(iii) Ensure gap between Sensitivity and Fit Test
If doing the Sensitivity Test and Fit Test on the same day then ensure a good
time gap between the two to give time to rid the taste from the person’s mouth
and to wash hands and lips to avoid cross contamination. 5 minutes should
be enough. Ensure they have a drink of water to help clear any leftover taste.
(iv) Alternative to Rainbow Passage
If preferred, it is acceptable for the person to count down from 100, or recite
some other passage known to them, as long as they continue to talk out aloud
for one minute.
6.2 The Sensitivity Test – Things to remember
(i) This test is done without wearing the respirator.
(ii) The objective is to fi nd out IF the person can taste the solution and HOW MANY
squeezes of the nebuliser to use in the Fit Test which follows.
6.3 The Fit Test – 7 tests
1. Breathe normally
2. Breathe deeply
3. Head side to side
4. Head up and down
5. Bent over at waist
6. Talking
7. Breathe normally
7. End of a successful test
Before removing the hood
Ask the person to put their hand inside the hood and then, with one fi nger, break the seal of
the respirator on their face. Ask them to take a breath through their mouth. They will probably
grimace in surprise at the sudden taste of the strong solution inside the hood.
This is a very good way of building people’s confi dence in the respirator, because they will
realise that if it can be this effective at keeping out an apparently high concentration of test agent
for so long, then it will be able to protect them in the workplace, provided they have been careful
to fi t it correctly each time. Make this point to them afterwards.
8. What to do if someone fails a fi t test?
8.1 When has someone failed a fi t test?
(i) Remember, you can be tested twice on the same respirator.
You only fail if you fail twice on the same size and model of respirator.
8.2 How often do failures happen?
It is not unusual to fi nd that some people have diffi culty obtaining a reliable fi t
with their selected respirator. This is not surprising, as it is impossible to design
a respirator that fi ts everybody. When this occurs, an alternative respirator of
a different design or size, but with at least the same level of protection can
be offered. The Face Fit Test is then repeated using this alternative model.
Usually just one alternative model or size is needed to achieve a pass of the
Fit Test second time around.
8.3 How to select an alternative respirator to use
3M has a range of different respirators. We are confi dent that there is an effective,
comfortable alternative for anyone who does not pass the fi t test on the 3M 1800
series model. Ensure the alternative respirator selected offers the same level
of
protection.
8.4 Who to contact in 3M about alternatives
See section 3 of this guide for further information and guidance on how to select
an alternative and where to get information and samples.
8.5
Repeat
Fit
Testing
Arrange for Fit testing on an alternative model or size as soon as possible for
anyone failing the Fit Test.
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