Mask Fit Checks
Ensure maximum protection with our professional mask fitting services.
At Hazcal, we understand the importance of proper respiratory protection in the workplace. That’s why we offer comprehensive Mask Fitting Services that ensure a secure fit for all tight-fitting respirators, including half-face, full-face and disposable respirators.
Our experienced and RESP-FIT-certified staff will work with you to ensure that your respirators fit properly and provide the required level of protection. Each test includes discussion of the selection, use and maintenance of Respiratory Protection as per AS/NZS:1715.
If you or your employees use tight-fitting respirators, you need our Mask Fitting Services. Respirators that do not fit properly will not provide the level of protection required, compromising your health and safety. Fit testing should be conducted at least annually and whenever there are changes in facial structure due to weight gain or loss or facial surgery.
We offer discounts to students!
Types of respirators
P2 (N95) Disposable Respirators:
These cover the nose and mouth and filter out at least 95% of respirable airborne respirable particulates and are commonly used in healthcare and construction in situations where the use of the respirator is required sporadically for activity specific purposes. Appropriately fitted to a clean-shaven face, a P2 Disposable respirator may only be used when the exposure of a worker is likely to exceed a workplace exposure standard by less than 10 times.
Half-Face Respirators:
These cover the nose and mouth, offering protection against gases, vapours, and respirable particulates depending on the filter cartridge fitted. They are versatile and used in various industries, including painting and agriculture. Appropriately fitted to a clean-shaven face, a Half-Face Respirator may only be used when the exposure of a worker is likely to exceed a workplace exposure standard by less than 10 times.
Full-Face Respirators:
These covering the entire face and offer comprehensive protection against gases, vapours, and particulates depending on the filter cartridge fitted. They are essential in environments where significantly elevated exposures are likely or where eye and face protection are necessary, such as chemical handling. For particulate contaminants, appropriately fitted to a clean-shaven face, a Full-Face Respirator may only be used when the exposure of a worker is likely to exceed a workplace exposure standard by less than 100 times.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs):
These also generally cover the entire face (although some half face PAPR are available at lower protection factors). Full face PAPRs use a battery powered fan to draw air through filters, providing high levels of protection and with added comfort factor to the wearer, particularly under strenuous activity. . For particulate contaminants, appropriately fitted to a clean-shaven face, a Full-Face Respirator may only be used when the exposure of a worker is likely to exceed a workplace exposure standard by less than 2000 times.
Supplied Air Respirators (SARs) – Also called Airline Respirators:
These also cover the entire face. Full face SARs makes use of a hose to deliver clean, safe air from a stationary source of compressed air supplied from outside the contaminated work zone. These provide the highest levels of protection. SARs limit the range of user-mobility and may fail due to hose damage. Appropriately fitted to a clean-shaven face, SARs are used in any highly contaminated atmosphere.
Ensuring maximum protection
A respirator is a crucial piece of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) used to protect workers from inhaling hazardous substances. However, for a respirator to provide effective protection, it must fit properly and provide a protection at 10 times the protection factor of the respirator. Respirator fit testing provides quantitative evidence of the protective factor or a respirator.
Selecting the appropriate respirator depends on the specific hazards in your workplace, the level of protection required, and individual comfort. It’s crucial to conduct a hazard risk assessment and consult with safety experts to determine the most suitable type of respirator required.
Properly fitted respirators ensure that workers are adequately protected from harmful airborne contaminants. Fit testing is a legal obligation in any industries where respirators are utilised as a means of protection. Such industries include asbestos removal, manufacturing, construction and healthcare
Compliance with regulations
Under the various Australian OHS Acts, there is a requirement for employers to provide a safe place of work. For any staff required to wear tight fitting RPE. employers must ensure that their employees’ respirators fit properly. Hazcal’s fit testing services assist businesses in meeting these legislative requirements, promoting workplace safety and compliance.
Industries we service
Hazcal can offer mask fit testing to any industry that may require it. Common industries that require it include:
- Construction: Workers in construction may be exposed to dust, asbestos, fumes, and other contaminants, requiring the use of respirators for protection.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing facilities often involve processes that produce dust, fumes, and gases, making mask fit testing essential for worker safety.
- Healthcare: Healthcare workers, including paramedics, doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists, often wear N95 respirators or similar masks to protect themselves from infectious diseases, airborne pathogens, and hazardous chemicals.
*Note: Paramedicine are required to complete a mask fit test annually as part of their studies. Contact us today to hear about our special student pricing.