Inhaling the facts!

In 2009, the BSIF, in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other industry stakeholders, launched the 'Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme' which is a competency based scheme that has the overall aim to significantly reduce the incidence of occupational respiratory injury. The scheme highlights the need for RPE to be fitted properly after it emerged that many workers' RPE does not achieve the correct level of protection due to poor fit. This scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing face piece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam, followed by a practical assessment. These assessments demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and that they know how to fit test in practical circumstances.

The BSIF recently received results for the 'Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme' that highlighted that over the past year the pass rate for the scheme has been less than 50 per cent. David Lummis, Chief Executive Officer at the BSIF comments: “These results are a cause for concern as they highlight that individuals who carry out this job may believe they are more competent in the area then they actually are. The low pass rate has caused the BSIF to reflect on the general competence of RPE fitters. This incompetence may be due to a lack of knowledge, skills, experience and/or understanding of fit testing, or that these skills may have deteriorated over time. Either way, the wearer of the equipment will be risking potential respiratory health problems if the RPE is ill fitted.”

“Consequently we shall continue to strive to educate and raise the proficiency of RPE fitters, as well as seek to increase the pass rates of the scheme. It is vital that everyone who carries out this job is accredited to the necessary standard, thereby reducing unnecessary risk to workers.”