Respirator Fit Testing

To be effective, a respirator must adequately seal, to filter for safe air. Failure to do so may expose your workers to contaminants that are found in the air.

We can provide respirator fit-testing in accordance with the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program guidelines. Specifically, quantitative fit-testing with the use of the AccuFIT9000 PRO, (equivalent to the Portacount Plus machine) which is suitable for All respirator types, including N95, N99, P100, FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, Full and Half Face Elastomerics.

Our fit-testing methodology is in accordance with part 5.3 of the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program guidelines, including the minimum of 3 filtering facepiece respirators. This guide refers to AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment which in turn refers  to ISO 16975 – 3 Respiratory protective devices – Selection, use and maintenance – Part 3 Fit-testing procedures, for the specific quantitative fit-testing procedures.

As described in part 5.3 of the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program guidelines “organisations may wish to partner locally to ensure a fit testing service is continually available where it is impractical to maintain their own services”.

Legislation that applies to Respiratory Protection

There are general requirements pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and specific requirements in known published technical documents such as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Victorian Respiratory Protection Program guidelines September 2020. These include:

• Section 21 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that the employer provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.
• Section 21 (2) (c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that the employer maintain the workplace in a condition that is safe and without risks to health.
• Section 22 (1) (b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that the employer to monitor conditions at the workplace.
• Section 22 (2) (b) of the Occupational Health and Safety requires that the employer to engage suitably qualified persons to provide advice concerning the health and safety of employees.
• Part 5.1 of the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program guidelines requires health care workers who are required to wear respiratory protection, to be provided with fit testing:
  • prior to first use
  • when a new brand/model is made available for use
  • when there is significant change in the wearer’s facial features
  • annually