Mask Fit Testing Resources

Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer's sensory detection of a test agent (such as saccharin or Bitrex). Quantitative fit testing uses specialized equipment to measure the actual amount of leakage into the respirator, providing a numerical fit factor. For healthcare settings, especially in high-risk environments like aged care during infectious disease outbreaks, quantitative testing is generally preferred for its objective measurements and higher accuracy.

For compliance purposes, facilities should maintain records of fit testing for each employee, including: date of test, type of test performed (qualitative or quantitative), specific make, model, style, and size of respirator tested, result of the test (pass/fail or fit factor), and name of the person conducting the test. These records should be kept for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years according to WHS record-keeping requirements.

Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of a respirator, such as beards, mustaches, or long sideburns, can interfere with the respirator's seal and compromise protection. According to AS/NZS 1715:2009, wearers must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals against the face. Staff with facial hair that interferes with the seal cannot be successfully fit tested with tight-fitting respirators and may need to use alternative respiratory protection options such as powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) with loose-fitting hoods or helmets.

If a staff member fails a fit test with a particular respirator, try the following steps: 1) Check for proper donning technique and provide coaching if needed, 2) Try a different size of the same model, 3) Try a different model of respirator that may better accommodate their facial features, 4) If multiple respirators fail to provide an adequate fit, consider alternative respiratory protection options such as PAPRs. Document all attempts and final solutions in the employee's respiratory protection records.