If the employee works in an environment surrounded by airborne breathing hazard inclusive of products such as solvents, isocyanates, 2 pot paints, toluene and xylene based thinners, and other similar hazardous fumes, vapours and mists, then it is important that a respirator fit test is done to check that the mask size and mask model chosen fits the face.
What Masks To Test?
Respirators with tight fitting face pieces include disposable respirators, half masks and full face masks, including those that form part of a powered or airfed respirator.
If your employees are exposed to airborne hazard which requires a vacuum sealed mask for respiratory protection then fit testing falls within the employer’s obligations of the Health and Safety act 1992 to ensure the worker is protected from the risk.
What Does It Do?
Fit testing is a similar concept to a diver ensuring his/her diving mask is safe to use by undertaking a pre dive safety check by sucking the mask onto the face to determine the mask seal.
The fit test confirms that the mask fits the wearer’s face and that there is minimal air leakage between the face and the mask.
Qualified Staff
In order to supply a quality of service to your company, the 3M Fit testing procedure performed at StaffCare is carried out by 3M certified staff who are also NZ registered, and occupational health, nurses.
Testing Method
A non porous hood is placed over the employees head into which a non hazardous but unpleasant tasting vapour is built up to emulate the occupational environment. The test agent can be detected either by taste or by smell. A series of exercises is performed during the fit test to attempt to break the mask seal. If the seal remains uncompromised and no testing agent is tasted the fit test is passed. During the methods of testing, as per the normal guidance given for RPE wear, it is essential that the wearer is free from facial hair and other items that may interfere with the face seal.
Cost Effective
It takes approximately 20 minutes to perform the test and is cost effective if included as part of annual health surveillance checks.
When Should You Fit Test?
Fit testing should be carried out:
During initial selection of RPE, at employment induction, and
On all wearers of RPE with tight fitting protective masks where fit
testing has previously not been performed
Fit testing should be repeated when:
If the mask wearer significantly loses or gains weight, has major dental work or sustains a major facial injury
If a different size or model of mask is specified
If specified by the company policy eg.repeated with annual health
surveillance check.
Two outcomes of fit testing result:
Qualitative fit testing result – is a pass/fail that relies on the respirator wearer’s indicating whether he/she can smell, taste, or sense the test agent.
Quantitative fit testing – gives an objective measure of the quality of the seal between the wearer’s face and the mask. The wearer is both educated and informed of the mask viability as safety, and gains full confidence of the mask seal by physical proof of protection during the fit test.
Why worry about drugs & alcohol in the Workplace?
Because the worker next to you may be drunk, high, or hung-over
Substance abusers are 10 times more likely to miss work
They are 5 times more likely to injure themselves or others in accidents
They are 33% less productive (meaning others have to cover for them)
What are the signs of drug abuse?
Frequent, prolonged and often unexplained absences
Involvement in accidents
Erratic work patterns & reduced productivity
Indifference to personal hygiene
Overreaction to real or imagined criticism
Physical signs such as exhaustion, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, slurred speech or an unsteady walk.
How can StaffCare help you?
We can help by working with you to provide a comprehensive “Drug-Free Workplace Program” This is the best means of preventing, detecting, and dealing with substance abuse in the workplace. This program would include:
A Written Policy
Drug Education
Training
Drug Testing
StaffCare employees are trained to NZQA standard for drug testing. We use 6 Panel MicroScreen screening devices which meet the AS/NZS4308:2008 standards. Urine samples can also be sent to a certified laboratory for further verification.
A breath alcohol analyzer is also available.
Please contact StaffCare for further information and prices.
