Where RPE is used it must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. Poor fitting RPE cannot protect the wearer if it leaks. A major cause of leaks is poor fitting face masks.
People come in all different shapes and sizes so carrying out face fit testing ensures the RPE selected is suitable for the wearer.
RPE fit testing should be carried out at the initial selection stage of the RPE you require. This give individuals a choice of adequate models of RPE. The make, model, type and size of the face piece must be the one used by the wearer following the successful test. If more than one type of face mask is used then each type must be tested.