Face Fit Testing Services

SAMS Ltd provide professional qualitative face fit testing services delivered directly at your premises.

Our face fit testing service is designed to help businesses remain compliant while ensuring employees receive the correct level of respiratory protection for their role.

We offer face fit testing on site, allowing organisations to minimise disruption while ensuring staff are tested efficiently and safely. Whether you are operating in construction, manufacturing, healthcare or any environment requiring respiratory protective equipment (RPE), our experienced team delivers reliable and compliant face fit tests tailored to your needs.

If you provide RPE to your employees, it is essential that you have documented evidence of a successful face fit test. This ensures compliance with HSE face fit testing requirements and demonstrates that your organisation is meeting its legal obligations under current health and safety legislation.

All successful candidates will receive a face fit test certificate, providing documented proof of compliance for audits and inspections.

Why is Face Fit Testing Needed?

Face fit testing is a legal requirement when using tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment. While historically associated with industries such as asbestos removal, nuclear work and the military, face fit testing is now required across all sectors where tight-fitting RPE is used.

Under regulations such as COSHH, CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012), CLAW (Control of Lead at Work Regulations) and other relevant legislation including IRR and confined space regulations, employers must ensure that RPE is suitable and effective.

RPE face fit testing ensures that the mask forms a proper seal against the wearer’s face. Without this seal, harmful airborne substances such as dust, fumes, fibres or vapours can bypass the mask and be inhaled, putting the wearer at risk.

Suitable RPE must:

• Provide effective protection against workplace hazards
• Be appropriate for the specific task and working environment
• Fit the individual wearer correctly

A face fitting test assesses whether a specific make, model and size of mask is suitable for an individual. Because every face is different, one type of mask may not provide an adequate seal for every user.

This is why face fit testing HSE guidance requires that each employee is tested individually using the exact RPE they will wear during their work.

Legislative Compliance

Employers have a legal duty to ensure that any RPE provided is suitable for its intended use. This includes ensuring that it fits the wearer correctly and provides adequate protection.

Face fit testing requirements are outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines or prosecution.

A valid face fit test certificate demonstrates that:

• The correct RPE has been selected
• The equipment fits the wearer properly
• The organisation has taken appropriate steps to protect employees

Face fit testing forms part of a wider health and safety system and should be supported by proper training, maintenance and regular checks of face fit testing equipment.

When Should Face Fit Testing Be Conducted?

A face fit test should always be carried out at the initial stage when selecting RPE. Employees must be tested before using respiratory equipment in a hazardous environment to ensure it provides effective protection.

If RPE is already in use without prior testing, face fit testing should be conducted as soon as possible to ensure compliance and safety.

It is also considered best practice to repeat face fit tests at regular intervals, particularly in higher-risk environments where RPE is a primary control measure. For example, annual rpe face fit testing is common in industries such as asbestos removal.

In addition, face fit testing should be repeated if:

• The wearer experiences significant weight change
• The wearer undergoes major dental work
• The wearer sustains facial injury or scarring
• A different model, make or size of mask is introduced
• Company policy requires periodic re-testing

Regular testing ensures continued protection and compliance with face fit testing HSE standards.

Face Fit Testing Procedure

Our face fit testing procedure follows recognised HSE guidance to ensure accurate and reliable results.

During a qualitative face fit testing session, the wearer will be exposed to a harmless test solution while wearing their RPE. The test assesses whether the wearer can detect the solution, which would indicate a poor seal.

The process includes:

• Pre-test checks and suitability assessment
• Explanation of the testing procedure
• Correct fitting and adjustment of the mask
• A series of exercises simulating workplace movements
• Assessment of seal integrity
• Issuing of a face fit test certificate upon successful completion

Our team uses approved face fit testing equipment and ensures that all tests are carried out in accordance with HSE face fit testing guidance.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Face Fit Testing

There are two main types of face fit testing: qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative face fit testing is a pass/fail method commonly used for disposable and half-mask respirators. It is cost-effective and widely accepted across many industries.

Quantitative face fit testing uses specialist equipment to measure the exact level of leakage into the mask and provides a numerical result. This method is typically used for full-face masks or higher-risk environments.

At SAMS LTD, we specialise in qualitative face fit testing, providing a practical and compliant solution for most workplace requirements.

Face Fit Testing Near Me – On-Site Services Across Kent

If you are searching for face fit testing near me, SAMS LTD provides convenient face fit testing on site across Kent and surrounding areas.

Our mobile service allows us to carry out testing at your workplace, reducing downtime and ensuring your team remains productive while achieving compliance.

Whether you require testing for a small team or a large workforce, our face fit testing service can be tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Why Choose SAMS LTD for Face Fit Testing?

Choosing the right provider for face fit testing Kent is essential to ensure accuracy, compliance and reliability.

At SAMS LTD, we offer:

• Experienced and qualified testers
• Fully compliant HSE face fit testing procedures
• On-site testing for convenience
• Clear documentation and certification
• Flexible scheduling to suit your business

We work with organisations across multiple industries, ensuring that their respiratory protection programmes meet legal requirements and protect their workforce effectively.

Book Your Face Fit Testing Service Today

Ensure your organisation remains compliant and your employees are properly protected with professional face fit testing from SAMS LTD.

Whether you require qualitative face fit testing, guidance on face fit testing requirements, or a full face fit testing service, our team is here to help.