Make Sure Your Respirator Fits Correctly
Make Sure Your Respirator Fits Correctly
A major contributor to reduced respiratory protection is poor facial fit. As a consequence, Australia and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 “Selection, Use & Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices” sets out a requirement that wearers of tight fitting negative pressure facemasks be fit tested for compliance to the standard. 3M has pioneered the development of respiratory fit testing techniques and solutions, offering Qualitative Fit Test Kits for checking facial fit.
3M™ Qualitative Fit Test Apparatus
Designed for fit testing disposable (not recommended by 3M for asbestos removal work) and half face reusable respirators fitted with particulate or combination gas/ vapour and particulate filters.
Features and benefits of 3M Qualitative Fit Test Kits:
- Offers a fast and easy method for performing qualitative fit testing
- No calibration of equipment required
- No modification of facepiece required
- Test operator can be self-taught/instructed
Each kit contains a hood and collar assembly, two nebulisers, sensitivity solution, test solution and detailed instructions—replacement solutions and accessories can be purchased separately.
Quantitative Fit Testing
To prove higher levels of protection, full face respirators need to be fit tested by quantitative fit testing using specialised particle counting equipment such as PortaCount®.
