Face Fit Testing FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about face fit testing, RPE requirements, qualitative and quantitative testing, and preparing for your face fit test.

What is a face fit test?

A face fit test checks that a tight-fitting respirator provides an adequate seal to the wearer’s face. As people have different face shapes and sizes, a respirator that fits one person may not provide an adequate fit for another. Face fit testing helps confirm that the selected respirator is suitable for the individual wearer.

Yes. For tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE), you must be clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against the face. Facial hair, including stubble, that crosses or interferes with the sealing surface can prevent an adequate seal and affect the result of the face fit test. For further information, see the HSE guidance on respiratory protective equipment fit testing.

For face fit testing, clean-shaven means that the area of the face where the respirator seals against the skin should have been shaved within 8 hours of the work shift commencing.

There must be no stubble, beard growth, moustache, sideburns or other facial hair crossing the respirator’s sealing surface. Even short stubble can interfere with the face seal and reduce the protection provided by tight-fitting RPE.

Qualitative face fit testing is a pass or fail method that uses a test agent which the wearer can taste if the respirator seal is inadequate. It is suitable for certain tight-fitting half masks and disposable respirators.

Quantitative face fit testing uses specialist equipment to measure the effectiveness of the respirator seal and provides a numerical fit factor. It can be used for disposable respirators, reusable half masks and full-face masks.

A face fit test will typically take around 20–30 minutes per person, although this can vary depending on the type of respirator, testing method and whether a suitable fit is achieved first time.

If the wearer does not achieve a satisfactory fit, an alternative size or model of respirator may need to be tried and the test repeated.

If you have already been issued with a specific respirator for work, you should bring it with you for your face fit test.

H&SCS also carries a range of sizing sets for commonly used respirators, which can help identify a suitable model and size where required. If you are unsure what you need, contact us before your appointment and we can discuss your requirements.

Face fit testing should be repeated if there is a change that could affect the fit of the respirator. This can include a significant change in body weight, substantial dental work, facial changes, piercings, or changes to other head-worn PPE that could affect the respirator seal.

A new face fit test is also required if the wearer changes to a different make, model, type or size of tight-fitting respirator.

Employers should have a system in place to review when repeat face fit testing is required as part of their RPE programme and risk assessment. Fit2Fit recommends a repeat face fit test every 2 years, although more frequent testing may be appropriate depending on the workplace risks and how the RPE is being used.

H&SCS follows Fit2Fit guidance and recommends repeat face fit testing at least every 2 years, unless an earlier test is required.

Yes. H&SCS provides mobile face fit testing at workplaces and suitable locations across Scotland, including Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

On-site testing can be particularly convenient for businesses with multiple employees requiring testing, helping reduce employee travel and time away from the workplace.

Testing can also be arranged at suitable offices or hotels where required, including for personnel requiring face fit testing prior to offshore mobilisation.

You must be clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against your face. You should also bring the make, model and size of respirator you normally wear, if you have already been issued one.

Avoid eating, drinking (except plain water), smoking, vaping or chewing gum for at least 60 minutes before your face fit test, as these may affect the testing process.

Please also bring any other PPE that you normally wear at the same time as your respirator, such as safety glasses, goggles, a hard hat or hearing protection, so that any potential interference with the fit can be considered.

If you do not achieve a satisfactory fit, you should not use that particular make, model and size of tight-fitting respirator until a suitable fit has been established.

Where possible, an alternative size or model can be tried and the face fit test repeated. H&SCS normally carries sizing sets for a range of commonly used respirators, which can help identify an alternative option that may provide a better fit.

Once a suitable respirator is identified and the required fit is achieved, the successful make, model and size should be recorded and used by the wearer.

es. Face fit testing provided by H&SCS is carried out by a Fit2Fit accredited face fit tester, accredited in both Qualitative and Quantitative face fit testing methods.

Fit2Fit accreditation provides independent recognition of a face fit tester’s competence and helps customers ensure their testing is being carried out by a competent person.

Yes. H&SCS provides flexible face fit testing for personnel who require testing prior to offshore mobilisation, including short-notice requirements where availability allows.

We understand that offshore mobilisation does not always take place within normal working hours. H&SCS therefore offers flexible face fit testing appointments, day or night, to help accommodate urgent and out-of-hours mobilisation requirements.

Testing can be arranged at your workplace, office, hotel or another suitable location before mobilisation. H&SCS provides both Qualitative and Quantitative face fit testing, depending on the type of respirator being used.

If you have an upcoming or short-notice mobilisation requirement, contact us and we will do our best to arrange a suitable time and location.

H&SCS can provide face fit testing for a wide range of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment, including disposable respirators, reusable half masks and full-face masks.

Both Qualitative and Quantitative face fit testing methods are available. The appropriate test method will depend on the type of respirator being tested and the level of protection required.

If you are unsure which testing method you require, contact H&SCS with the make and model of your respirator and we can advise you.

Yes. Following a successful face fit test, H&SCS will provide a face fit test certificate/report recording the test details and result.

The record will include relevant information such as the wearer’s details, the make, model and size of respirator tested, the test method used and the test result.

This provides the wearer and employer with a record of the specific respirator on which a satisfactory face fit was achieved.

The cost of face fit testing will depend on the number of people requiring testing, the testing method required, your location and whether testing is carried out during normal working hours or as an urgent/out-of-hours appointment.

H&SCS can provide individual face fit tests as well as on-site testing for multiple employees. For larger groups or ongoing requirements, please contact us for a tailored quotation.

Contact H&SCS or use our online booking form to discuss your requirements and receive a quotation.

This depends on the type of respirator and eyewear being used. Normal prescription glasses can generally be worn with disposable and reusable half-mask respirators, provided they do not interfere with the respirator’s face seal.

With a tight-fitting full-face respirator, standard spectacle arms must not pass through the face seal, as this can compromise the fit. Where prescription lenses are required, a suitable spectacle insert designed for the full-face respirator may be needed.

Any PPE that is normally worn at the same time as the respirator should be worn during the face fit test so that potential interference with the respirator seal can be assessed.

Tight-fitting respirators rely on a good seal between the respirator and the wearer’s skin. Facial hair must not cross or interfere with the respirator’s sealing surface.

Beards and stubble in the face-seal area will prevent a valid face fit test from being carried out. Some moustache styles may be acceptable if the facial hair remains completely inside the respirator and does not interfere with the sealing surface.

If you are unable to be clean-shaven for medical, religious or other reasons, a loose-fitting RPE option, such as a suitable powered hood or helmet, may be considered because these do not rely on a tight face seal.

Yes. H&SCS can provide on-site face fit testing for groups of employees at workplaces across Scotland.

Testing can be scheduled to suit your operations, helping minimise disruption and reduce the need for employees to travel individually for appointments.

For larger groups, we can discuss the number of employees, respirators being used and your preferred testing schedule before providing a tailored quotation.

Still Have a Question?

If you’re unsure which face fit test you require, need advice about your respirator, or have a specific testing requirement, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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