Who should carry out respirator fit testing?

RPE fit testing should be conducted by a competent person. To be deemed competent, the person should have adequate knowledge and have received adequate instruction and training in the following areas:

• Selection of adequate and suitable RPE.
• Examination of RPE and the ability to identify poorly maintained face pieces.
• Ability to correctly fit a face piece and perform pre-use fit checks.
• Ability to recognize a poor fitting face piece.
• The purpose and applicability of fit testing, the differences between, and the appropriate use of quantitative and qualitative fit testing methods.
• The purpose of fit test exercises.
• Preparation of face pieces for fit testing.
• How to carry out diagnostic checks on the face piece and the fit test equipment.
• Capabilities and limitations of the fit test equipment.
• How to perform a correct fit test with the chosen method.
• How to prevent and correct problems during fit testing.
• Interpretation of fit test results.
• An understanding of the differences between fit factor, workplace protection factor, assigned protection factor and nominal protection factors.
• An understanding of regulations and approved codes of practice relating to fit testing.