Respirator Fit Testing
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects people from breathing in substances hazardous to health. Airborne substances hazardous to health can be in dust, mist, vapour or gas form (e.g. wood dust, welding fumes, solvent vapours). You may or may not be able to see these in the air. If workers or other people (e.g. visitors) inhale these they can become unwell.
Depending on the substance, the effects can be immediate or long-term. Common short-term (or acute) health effects may include headaches, forgetfulness, drowsiness, feeling dizzy and sick, mood changes, and eye and skin irritation. Long-term effects may include sleep disorders, memory loss, cancer, organ damage, fertility problems, and death. Fit testing is a mandatory requirement for all persons required to wear a respirator. DHC offers this service using the qualitative method.
Direct Hazmat Consultants will ensure that your respirator is fit for purpose, and the seal between the respirator and your face is adequate. The frequency of repeat tests should be determined by a risk-based approach, with high-risk materials such as asbestos, requiring repeat fit testing every year.
The most common factors that require a new fit test are:
When the respirator is new
Changes to a different model or size of respiratory protection
Substantial dental work or facial changes (e.g., scars) around the face seal area
Loss or gain of weight
Contact us for more information surrounding fit testing and the requirements your company may need.
Get In Touch
We would love the opportunity to help you, whether it’s a problem in your home, at work, or on a building site. If you would like a quote or have any questions, please complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Agri Business Centre,
8 Weld Street,
Feilding 4702,
New Zealand
Email: admin@directhazmat.co.nz
Phone: 0800 1 HAZMAT (0800 1 429628)