Moldex PPE10301 Face Fit Testing Kit Instruction Manual
- June 1, 2024
- MOLDEX
Table of Contents
PPE10301 Face Fit Testing Kit
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Specifications
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Product: Moldex Fit Test Kit
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Fit Testing Method: Qualitative Fit Testing with Bitter
Solutions -
Recommended Usage: Selecting appropriate mask models, checking
mask fit, compliance with legislation
Product Information
1. Introduction
1.1 What is qualitative Fit Testing?
Qualitative Fit Testing is a method used to assess the adequacy of
a mask’s fit by detecting the taste of a bitter solution.
1.2 What is Bitter?
Bitter is an odourless substance used in Fit Testing due to its
strong bitter taste. It is safe and the taste can be quickly
removed by drinking water.
1.3 Why Fit Test?
Fit Testing helps in selecting a suitable mask that fits well,
ensuring proper protection. It is also required by legislation in
some countries.
2. Legislation
Fit Testing is mandated by various regulations to ensure the
proper selection and use of tight fitting Respiratory Protective
Equipment (RPE).
2.1 Who can conduct Fit Testing?
Fit Testing should be done by a competent person as per guidelines
provided by regulatory bodies like HSE and BSIF.
2.2 Fit Testing Accreditation
The Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme aims to
enhance the competency of Fit Testing and is supported by industry
stakeholders and HSE.
Product Usage Instructions
3. Equipment
3.1 Additional equipment needed: Ensure you
have all necessary tools and supplies as per the kit
instructions.
4. Prior to Fit Testing
4.1 Preparing the solutions: Follow the
provided instructions to prepare the bitter solutions for
testing.
4.2 Checking the nebulisers: Ensure nebulisers
are functioning correctly to deliver the solution effectively.
4.3 Prepare and pack the hood: Assemble the
testing hood as per the guidelines and have it ready for
testing.
4.4 Instructing the test person: Brief the
individual undergoing the Fit Test on the procedure.
5. Sensitivity Test
5.1 Putting on the hood: Instruct the test
person to wear the hood correctly.
5.2 Performing the Sensitivity Test: Administer
the sensitivity test as directed in the manual.
5.3 After Sensitivity Test: Follow up on any
reactions or issues post-sensitivity testing.
6. Fit Test
6.1 Putting on the mask: Guide the individual
on wearing the mask properly.
6.2 Performing the Fit Test: Conduct the Fit
Test using the bitter solution and monitor for any taste
detection.
6.3 Test Exercises: Engage the test person in
various exercises to simulate real-world conditions.
7. Test Results
7.1 Repeating the test: Repeat tests when
necessary and document results accurately.
7.2 Reason for a failed Fit Test: Investigate
reasons for failure and take corrective actions as needed.
7.3 How often should you Fit Test? Refer to
guidelines for recommended frequencies of Fit Testing.
8. Maintenance
8.1 Unblocking nebulisers: Regularly check and
clear nebulisers to maintain their functionality.
FAQ
Q: Can full face masks be Fit Tested with Qualitative Fit Test
kits?
A: No, full face masks cannot be Fit Tested using Qualitative
Fit Test kits due to their design.
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Moldex Fit Test Kit User Instructions
Qualitative Fit Testing with Bitter Solutions
Contents
1. Introduction 1.1 What is qualitative Fit Testing? 1.2 What is Bitter? 1.3
Why Fit Test? 1.4 When should Fit Testing be carried out? 1.5 What is a tight
fitting facepiece?
2. Legislation 2.1 Who can conduct Fit Testing? 2.2 Fit Testing Accreditation
3. Equipment 3.1 Additional equipment needed
4. Prior to Fit Testing 4.1 Preparing the solutions 4.2 Checking the
nebulisers 4.3 Prepare and pack the hood 4.4 Instructing the test person
5. Sensitivity Test 5.1 Putting on the hood 5.2 Performing the Sensitivity
Test 5.3 After Sensitivity Test
6. Fit Test 6.1 Putting on the mask 6.2 Performing the Fit Test 6.3 Test
Exercises
7. Test Results 7.1 Repeating the test 7.2 Reason for a failed Fit Test 7.3
How often should you Fit Test?
8. Maintenance 8.1 Unblocking nebulisers
9. Notes
Contents
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1. Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1 What is qualitative Fit Testing?
