Fit-Testing

Respirator fit-testing that supports compliance and worker safety

Ensuring that respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fits correctly is not just good practice, it's a legal requirement and essential for protecting workers from hazardous airborne contaminants and to demonstrate compliance with workplace safety standards.

RED OHMS Group delivers professional respiratory fit-testing services as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection programme, giving organisations confidence that their RPE performs as intended when it matters most.

Why Fit-Testing Matters

Regulatory and standards compliance: in Australia, fit testing is detailed under AS/NZS 1715:2009 (Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment) and is a core element of any effective respiratory protection program.
Worker health and safety: individual facial features vary significantly, so a respirator that fits one person may not protect another. Fit testing confirms the right model and size for each wearer before entry into hazardous environments.
Documented assurance: fit test results and records provide assurance to employers and safety regulators that RPE has been properly selected and verified.

Our Fit-Testing Services

We provide professional fit-testing services that include:

Quantitative fit-testing: using advanced instruments (e.g., PortaCount) to objectively measure seal effectiveness and fit factor.
Training and competency checks: ensuring workers know how to don, adjust and use their respirators correctly.
Fit test cards and reporting: workers receive fit test records, and detailed reports support compliance and record-keeping.
On-site or in-house testing: flexible delivery options to suit your workforce and operational needs.

Fit testing is recommended before issuing tight-fitting RPE and repeated annually, when changing respirator models, or when a worker’s facial characteristics change (e.g., weight change, facial hair, loss of teeth, etc).

Book a Fit-Test

Ensure your respiratory protection program is effective and compliant

Contact RED OHMS Group to schedule respirator fit-testing for your team.

Book a Fit-Test

FAQs

Fit-testing is a formal assessment that verifies whether a tight-fitting respirator — such as disposable P2/N95 masks, half-face elastomeric masks, or full-face respirators — forms an effective, airtight seal against the wearer’s face. It’s scientifically designed to mirror real workplace conditions by having the wearer perform simple movements and breathing tasks while specialised equipment measures the seal quality.
A proper fit ensures contaminated air cannot leak into the respirator, which could otherwise undermine the protection the respirator is intended to provide.

Any worker required to wear a tight-fitting respirator — such as disposable P2/N95 masks, half-face or full-face respirators — should be fit-tested to ensure the equipment provides effective protection.

Fit-testing must be completed before first use of a respirator and repeated at least every 12 months. Re-testing is also required if the respirator model changes or if there are changes to the wearer’s facial characteristics, such as significant weight change, facial surgery, or scarring.

No, not on the seal-line of the respirator. Tight-fitting respirators must seal directly to the skin. Facial hair that interferes with the sealing surface will compromise protection and invalidate fit-testing results.

Fit-checking is a quick user seal check performed each time a respirator is worn. Fit-testing is a formal assessment that verifies the respirator’s effectiveness for a specific individual and is required as part of a compliant respiratory protection program.

Most fit-tests take approximately 15–20 minutes per person, depending on the respirator type and number of models assessed.

To ensure accurate and compliant respirator fit-testing, a few simple steps are required on the day:

Bring PPE: bring in your normal PPE when wearing RPE so it can be tested when worn all together.
Clean-shaven face: workers must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals to the face. Facial hair in the seal area will prevent effective testing.
Respirator selection: fit-testing is conducted on the specific make, model, and size of respirator used on site. Multiple options can be tested if required.
Brief instruction: each participant will receive a short explanation of the fit-testing process and how to correctly don and adjust their respirator.
Fit-testing procedure: the test involves a series of simple movements and breathing exercises while specialised equipment measures the quality of the respirator seal.
Immediate results: fit-testing results are available immediately, with successful participants issued a fit-test record or card.
Reporting: detailed records are provided to support compliance, record-keeping, and integration into respiratory protection programmes.