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For industry - such as construction and stone benchtop - we have a variety of reusable half-face respirators that we can provide for staff to be tested on. Generally, employers have the respirators on hand that they want staff to be tested on. If someone fails on all available respirators, then we can move on to the respirators we have. We have 3M 6000 series, Maxiguard, Sundstrom SR100s and JSP Force 8 respirators available for testing. There is no cost to borrow our respirators for testing. For healthcare and aged care, we typically test the respirators you have available. If staff fail on those, we can supply 3M 1870 Auras or Trident P2 masks (if these 2 were not available for testing). If we supply disposable N95/P2 masks, there is a charge per box used.

We fit test students and individuals at our Oakleigh and Coburg offices. Appointments can be booked online via the 'Book' link on the menu bar. For group testing, we can typically test at your workplace. Call us to discuss options. 0488 688 454. Please note: In the interest of staff safety, we do not come to residential addresses to fit test. Workplaces and schools only.

For the qualitative method, we follow AS/NZS 1715:2009. For the quantitative method, we follow OSHA's Modified CNC protocol.

Ultimately, the number of masks you decide to have each person tested on is up to you. On testing day, you will need to provide your staff with the respirators they will be tested on. For N95 and P2 masks, it's good to have several brands/sizes available to ensure staff will achieve a fit one at least one of them. For reusable respirators, it's good to have a variety of sizes available to have staff tested on.

Yes, disposable N95 and P2 masks have to be fit tested just like reusable respirators. N95 and P2 masks are considered 'tight-fitting' respirators and must be fit tested. These masks masks are also called filtering facepiece respirators because the entire facepiece is the filter. We use an instrument to insert a probe into the front of N95 and P2 masks so they can be attached to a fit test machine. Interested in getting your N95 or P2 respirators fit tested? Give us a call - 0488 688 454.

Fit testing is just one component of a comprehensive respiratory protection program. If you have employees who are required to wear N95, P2 masks or any type of respirator while performing their duties, you must develop and implement a written respiratory protection program. Programs may vary slightly among organisations, but here are the essential components: -a program administrator -selection of appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) based on contaminants and risk assessments -medical screenings -education and training -issuing of the RPE -fit testing -maintenance (if using reusable RPE), storage and disposal -program evaluation If you need help developing your respiratory protection program, let us know. We have DIY packages and assisted packages to help you get compliant and protect your workers.

Students and individuals can book fit tests right online. Just click on 'Book' from the menu bar at the top of the page. For groups of 5 or more, we may be able to come to your site. Please ring us to discuss options. 0488 688 454

For industry, we believe JSP, 3M, Maxiguard, Sundstrom, and Moldex brands are all solid choices. The type of mask/filters you need will be dependent upon your exposures (particles, gases, vapours, fumes) and the nature of the work. For healthcare/aged care, we recommend 3M 1870+ Aura, Industree Trident P2, 3M 1860 and Cocoon Duckbill. Here are a couple of articles on N95/P2 respirators regarding fit/comfort. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2022/217/2/n95-respirators-quantitative-fit-test-pass-rates-and-usability-and-comfort https://idhjournal.com/article/S2468-0451(21)00096-1/fulltext We do not recommend the BYD DE2322 N95. This mask is notorious for causing brusing and breakdown on the bridge of the nose and under the eye area. It has a low fit test pass rate.

Technically, KN95 (certified in China) masks are supposed to be tight-fitting, negative pressure respirators. However, for a majority of people, respirators with ear loops (which KN95s have), will not achieve an appropriate seal. The Victorian Department of Health, the Health and Safety Executive (UK) and NIOSH (US) do not consider KN95s to be negative pressure respirators. Instead, they can be considered high-filtering face masks. Here is what the Victorian Department of Health notes on their website: Respirators - N95 or P2 mask: These are filtering masks and they provide the best protection when fitted correctly. KN95 mask: These are high filtering masks, but are not as well fitted as a respirator. The ear loops don't achieve a good seal between the mask and the face. For members of the public who wish to have their KN95 masks tested, we can do this. KN95s should not be used where tight-fitting respirators are required in healthcare, aged care or industry.

A mask fit test is a test used to assess the fit a respirator to the wearer's face. Respirators are not one-size-fits-all. And faces come in all different shapes and sizes. There are two primary methods of conducting fit tests : qualitative and quantitative fit testing. Qualitative is a subjective test that uses a flavoured spray and fit testing hood. The gist being that if someone cannot taste the spray while wearing their respirator and doing a series of exercises, the test is a pass. Quantitative testing is an objective test that uses a fit testing machine called a Portcount to calculate a 'fit factor.' If the respirator achieves an adequate fit factor, the test is a pass. Quantitative fit testing is more reliable than the qualitative method, making it the more desirable option for most organisations. Both methods are approved for disposable N95 and P2 masks and reusuable half-face respirators. For full face respirators, only the quantitative fit test method can be used. At Fit Test Victoria, we only use the qualitative method (when requested) for disposable N95/P2 masks. For any type of reusable respirator, we conduct quantitative fit tests. Clinical placement students must get the quantitative fit test in accordance with the Victorian Department of Health guidelines.

We serve all industries, both healthcare and non-healthcare settings, where employees are required (or opt) to wear respirators. We can provide services to: -Construction -Manufacturing -Mining -NBN -Aged care -Clincal placement students -Disability settings -Prisons/police -Dental clinics -GP clinics -Laboratories -Hospitals -Anyone required to wear a respirator mask