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Face fit testing ensures that respiratory protective equipment seals correctly to the wearer’s face. When a mask leaks, it cannot protect the user from hazardous dusts, fumes, chemicals or biological agents. Rescue2 provides a UK wide face fit testing service for companies that must comply with the Health and Safety Executive’s INDG479 guidance. Testing is available onsite at your premises or from our Training Academy in West Sussex, delivered by Fit2Fit accredited specialists.
We support high risk sectors where RPE performance is critical, including utilities, petrochemical, waste, construction, industrial maintenance and confined space operations. Our scale, technical knowledge and national coverage make us one of the UK’s most capable providers.
Face fit testing confirms that a close fitting mask creates an effective seal around the wearer’s face. Without this seal, harmful particles can enter through gaps at the nose or cheeks, creating a direct health risk. The HSE requires employers to ensure that any worker using tight fitting RPE has undergone a fit test, carried out by a competent and trained person in accordance with INDG479.
This applies to disposable masks, reusable half masks, full face respirators, and any other close fitting equipment used in hazardous environments. A mask that is the wrong size, worn incorrectly or impacted by facial changes will not provide the level of protection the manufacturer intended.
Employers must ensure masks fit each individual wearing them, not just the workforce as a whole. The fit test must be completed before the mask is first used, and again if any factor changes that could affect the seal.
The HSE does not specify a fixed testing frequency. However, employers must repeat testing when a change affects the seal, and they should review their programme as part of regular health and safety management. Most high risk industries choose annual retesting as part of best practice.
Qualitative testing is a pass or fail method used for disposable masks and half masks with lower to moderate exposure levels. The wearer is exposed to a bitter or sweet tasting aerosol within a controlled hood to identify any leakage. If the wearer detects the taste at any point, the mask is considered a failure.
This method is simple, effective and suitable for many general industrial tasks.
Quantitative testing measures the exact amount of leakage around the mask seal. A particle counting machine calculates a fit factor, which provides precise numerical data and is required for full face respirators, P3 level protection, and high risk environments. This method is essential for petrochemical work, confined space operations, chemical handling, and any situation involving high hazard exposure.
Rescue2 provides both methods across the UK, and our technicians are Fit2Fit accredited, which is the recognised standard for competence in RPE testing.
Anyone who wears tight fitting RPE must have a face fit test before using it in a hazardous environment. This includes:
If an employee uses more than one type of mask, each mask must be tested separately.
To ensure accurate results, bring:
Wearing the correct equipment during testing ensures the seal replicates real working conditions.
There is no strict legal interval. Instead, employers must ensure the mask remains effective over time. Repeat testing is necessary whenever there is a change that may affect the fit. Many businesses adopt an annual programme because it aligns with regular training cycles, shutdown schedules and contract renewal periods.
We offer planned retest programmes that ensure compliance without disruption, ideal for multi site organisations or high turnover workforces.
Rescue2 provides on site testing for teams of all sizes. This reduces downtime, removes travel requirements and ensures consistent results across the workforce. Our technicians arrive with all required equipment and can work alongside other services, including confined space training or shutdown support. Same day or short notice bookings are possible for customers with urgent operational deadlines.
On site testing is available nationwide. Training Academy appointments are available throughout the year.
Rescue2 Ltd, The Old Stables, Decoy Lane, Arundel Road, Poling, West Sussex BN18 9QA
