Qualitative Face Fit Testing

Course details

The Qualitative Face Fit Testing course is designed to ensure that tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP masks and reusable half masks) provide an adequate seal to the wearer’s face. It is a vital health and safety requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and a key part of any robust respiratory protective equipment (RPE) program.

This practical, hands-on course enables attendees to either be tested for personal RPE fit or to learn how to perform qualitative face fit testing on others, depending on your booking type.

The Qualitative Face Fit Testing is a test done by a qualified Fit 2 Fit Tester.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

• Individuals requiring a personal face fit test for site access or regulatory compliance
• Employers looking to ensure their staff are properly fitted with tight-fitting respirators
• Health and safety professionals seeking to perform in-house face fit tests
• Construction, manufacturing, utilities, and healthcare workers exposed to hazardous dusts or vapours

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the legal requirements for RPE face fit testing under UK legislation
• Identify different types of respirators and when they require testing
• Perform or receive a qualitative face fit test using bitter or sweet solutions
• Record and interpret results accurately and confidently
• Apply best practices for RPE maintenance and wearer training

Course Content

• Introduction to COSHH and the importance of RPE
• Overview of respirator types and selection criteria
• Step-by-step guide to the qualitative fit test process
• Fit test equipment and test agent use
• Troubleshooting poor fits and facial hair interference
• Documentation and legal record-keeping
• Hands-on practice (for testers) or supervised personal fit test (for individuals)

Course Options

We offer two course options to suit your needs:

1. Individual Face Fit Test – For those needing certification to wear RPE on-site
2. Train-the-Tester – For H&S staff or supervisors who need to perform tests in-house

Both include a certificate/report for each attendee.

Certification

• Face Fit Certificate for individuals (valid for 2 years)
• Competency Certificate for those trained to test others (subject to satisfactory completion).

Testing Overview

Qualitative fit testing relies on the delegate’s taste response to detect face seal leakage of a strong-tasting challenge agent (Bitter or Sweet).

Qualitative fit tests require the same seven-test exercise protocol as other methods as described in INDG 479 but can only be employed for fit testing of filtering facepieces (disposable masks) and half masks, not full-face masks.

This method involves a ‘Sensitivity Test’ and ‘Fit Test’ step.

Prerequisites

Delegates must be clean shaven and not eaten or smoked for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to being face tested. 

Course Benefits

• Authorises delegates to manage qualitative RPE fit testing in-house
• Ensures compliance with HSE and Respiratory Protection regulations
• Suitable for diverse sectors (health, industrial, maintenance, construction)
• Builds internal testing capacity and reduces reliance on external providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is qualitative face fit testing?
A: Qualitative fit testing relies on sensory detection (taste or smell) to verify the seal on a tight-fitting respirator. Methods include saccharin or Bitrex “taste tests.”

Q: Who can train to become a fit tester?
A: Anyone with RPE coordination responsibilities, H&S officers, supervisors, or internal trainers, can qualify through this course to conduct in-house qualitative fit testing.

Q: What standards does this course follow?
A: It adheres to HSE INDG479, HSG53 guidance, and the Fit2Fit qualitative fit test standards.

Q: How often do I need to renew the certification?
A: Fit2Fit certification is valid for 3 years. Refresher training is recommended to stay current with best practices and regulations.

Q: Can students use their own RPE masks?
A: Yes, delegates should ideally bring their actual respirators. We provide demo masks and test agents, but real-world testing enhances accuracy.

Q: Is medical clearance required before fit testing?
A: Delegates are expected to be medically fit for respirator use. In the UK, employers should provide an RPE medical questionnaire to assess suitability.

You might also be interested in the following courses

• Quantitative Face Fit Testing
• EUSR SHEA Core

If you have any questions about this or any other course, please get in touch on 01926 674340