What Is Face Fit Testing and Why Is It Important?

Face Fit Testing is a vital health and safety procedure that ensures tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) forms an effective seal on the wearer’s face. This seal is essential to protect workers from hazardous airborne substances such as dust, fumes, gases, and biological agents. If the mask does not fit properly, it cannot offer the intended level of protection—leaving the wearer vulnerable to potentially serious health risks.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers to conduct Face Fit Testing for any staff using tight-fitting RPE, whether it’s for occasional or routine tasks. Testing must be carried out by a competent person using either qualitative or quantitative methods, depending on the type of mask. By completing a Face Fit Testing training course, individuals can gain the skills needed to perform these checks accurately and ensure compliance with legal and industry standards.

Face Fit Testing training courses provide delegates with the knowledge and practical skills to correctly conduct face fit tests in line with HSE and Fit2Fit guidance. The training covers both qualitative (taste test) and quantitative methods where applicable, and is suitable for individuals responsible for ensuring RPE compliance in their organisation.

Delegates will learn how to prepare equipment, explain procedures to test subjects, conduct accurate tests, and record results correctly. The training is ideal for safety officers, supervisors, and occupational health professionals in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and waste management.

On successful completion, delegates will be able to perform compliant face fit testing and support their organisation in meeting UK legal obligations under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.