A simple but effective method for checking that a tight fitting facepiece
seals adequately to the wearers face (FFP and half masks). Pass/fail test that relies on the test persons response to a test agent. If the test person
can taste the test agent through the mask at any time, the test is failed. A
Fit Test is specific to a particular make and model of mask, a change in
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) would require another Fit Test. If you
need to wear more than one type of tight-fitting facepiece for your job, e.g.
a filtering facepiece and a half mask respirator, then you should be Fit
Tested for each type of facepiece.
1.2 What is Bitter?
An odourless substance which is used in Fit Testing for its strong bitter
taste. Developed for cleaning products to prevent children from drinking them.
Drinking water after the Fit Test will quickly remove the taste.
1.3 Why Fit Test?
To select a mask model which matches the test persons facial features and
seals adequately to their face. To check that the wearer can put the mask on
correctly. Required by legislation in some countries (UK).
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1. Introduction
1.4 When should Fit Testing be carried out?
Fit Testing should be carried out as part of the initial selection of the RPE
or when an untested facepiece is already in use. Regular Fit Testing is good
practice, there are some situations where repeat testing should be carried out
more frequently, please see page 17 “How often should you fit test?”
1.5 What is a tight fitting facepiece?
Moldex make three types of tight fitting facepieces.
Filtering Facepiece (FFP)
Half Mask
Full Face Mask
Please note full face masks cannot be Fit Tested with Qualitative Fit Test kits.
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2. Legislation
2. Legislation
Approved Code of Practice [ACoPs] supporting the Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), the Control of Lead at Work
Regulations, the Control of Asbestos Regulations, the Confined Spaces
Regulations and the Ionising Radiations Regulations stipulate that tight
fitting RPE should be Fit Tested as part of the selection process.
2.1 Who can conduct Fit Testing?
Fit Testing should be conducted by a “competent person”. The following
documents outline the knowledge/training a “competent person” should have.
They also offer practical guidance to employers and those conducting Fit
Tests:
INDG479 Guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) Fit Testing – by
the HSE Fit2Fit Companion on each of the following Fit Test methods:
Controlled Negative Pressure, Qualitative and Quantitative APC – by the BSIF
2.2 Fit Testing Accreditation
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) together with industry
stakeholders and supported by the HSE has developed a Fit Tester accreditation
scheme. The `Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme’ is intended
to improve the competency of Fit Testing in the UK. Following this scheme is
not compulsory and employers are free to take other action to comply with the
law. Further details on the scheme can be found at www.fit2fit.org.
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3. Equipment
3 Equipment
The Moldex Fit Test Kit comes with equipment required to carry out multiple
tests.
1x Test Hood 2 x Nebulisers (for sensitivity and test solution) 1x 30 ml
Bitter sensitivity solution 1x 30 ml Bitter fit test solution 4 x
Replacement nebuliser inserts 2 x Nebuliser cleaning pins 1x User instructions
USB stick
- Replacement solutions available
3.1 Additional equipment needed:
Paper towels Stopwatch Plain drinking water Protective gloves
050302 050402
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4. Prior to Fit Testing
4. Prior to Fit Testing
4.1 Preparing the solutions
We suggest to wear gloves during this procedure. 1 Remove the caps from the
nebuliser.
.
2 Insert the dosing tip of the bottle into the round opening. Press the bottle
to dispense the desired amount of liquid.
3 Carry out these steps for both, the sensitivityand the test-solution.
- The nebuliser for sensitivity solution is marked with a red ring.
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4. Prior to Fit Testing
4.2 Checking the nebulisers
Make sure caps are removed
1 Make sure both caps are removed from the nebuliser.
2 Check if nebulisers are working by spraying against a dark background. You
should see a fine mist.
3 If you cannot see the mist then the nebuliser may be blocked from
crystallised Bitter Solution. See maintenance section for further
instructions.
4 Continue to check the nebulisers throughout the Fit Test.
You should see a fine mist
4.3 Instructing the test person
The wearer should not eat, drink [except still, unflavoured water], smoke
[including E-cigarettes] or chew gum for at least 30 minutes before the test.
Explain the reasons for Fit Testing and the Fit Test procedures to the test
person.
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4.3 Prepare and pack the hood
To Prepare
4. Prior to Fit Testing
1 Open the velcro straps
2 Lay the hood flat on the table
To Package
3 Unfold hood and push the hood from the inside into a 3D shape. The hood is now ready to use
1 Place the hood with viewing window facing up. Fold the upper end first and fold it towards the viewing window
2 Then follow with the long sides and the short side. Fix the sides with the Velcro strips.
3 Place the hood in the lid of the case and hold it with your thumbs whilst
closing it.
