Respirator fit testing for every industry

Posted on Tuesday 23 February 2021

RESPIRATORS PROTECT workers from breathable hazards in the workplace. The efficiency of a respirator’s filter material alone does not reduce dangers posed by airborne hazards. The other necessary step is to reduce exposure by ensuring that respirators fit along with proper training and continued use.

If a respirator does not seal properly to a person’s face, airborne hazards can leak underneath the facepiece seal and into worker's breathing zone. Businesses that have workers wearing respirators are required by HSE INDG 479 to perform respirator fit testing and confirm those respirators will provide the right level of on-the-job protection.

What is respirator fit testing?

Respirator fit testing is a key component of any respiratory protection programme that protects staff from airborne hazards. With the quantitative fit test method (QNFT), an instrument provides users with data that accurately measures a respirator’s fit. Persons required to wear respirators on-the-job should be fit tested by accredited fit testing specialists to ensure respirators are providing maximum protection.

Real time measuring

TSI says the PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester (Model 8048) is the only quantitative instrument that works for any type or brand of a respirator. The instrument features intelligent touchscreen solutions, providing assistance across your entire respiratory protection programme from training through compliance. PortaCount instruments take real time measurements during movement, under real-world conditions to provide both staff and administrators with a greater understanding of how respirators fit.

For more information, visit https://tsi.com/focus/portacount-more-info/?utm_source=bsif-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hsm-bsifemail&utm_campaign=hsm-bsif