mask) £22.25 + VAT


Client Site
Up to 10 tests at client location, from £550.00 + VAT
Additional tests (conducted on the same day) £39.95 + VAT per test

NB: Additional costs (potential depending on location) – accommodation and mileage

© 2024 Rescue2. Registered address: The Old Stables, Decoy Lane, Poling, West Sussex, BN18 9QA | Rescue 2 Limited Company No. 8093217 | VAT No. 137410142
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram