CNP fit testing arrives in the UK

Its simpler testing technology means it can test after a 30 second daily calibration in virtually any environment as long as air is present and there is a power supply, which Shawcity calls a unique benefit over its competitors. It is already used by emergency services and first responders across the world and is suitable for any industry where respirator fit testing is applicable.

Quantifit introduces simpler and faster technology to UK fit testing. Traditional aerosol products count particles to measure gas, vapour and particulate. If there are not enough particles in the air to test, the user has to light candles or incense or generate salt fog to create the particles needed to complete the test.

Exclusively available from Shawcity in the UK, Quantifit doesn’t count particles but uses controlled negative pressure with air as the challenge agent.  Aerosol tests have to generate gases, vapours or particles to be able to perform a particle count. It quickly and safely demonstrates that if air can get into the respirator then gases, vapours and particles could too.

So how does Quantifit work? During a fit test the respirator inlets are capped with test adapters and the inhalation valves are propped open or removed from the mask. With the test subject holding his or her breath for no more than ten seconds, the Quantifit then establishes and maintains a slight vacuum, or controlled negative pressure, inside the mask. Since the respirator inlets are sealed, all sources of leakage into the mask are through the face-to-facepiece seal or due to integrity issues. The volume of air drawn out of the mask by the Quantifit during this short period of time is equal to the leak rate into the mask through the face-to-facepiece seal.

The Quantifit seal check feature is also unique to CNP technology. This feature can be used to verify that the face piece is seated prior to testing. Just as importantly, it will create a negative pressure that can detect a leak path when a face piece needs repair, similar to mask integrity testing that is done within nuclear and military settings.

Another real-world benefit Quantifit offers is no waiting time to test those who have recently eaten or smoked. If using the traditional aerosol count method, a user who has just eaten or smoked has to wait 45 minutes after their food or cigarette before they can take a fit test. Quantifit isn’t affected by particle contamination so any user can be tested at any time, regardless of these factors.

Fit is measured by simulating movements approximating real life and the easy-to-use, simple operation means many users self-test once trained. Offering very quiet operational noise, Quantifit is a standalone unit weighing less than 3.5kg. It also stores up to 500 fit tests on the unit and can retain this data without power for two years.

Quantifit’s FitTrack Gold software allows users to print wallet-sized fit test cards on any standard, Windows-based printer, with a dedicated card printer available as an option, whereas the market leading aerosol product only operates with a special printer, adding up to 30 per cent to the purchase price if this function is required.
Virtually maintenance free, Quantifit has no messy wicks which normally needs changing twice a day. A simple one-minute daily calibration ensures it is working within a strict tolerance.

Further advantages of Quantifit include the fact it has no internal optics, which can become contaminated. Sometimes this contamination, which is specific to aerosol technology, means the unit must be sent back to the manufacturer for cleaning. With no need for consumables, Shawcity claims Quantifit offers the best value for money in terms of ongoing cost of ownership.