Face Fit Training

Face Fit training courses focus on the correct selection and use of RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) for workers in environments where this is required. Employers have a legal responsibility to supply employees with RPE if a COSHH assessment of the workplace deems it necessary and must provide suitable protection if their employees are at risk of inhaling anything which could affect their health, including asbestos spores, contaminated air, chemicals, gases, other hazardous substances or when entering a confined space. 

RPE is typically only provided for short term use and in line with other control measures, for example, exhaust ventilation systems. The reason being is that RPE can lead to communication or visual issues and has proven to be uncomfortable to wear for long durations. Workers who have to use this kind of equipment must remain clean shaven in order to ensure that the masks fit closely to the skin to avoid any potential leaks. If an employee has facial hair for a religious reason, alternative forms of RPE are available. 

Face Fit Testing & Training Course Detail

There are different types of Face Fit training courses available, available in both in-person and online learning formats.

Face Fit Testing courses

Face Fit testing courses are designed to teach candidates about a range of topics relating to facial protection including:

• Different masks available for different roles
• How to choose the appropriate mask to wear
• Common faults and failures of protective equipment
• Practical Face Fit testing

Face Fit Testing courses typically last around half a day and are available at locations nationwide.

Face Fit Train the Trainer courses

Face Fit Train the Trainer courses are longer in duration, typically lasting arounda day in total and teach candidates to be the competent person on site who can teach their colleagues how to select and use the appropriate RPE. 

Course content includes:

• Relevant Health & Safety Legislation
• Equipment checks
• Practical training and exercises
• Guidance on selecting the right facial protection
• Fit testing vs. Fit checking
• Record keeping

Qualitative Face Fit Testing Training

We also offer Qualitative Face Fit Testing Training; the term “Qualitative” refers to the Qualitative Face Fit Test which a competent person will need to be trained in, in order to carry this out correctly.

• The Qualitative Face Fit Test is a pass/fail test used to determine the seal effectiveness of a disposable half-mask.
• It can only be carried out by someone who has been trained specifically in this method of testing and that person must have adequate training and knowledge to do this.

Qualitative Face Fit Testing training courses are suitable for those who manage the RPE in their workplace and have been assigned the responsibility for carrying out in house qualitative face fit testing on their employees/staff or are looking to begin face fitting on a commercial basis.

Links to other Health, Safety & Environment categories and courses:

• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) training courses
• Risk Assessment Training
• Confined Spaces training courses
• NEBOSH in-person & e-learning courses
• CITB Site Safety Passport Scheme in-person courses & Online Classroom options