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5. Sensitivity Test
4.4 Instructing the test person
The wearer should not eat, drink (except still, unflavoured water), smoke
(including E-cigarettes) or chew gum for at least 30 minutes before the test.
Explain the reasons for Fit Testing and the Fit Test procedure in full to the
test person. The Fit Test exercises should be explained and demonstrated
(where required). The test person should be clean shaven. The test person
should be medically fit to wear RPE and conduct the Fit Test exercises.
5. Sensitivity Test
This test is done to ensure that the test person can detect the taste of
Bitter at sufficiently low levels to make the Fit Test valid.
5.1 Putting on the hood
1 Instruct test person to put on the hood without a respirator.
2 Position the hood forward so there is about 10 cm gap between the test
person’s face and the hood window.
3 The hood should sit on the shoulders.
4 The test person holds the hood in position. | 10
5. Sensitivity Test
5.2 Performing the Sensitivity Test
1 The test person breathes through the mouth, with tongue slightly forward.
2 Ask the test person to indicate as soon as they taste the Bitter.
3 Inject up to 10 full squeezes until the person being tested indicates they
can taste the Bitter Sensitivity Solution.
4 If nothing is detected, repeat the procedure up to a further 2 times.
5 If nothing is detected after 30 squeezes, the test person cannot be tested
with this test method. Please contact Moldex for information on alternative
methods.
6 Note the number of squeezes required. This will determine the amount of
Bitter Test Solution used during the Fit Test.
Squeeze 10x
Nothing
Squeeze
detected? 10x
Nothing
Squeeze
detected? 10x
Nothing detected?
Test is not applicable.
Detected? Note 10
Detected? Note 20
Detected? Note 30
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5. Sensitivity Test 5.3 After Sensitivity Test
1 Remove the hood. 2 Ask test person to wipe mouth and wash hands. 3 Drinking
water helps to remove the taste of Bitter solution. 4 Wait a few minutes
before proceeding to Fit Test.
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6. Fit Test
6. Fit Test 6.1 Putting on the mask
If facepieces are issued on an individual basis it is recommended that the
test person is Fit Tested using their issued facepiece. Where this is not
practical, a facepiece that exactly matches the test persons should be used. 1
Ask test person to put on and adjust the mask. 2 Inspect the fit of the mask
and ask the test person to perform a fit check. 3 If necessary, correct the
fit. Make sure the chin properly moves into the mask and
that the mask sits correctly on the nose. 4 Any assistance given should be
recorded on the test report and to the employer as
additional training might be required. 5 If testing a half mask, then
particulate filters or a combined filter that incorporates a
particulate filter must be used.
The test person should wear the mask for 5 minutes prior to the Fit Test.
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6. Fit Test
6.2 Performing the Fit Test
1 Instruct the test person to put on the test hood.
2 The results of the Sensitivity Test dictate the amount of Bitter test solution to be used during the Fit Test.
Number of squeezes administered in Sensitivity Test
110 1120 2130
A
Number of initial squeezes of test solution
10 20 30
B
Number of squeezes of test solution to be administered every 30 seconds
5 10 15
Example: If the test person detected the Bitter Sensitivity Solution after 12
squeezes, administer the following: 20 squeezes of test solution at the
beginning of the test/first exercise, followed by half the initial amount (10
squeezes) every 30 seconds.
3 Use the Bitter test solution nebuliser to inject the initial amount of
squeezes into the hood. A
4 Now 7 exercises need to be performed (See following page). Every 30 seconds
top up the test solution inside the hood by administering half the initial
amount of squeezes. B
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
A
Initial Squeezes
30 sec Exercise 1
Normal breathing
B
1/2 of Initial Squeezes
30 sec Exercise 1
Normal breathing
B
1/2 of Initial Squeezes
30 sec Exercise 2
Deep breathing
B
1/2 of Initial Squeezes
30 sec Exercise 2
Deep breathing
and so on …
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6. Fit Test
6.3 Test Exercises
Instruct the test person to breathe through the mouth, with tongue slightly
forward. Ask the test person to indicate if Bitter is being tasted at any time
during the test. The test person should perform the following exercises for 60
seconds each. Observe the test person throughout the test to ensure the
correct exercises are conducted. Continue to check the nebulisers throughout
the test.
1 Normal breathing The test person should breathe normally with no head
movements or talking.
2 Deep breathing The test person should breathe slowly and deeply, taking care
not to hyperventilate.
