Professional Face Fit Testing Scotland
H&SCS provides professional face fit testing Scotland-wide for businesses and individuals, with Fit2Fit accredited qualitative and quantitative testing available across Scotland.
Testing is available for disposable respirators, reusable half masks and full-face masks, with flexible on-site appointments available at workplaces and other suitable locations.
Face Fit Testing Scotland Services
We provide face fit testing for a wide range of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE), helping employers ensure suitable respiratory protection is correctly fitted to the individual wearer.
Fit2Fit Accredited
Testing carried out by a Fit2Fit accredited tester for both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Quantitative Face Fit Testing
Numerical fit testing using specialist equipment for disposable respirators, half masks and full-face masks.
Qualitative Face Fit Testing
Pass/fail testing for suitable disposable respirators and reusable half masks.
On-Site Across Scotland
Flexible workplace testing for individuals and groups across Scotland.
What is Face Fit Testing?
Face fit testing checks that a tight-fitting respirator forms an adequate seal to the wearer’s face. Because everyone’s face is different, the same make, model and size of respirator will not provide a suitable fit for every person.
Face fit testing helps identify a suitable respirator for the individual wearer and should form part of an effective respiratory protective equipment (RPE) programme.
Who Needs Face Fit Testing?
Face fit testing is required for wearers of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment where the effectiveness of the respirator depends on achieving a good seal against the face.
This can include workers using disposable respirators, reusable half masks and full-face masks across industries such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities and healthcare.
Face fit testing should be carried out before the respirator is first used and repeated when there is a change that could affect the fit, such as a different make, model or size of respirator, significant facial changes, dental work or other changes to the wearer.
Clean-Shaven Requirements for Face Fit Testing
Tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment relies on a good seal between the respirator and the wearer’s skin. Facial hair or stubble that crosses the face-seal area can prevent an adequate seal and reduce the protection provided by the respirator.
For face fit testing, the wearer should be clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against the face. H&SCS follows current Fit2Fit guidance and recommends that the face-seal area is shaved within 8 hours of the work shift commencing.
If a wearer cannot be clean-shaven, a loose-fitting RPE option such as a powered hood or helmet may be more suitable because it does not rely on a tight seal to the face.
Qualitative & Quantitative Face Fit Testing
H&SCS provides both qualitative and quantitative face fit testing. The appropriate test method depends on the type of respirator being worn and the level of protection required.
Qualitative Face Fit Testing
Qualitative face fit testing is a taste-based method used for disposable respirators and reusable half masks. The wearer completes a series of exercises while wearing the respirator to confirm that an adequate fit has been achieved.
Quantitative Face Fit Testing
Quantitative face fit testing uses specialist equipment, such as a PortaCount respirator fit tester, to measure the fit of the respirator and provide a numerical fit factor. This method can be used for disposable respirators, reusable half masks and full-face masks.
What to Expect During a Face Fit Test
During a face fit test, the wearer will be asked to wear their chosen respirator and complete a series of exercises designed to simulate normal movements that may occur while working.
The test checks whether the respirator provides an adequate fit to the individual wearer. If the required fit is not achieved, adjustments or an alternative make, model or size of respirator may need to be considered.
Following a successful test, a face fit test record and certificate will be provided detailing the respirator tested and the test result.
Preparing for Your Face Fit Test
To help ensure your face fit test can be completed successfully, please arrive clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against your face.
If you have already been issued with a specific respirator, bring the correct make, model and size with you. You should also bring any other PPE normally worn at the same time, such as safety glasses, goggles, hearing protection or a hard hat.
Avoid eating, drinking anything other than plain water, smoking, vaping or chewing gum for at least 60 minutes before your face fit test.
How Long Does a Face Fit Test Take?
A face fit test will typically take around 20–30 minutes per person, depending on the type of respirator being tested and whether a suitable fit is achieved on the first attempt.
For businesses requiring multiple employees to be tested, H&SCS can arrange on-site testing and schedule appointments to minimise disruption to your workforce.
Face Fit Testing Across Scotland
H&SCS provides mobile face fit testing for businesses and individuals throughout Scotland. Testing can be carried out at your workplace or another suitable location, helping reduce travel and disruption for your workforce.
We regularly support customers requiring face fit testing in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow Inverness, and surrounding areas, as well as other locations throughout Scotland.
Whether you require testing for one person or a larger workforce, appointments can be arranged to suit your operational requirements.
Face Fit Testing Before Offshore Mobilisation
H&SCS provides face fit testing for personnel who require a valid face fit test before mobilising offshore or joining a vessel.
We understand that offshore mobilisation can sometimes be arranged at short notice, so appointments can be offered flexibly where availability allows. Qualitative and quantitative testing is available for disposable respirators, reusable half masks and full-face masks.
Following a successful test, the wearer will receive a face fit test certificate and record confirming the respirator make, model and size tested.
Need a Face Fit Test?
Whether you require face fit testing for an individual, a group of employees or personnel preparing for offshore mobilisation, H&SCS can provide flexible, professional testing at locations across Scotland.