Question 1

What is mask fit testing and why is it important.

Accepted Answer

Mask fit testing ensures that a tight-fitting respirator, such as a disposable N95/P2, half-face or full-face respirator, properly seals to the wearer’s face. An adequate seal prevents microscopic airborne contaminants like silica dust, asbestos fibers, and hazardous chemicals from leaking into the respirator.

Fit Test Victoria provides AS/NZS 1715-compliant mask fit testing to help workers stay safe in industries such as construction, healthcare, mining, automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Question 2

Is mask fit testing a requirement in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, to comply with AS/NZS 1715:2009 and AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023, mask fit testing is required for anyone required to wear a tight-fitting respirator as part of a comprehensive health and safety measures.

From September 2024, new regulations around silica dust explicity state that mask fit testing is required.

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-12/working-with-crystalline-silica-substances-guidance_dec2024.pdf

Question 3

Who is required to get a mask fit test?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is required to wear a tight-fitting respirator is required to get a mask fit test.

Tight-fitting respirators include disposable N95/P2 and resuable half-face or full-face respirators.

The only respirator that does not require a mask fit test are loose-fitting powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs).

Question 4

What type of mask fit testing does Fit Test Victoria offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer AS/NZS 1715-compliant quantitative respirator fit testing for a range of tight-fitting masks, including:

P2/N95 disposable respirators
Half-face respirators 
Full-face respirators

We have both Portacount 8048 and Accufit 9000 quantitative fit test machines.

Question 5

What is an N95 mask fit test?

Accepted Answer

When you hear someone say they are getting an "N95 fit test", this usually means they want to get a disposable filtering facepiece respirator - such as an N95 or P2 - fit tested.

Any type of respirator can be fit tested. This includes disposable N95/P2 masks and resuable half-face or full face masks.

At Fit Test Victoria, we use AccuFit and PortaCount quantitative fit test machines that are capable of fit testing all types of respirators.

Question 6

How often is mask fit testing required?

Accepted Answer

To align with the AS/NZS 1715:2009 and AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023, mask fit testing is required when someone is issued a new respirator, if the respirator brand/model/size changes, if the wearers' face changes (weight loss, dental work, trauma, etc.) and annually thereafter.

Question 7

I don't work with silica dust. Do I still need to get a mask fit test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are required to wear a tight-fitting respirator at work, the mask must be fit tested to ensure it's providing its stated level of protection.

The purpose of fit testing is to ensure any harmful microscopic particles, gases, vapours, chemicals or fumes don't make their way around the facepiece of your mask and into your breathing zone.

Whether you're working with silica, asbestos, welding fumes, chemicals, solvents, or any other harmful airborne contaminant, and you have to wear a mask, then fit testing is required.

Question 8

Do you provide mask fit testing for nursing students and clinical placement students?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide N95/P2 mask fit testing for nursing students and anyone required to get a mask fit test before their clinical placements.

Fit test certificates issued before you leave your appointment.

You can book online at our Coburg or Oakleigh offices.

If you have a group of 10 or more students that need a mask fit test, we can come to your campus. Call 0488 688 454 or email: info@fittestvic.com.au to enquire.

Question 9

Do you conduct mask fit testing for clinical placement students on campus?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have a group of students who need mask fit testing for clinical placements, we can come to your campus. Call us 0428 630 109 or email: info@fittestvic.com.au to find out more.

Question 10

Can you come to our workplace or work site to do mask fit testing?

Accepted Answer

Yep! We can come to your workplace or campus to conduct mask fit testing.

Call 0488 688 454 or email: info@fittestvic.com.au to learn more.

Question 11

Do I really have to be clean-shaven to get a fit test?

Accepted Answer

This is not the answer that some people will want to hear, but yes, you do have to be clean-shaven anytime you wear a tight-fitting respirator, including when getting a mask fit test.

Facial hair, even stubble, can compromise the seal between the respirator's facepiece and the face.

Global respiratory protection standards including AS/NZS 1715:2009, AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023 and OSHA explicitly state this requirement.

Some moustaches and short goatees are OK if they don't cross the seal of the respirator.

If you have facial hair and can't/won't shave, loose-fitting powered air purifying respirators are an option.

If you're a clinical placement student or healthcare worker, the Singh Thattha beard wrap technique is now approved in Victoria and NSW. This method is not valid for anyone outside of healthcare settings.

Question 12

Are there any respirators that can be worn with a beard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Loose-fitting powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) can be worn with trimmed beards. This type of respiratory protective equipment does not rely on a seal and does not have to be fit tested.

Keep in mind, there are some PAPRs that are tight-fitting. These can't be worn with facial hair and do need to be fit tested.

Question 13

How much does a mask fit test cost?

Accepted Answer

We have competitive, transparent pricing for mask fit testing in Australia.

If you come to our office, prices range from $79-$97.

If we come to your workplace, we price according to the size of your group. More people = less per person. We also offer day rates.

We'll work with you to get you the best quote for your needs.

Question 14

Will I get a fit test certificate?

Accepted Answer

If you get your mask fit test at our Coburg or Oakleigh office, you'll get your reports emailed to you before you leave the appointment.

For onsite fit testing, we will have the reports to you within 24 hours (but usually much sooner!).

Question 15

Do you provide masks for the fit test?

Accepted Answer

We have a wide variety of disposable N95/P2 masks and reusable half-face or full-face respirators.

Here's how it works:

-If you're a clinical placement student or working in a healthcare setting, we provide N95/P2 masks at no extra charge. We will aim to get you a pass in 2 masks.

-If you're working in an industry outside of healthcare such as construction, quarrying, engineering, automotive, etc., we have disposable N95/P2 masks (valved) and reusable half-face or full-face respirators you can borrow for the fit test.

-If you have your own reusable respirator, you'll bring that to your appointment (onsite or at our offices). Just give us a call before you book so we can make sure we have the right adapter.

-If you're having us come to your workplace and you don't already have respirators, we can bring along a variety for you to test on. You can then purchase the ones staff pass a fit test in. We sell the respirators or you can get them from your preferred supplier.

Question 16

Do you do the Singh Thattha beard wrap mask fit test?

Accepted Answer

The Singh Thattha beard wrap was recently approved in Victoria for healthcare workers and clinical placement students only.

While this method is endorsed by the Victorian government, it is not a valid fit test under the AS/NZS 1715:2009 or the AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023.

At Fit Test Victoria, we believe it's best to be clean-shaven when wearing a tight-fitting mask.

Before you book for this method, you're required to read and accept our disclaimer (this will be provided to you when you book). We will note on your fit test report that you were tested using the Singh Thattha method.

Question 17

Can any full face respirator be worn with facial hair?

Accepted Answer

There is a common misconception that all full-face respirators can be worn with facial hair.

Any tight-fitting respirator requires to wearer to be clean-shaven and the mask has to be fit tested.

This is true whether it's a disposable N95/P2 or reusable half-face/full-face mask.

The only type of respirator that can be worn with trimmed beards are loose-fitting powered air purifying respirators.

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