FIT2FIT Training Gathers Pace

It would appear that the screw is being tightened on FIt Testers who are as yet unable to adequately demonstrate their competency in the subject.  I have been getting enquiries for Fit Test Training at an unprecedented rate over the last few weeks from organisations who have had a visit or a letter from their (or their customers') HSE Inspector. 

It seems like many people assume that because they have read the Test Kit manufacturer's  instructions that they think they are competent. Others who have been doing Fit Testing "for years" suddenly find that not only are they not considered competent under the BSIF FIT2FIT Accreditation Scheme, but that they are actually doing it wrong. Not fully and well, not adequately, but wrong. The pass rate on the FIT2FIT Accreditation Scheme has dropped below 50% and a lot of those that are failing, are failing big time.  There are 14 key attributes that the HSE (OC282/28) consider to be critical qualities of a COmpetent Fit Tester. They should be competent in

1) selection of suitable RPE; 

2) examination of RPE and the ability to identify poorly maintained facepieces; 

3) ability to correctly fit a facepiece and perform pre-use fit checks; 

4) ability to recognise a poor fitting facepiece; 

5) the purpose and applicability of fit testing; the differences between, and 

the appropriate use of, quantitative and qualitative fit testing methods; 

6) the purpose of the fit test exercises; 

7) preparation of facepieces for fit testing; 

8) how to carry out diagnostic checks on the facepiece and the fit test equipment; 

9) capabilities and limitations of the fit test equipment; 

10) how to perform a correct fit test with the chosen method; 

11) be aware of and know how to prevent and correct problems during fit testing; 

12) interpretation of fit test results; 

13) an understanding of the differences between fit factor, workplace 

protection factor, assigned protection factor and nominal protection 

factors; and 

14) HSE Regulations and the Approved Codes of Practice relating to fit 

testing. 

Can you tick all those boxes?As you can see, its not just about how to operate a PortaCount, or how to set up a QLFT Test kit! Isn't it time you got ready for your Accreditation? E mail me to define the training you need for you and your team.