3 Turning head side to side The test person should slowly turn their head from
side to side (approximately 1520 times per minute). The head should be held
at each extreme momentarily, so the wearer can inhale at each side.
4 Moving head up and down The test person should slowly move their head up and
down while inhaling in the up position (approximately 1520 times per minute).
5 Talking The test person should talk out loud and slowly. The wearer should
read from a standard reading passage or count down from 100.
6 Bending over The test person should stand and bend at the waist as if to
touch their toes, and then return to an upright position. Repeat 10-15 times.
7 Normal breathing The test person should breathe normally with no head
movements or talking.
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7. Test results
7. Test results
If the entire test is completed without the test person detecting the bitter
taste of Bitter, the test is passed. If the test person detects the bitter
taste at any point the test is failed and should be stopped. The test can be
repeated. At the end of the test ask the wearer to break the seal of the mask
and breathe in, if the test has been conducted correctly they should
experience the bitter taste of the Test Solution. This is a good way to show
the user how well the mask has been fitting. If the wearer does not experience
a strong taste it could indicate a problem and the validity of the test
results should be questioned.
7.1 Repeating the test
Before re-testing a minimum 30 minute waiting period must be observed to allow
the taste of the test agent to be removed completely. Offer the test person a
drink of water. Both the Sensitivity Test and Fit Test should be repeated.
Ideally, the test is performed on the next day. For some people it takes two
hours or longer until they lose the Bitter taste. If the second test fails,
repeat with another size and/or model of Moldex mask. Before restarting the
test it is important to review the fit of the mask for any obvious failures.
7.2 Reasons for a failed Fit Test
One of the most common reasons for failing a Fit Test is incorrect fitting of
the face mask. Educating employees to put masks on correctly will reduce the
number of failures. Here are some simple pointers to consider when observing
donning of the mask:
Are the straps positioned and adjusted evenly? Are the straps tightened
sufficiently, but not over-tightened? Is there any hair caught between the
facepiece and the wearer’s face?
If a poor fit is due to inadequate training then the employee should be
referred for further training.
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5. Test results
7.2 Reasons for a failed Fit Test continued
Other factors that could affect mask fit: Facial hair [e.g. beard, stubble
etc.] Excessive facial movement during the talking section Sweating Make-up or
face creams Jewellery such as nose studs Unusual facial features In general
Moldex masks pass in Fit Test procedures but it is quite normal that every now
and then someone will fail. This doesn`t show that there is a problem with
Moldex masks in general, it is proof that the Fit Test procedure is working
and shows how important it is to do Fit Testing. There are people that have
problematic face shapes relating to respiratory protection and that is why
Moldex has different masks and sizes to choose from. Test again with another
other type of FFP. The Air Plus or the 7000 Series almost always fit.
7.3 How often should you Fit Test?
We recommend annual Fit Testing.
There are some situations where repeat testing should be carried out more
frequently, for example:
Where the employer’s health and safety policy requires it.
Or if the wearer: Loses or gains weight Undergoes any substantial dental work
Develops any facial changes (scars, moles, etc) around the face sealing area
Facial piercings Introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective
equipment (PPE)
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8. Maintenance 8. Maintenance
Immediately after completing the test, pour away any unused solution in the
nebulisers and ampoules. Rinse both nebulisers with warm water and dry with
paper towel. The hood can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
Do not fold the hood across the window panel.
8.1 Unblocking nebulisers
If you cannot see a fine mist when using the nebuliser then it may be blocked.
Use the pins provided to unblock the nozzles. If necessary, replace the
nebuliser insert.
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9. Notes
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UK-Rev02-24
Moldex/Metric AG & Co. KG www.moldex-europe.com
UK 9 Glaisdale Point Bilborough Nottingham NG8 4GP Tel. +44 115 9854288
DE (Headoffice) Tübinger Straße 50 72141 Walddorfhäslach Tel. +49 7127 8101-02
ES Pol. Ind. Molí dels Frares Carrer C, no. 30 08620 Sant Vicenc dels Horts
Tel. +34 93 5889950
FR Espace Aquilon Bat. A 19A Avenue des Langories 26000 Valence Tel. +33 4
75785890
IT Via C. Porta, 69 20831 Seregno (MB) Tel. +39 0362 23 91 20
NL Ebweg 1A 2991 LS Barendrecht Tel. +31 180 530053
SE Kapplöpningsgatan 14 25230 Helsingborg Tel. +46 42 495 38 40
References
- Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme
- Moldex Respiratory and Hearing Protection - Moldex Europe