Quantitative Face Fit Testing (Ambient Particle Counting Method)

Course Overview

Employers by law are required to fit test every employee who is required to wear a tight-fitting respirator no matter how long they are required to wear one or the frequency. We are Fit2Fit approved and as such you can rest assured our testing procedures are of the highest standard and will enable you to meet your legal duties.

The quantitative method or ambient particle counting method gives an objective and quantifiable assessment of a facial fit to an individual mask. It provides a numerical result known as a fit factor which is set at various limits depending on the type of mask tested. 

This method allows you to test all tight fitting RPE including:

• Disposable respirators/masks
• Re-usable cartridge half masks
• Full face masks (full face masks can only be tested using this method)
• Positive pressure full face masks

This test is conducted using an ambient particle counting machine, typically using a TSI Portacount or AccuFit 9000. These machines use lasers to count the number of particles inside a mask and compare it to the number of particles outside the mask in order to calculate the integrity of the seal.

All staff successfully fitted will be issued with an official Advanced Safety Group Fit Record detailing all the data and mask type. This can be kept by the business to prove that that individual has been tested appropriately in line with COSHH and HSE standards.

Requirements and pricing

If you are interested in this service, please contact our office to discuss your individual requirements, such as number of staff requiring testing, location etc and we can provide a price for you.

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