We all know how important it is to have your Respiratory Protection Equipment fit tested, but more goes into it than just getting a fit test certificate and calling it a day. Respirators require constant upkeep and maintenance, just the same as any other piece of equipment. If you're neglecting your respirator, you're neglecting yourself - so treat yourself a little better by keeping your equipment in good shape.
Factors that affect fit:
- Facial Hair
- Training
- Fitting Skill
- Facial Features
- Dental Work
- Makeup/Sunscreen
- Design/Maintenance
- Other PPE
Facial hair is the most common sticking point with respiratory equipment. There are an unfathomable number of concerns on both sides of the aisle, but the crux of the issue is simple - a respirator cannot provide full protection if facial hair interferes with the respirator's seal. Even just a day of stubble growth can be enough to impact the seal. The only option other than shaving is upgrading to a loose-fitting respirator, such as one using a PAPR system.
Facial Features and Dental Work can consitute anything from surgeries to piercings to weight loss and even injuries (that broken nose from the bloke down at the pub counts!), all of which can majorly affect the fit of your equipment.
Makeup and other substances like sunscreen that sit on the face can impact the fit of a respirator. Not only could a layer of sunscreen lift your equipment ever-so-slightly off your face, reducing the quality of the seal, but it can also result in minor slippage of your equipment when in motion.
Your fit test should be repeated:
- For every new model of mask
- Whenever your face changes shape (surgery, accidents, weight loss)
- If you're concerned about your fit
- Annually
Fit testing is not a one-size-tests-all solution. Any time you use a new model of mask - in short, anything that differs from the exact style of mask you've been using, even if it's from the same manufacturer or line - you'll need to re-test, as all masks will fit you slightly differently. Similarly, any time you have any major change to your facial structure, or any time you're concerned that your mask isn't fitting right, you should get your fit re-tested. If none of that applies, annual re-tests are required just because of how the human body changes over time, just to ensure masks stay fit-for-purpose.
How to Clean & Inspect Your Respirator
- Before cleaning, remove filters and valves. Wash with mild soap and water.
- Use a brush to remove dirt.
- Inspect all parts for:
- Dirt
- Cracks, tears, holes
- Distortion
- Look for:
- Headstraps
- Breaks, tears
- Loss of elasticity
- Broken buckles/clips
- Valves
- Detergent residue
- Cracks, tears, distortion
- Missing covers
Reusable respirators, despite what you might be used to, do in fact require cleaning and maintenance. While they are fairly sturdy, and have filters designed to catch debris, this does not render the respirator immune to wear, tear, or natural buildups. In fact, as a piece of equipment you place directly on your face and breathe into and through for hours on end, keeping it clean should be a foremost priority. Any damage to the respirator itself will also likely compromise its ability to provide proper protection.
Assembling and Storing
- Air dry all parts
- Recheck all parts & replace any defective
- Re-assemble the respirator
- When necessary, discard and replace the filters
- Store the clean respirator in a plastic bag or box inside a locker or cabinet
As with cleaning a respirator, storing it appropriately is also massively important. Leaving it on your desk or on the work table overnight might seem fine, but any and everything that settles in it is heading directly to your lungs the next morning. Storing respirators inside plastic bags ensures minimal exposure to the environment and results in a much more long-lived piece of equipment.
For further information on fit testing, view our page on fit testing here or the resources provided by 3M here. To get fit tested, contact us or The Fit Testers.
