Having the appropriate protective equipment on hand will not be enough; more has to be done in workplaces where there are respiratory hazards. Mask fit testing is one crucial aspect of workplace safety in industries that expose workers to hazardous substances or even respiratory protection. The focus of this article is how mask fit testing in Australia is done, the type of mask used, and how compliance is achieved.
Mask Fit Testing
Fit testing of RPE is very important to ensure a proper seal of the mask to the user’s face, preventing hazardous substances from entering the breathing zone. The aim is to protect the workers from all airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, gases, and pathogens that may be dangerous to one’s health.
A good fit means that the wearer will not be exposed to dangerous particles and is getting the proper protection level for that specific work environment. As far as RPE goes for Australia, fit testing follows the standards set forth by Safe Work Australia. In their guidelines, it mentions that fit testing of RPE masks should be done before tight-fitting masks are used, with tests taken on a frequent basis thereafter.
Types of Masks Used in Australia
In Australia, there are many forms of masks for different work environments, all subject to their methods of fit testing to ensure their intended functionality is achieved. These masks include:
1. N95 and P2 Respirators
Two classes of particulate-filtering face masks are the N95 and P2, which are normally used in industries like health care and construction to provide protection against the inhalation of dust, aerosols, and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Whereas the US uses the standard N95, Australia and New Zealand use the equivalent, known as the P2, with similar filtration efficiencies of about 94-95%. These respirators are designed to have a close facial fit and provide high levels of filtration.
Mask Fit Testing Considerations: Because of their design, tending to fit tightly, N95s and P2 respirators must be fit-tested for an appropriate seal. Very often, a qualitative or quantitative fit test may be conducted simply to ensure the respirator fits well and protects the wearer against hazardous particles.
2. Half-Face and Full-Face Reusable Respirators
There are reusable respirators, half-face and full-face, built to protect against various contaminants: gases, vapors, and even particulate matter. While half-face masks cover only the nose and mouth, full-face masks cover all of your face and therefore can protect the eyes.
Mask Fit Testing Considerations: Since these masks fit tightly, they require fit testing to offer better protection. Again, appropriate types of filters or cartridges must be used for specific hazards like organic vapor and particulate matter. Full-face respirators provide better protection than half-face masks and are used in dangerous zones.
3. Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
PAPR is a type of RPE that utilizes a battery-driven fan to draw air through a filter and supply purified air to the user. It may come either as a tight-fitting mask or as loose-fitting in the form of a hood or helmet. This range in variety makes PAPRs ideal to be used within such contexts as healthcare, construction, and industry.
Mask Fit Testing Considerations: If the PAPR is to be used with a tight-fitting facepiece, it must be fit tested. However, there is no need for formal fit testing of loose-fitting hoods or helmets, since their operation depends on adequate flow of clean air past the head and neck to prevent contaminant entry into the breathing zone.
4. Disposable Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are designed to provide protection to the wearer, mainly from large respiratory droplets, and are commonly used in health care settings as a barrier measure to reduce the transmission of infectious agents. Since they do not fit tightly against the face of the wearer, surgical masks cannot catch aerosols that are smaller. Therefore, surgical masks are not deemed respiratory protective devices.
Mask Fit Testing Considerations: Surgical masks do not require fit testing as it cannot be expected for them to afford adequate protection against the airborne contaminants. They are better known to serve as a barrier to splashes, droplets, and sprays than to offer respiratory protection against aerosols and other airborne particles.
The Mask Fit Testing Process
Fit testing is a procedure that measures the adequacy of a particular mask fit to a subject’s face. Most testing is completed by one of two fundamental methods:
1. Qualitative Fit Testing: This test utilises an individual’s sensitivity to an inert substance-such as a sweet or bitter-tasting aerosol-being introduced while wearing a mask. If the taste or odor can be perceived, the test for that style of mask fit has failed.
2. Quantitative Fit Testing: In quantitative fit testing, the degree of leakage into the mask is measured by a machine. This provides a numerical measure of fit, therefore more detailed and accurate than the qualitative testing.
When to Conduct Fit Testing
Mask fit testing has to be conducted in many situations such as:
Before the use of RPE for the first time.
- When facial conformation has changed, for instance, through weight gain or dental work.
- When mask type changes
- Periodically when follow-up safety checks are carried out, usually within 12 months.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
The use of RPE in the workplace would necessitate proper equipment, correct fit testing, and training in how to wear, doff, and maintain their masks correctly from employers to ensure compliance with the Australian standard.
The Australian Standard, AS/NZS 1715:2009, comprehensively identifies the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective devices, the requirements of fit testing not excluded. Once these standards are guaranteed, workplace safety is completely ensured while minimising the impacts of exposure to airborne hazards.
Conclusion
Mask fitting tests are included in workplace safety in Australia to protect workers from respiratory hazards. With a range of masks in use, from N95/P2 respirators through to reusable and powered air-purifying respirators, the fit testing of masks serves as one of the ways to ensure that these very protective devices are protecting various industries and environments. Fit testing guidelines ensure that employers take responsibility for the safety of the workplace and look after the welfare of their employees by adhering to set guidelines and standards in Australia.
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