AIR8 fit testers

FIT TESTING

Respirators must seal properly to the wearer’s face to provide the expected level of protection. This includes selecting the correct size of respirator for the wearer’s face, adjusting the straps and positioning correctly. A typical NZ worksite might have the following range of respirator sizes, when correctly selected and fitted: 20% small, 48% medium and 32% large.

Worksafe recommends businesses ‘engage a competent person to conduct a qualitative or quantitative fit test’.
Qualitative fit testing uses a relatively simple smell/taste test to assess whether the wearer can detect a standardised sweet or bitter compound. Quantitative testing involves specialised measuring equipment. Fit testing providers can be found through the HASANZ register or the Commit2Fit register. Achieving a good seal is difficult if the user has facial hair so testing is particularly important for these users, to ensure the right RPE is issued and expected standards are met. 
The AS/NZS 1715 Standard states that users should be fit tested before using a respirator, then if there is any subsequent change that may affect the facial seal, and annually thereafter.