What does the fit-test consist of?
The test undertaken in this University is a quantitative test and involves the candidate wearing a respirator of the make, model and size that they are to use in the workplace, this is connected to a test machine that counts the particulate in the test room and the particulate within the respirator and calculates, from this information, a fit-factor. For those wearing half-face masks the required fit factor is 100, for those wearing full-facemasks the required fit factor is 2000. In order to simulate a working regime and the facial movements that may affect the fit of a respirator under normal use the candidate undertakes seven simple exercises of 80 seconds each whilst connected to the machine. These are basically head movements and talking aloud whilst walking on the spot.
