A correctly fitted respirator is critical when workers are exposed to airborne contaminants such as dust, hazardous particulates, mould, fumes and viruses. Ethos Health conducts gold-standard quantitative fit testing to assess how effectively a respirator seals to an individual’s face and provides confidence that respiratory protection is working as intended.
Ethos Health delivers quantitative respirator fit testing using specialised equipment to measure the seal between a worker’s face and their respirator.
Unlike qualitative testing, quantitative fit testing provides an objective Fit Factor (FF) score by measuring the number of particles inside and outside the respirator. This provides a clear indication of how effectively the respirator is protecting the wearer.
Our testing supports a range of tight-fitting respiratory equipment, including:
A Fit Factor represents how much cleaner the air is inside the respirator compared to the surrounding environment. For example, a Fit Factor of 100 means the air inside the respirator is 100 times cleaner than the air outside.
Pass thresholds include:
If a respirator does not meet the required threshold, we help identify the cause and support the selection of an appropriate make, model, or size.
Our experienced team conducts fit testing using validated quantitative methods to provide reliable, repeatable results.
During testing, workers are assessed while performing a series of movements and breathing exercises designed to replicate workplace conditions. The equipment measures any leakage around the respirator seal and calculates the individual’s Fit Factor.
Where a respirator does not achieve a passing result, we provide guidance on improving fit, including reviewing respirator selection, positioning, and sizing.
A failed fit test is most commonly caused by a break in the seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face.
Common factors that can impact fit include:
Beards, stubble, and facial hair that sits within the sealing area can prevent a respirator from forming an effective seal. Workers should be clean-shaven in the respirator sealing area before testing.
Respirators must be positioned and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Even small changes in placement or strap tension can affect protection.
Weight fluctuations, dental work, or other changes to facial structure can alter how a previously successful respirator fit performs over time.
Many facial hairstyles are incompatible with effective respiratory protection. A walrus is fine but mutton chops are a no-go!
Respirator fit testing confirms whether a tight-fitting respirator creates an effective seal against an individual worker’s face. It ensures the respirator can provide the intended level of protection.
Quantitative fit testing uses specialised equipment to measure particle leakage and calculate a Fit Factor score. This provides an objective assessment of respirator performance.
Fit testing should be completed before a worker uses a tight-fitting respirator and whenever there are changes that may affect the seal, such as changing respirator type, significant weight change, or facial changes.
Yes. A poor result may indicate that a different respirator model, brand, or size is required to achieve an effective seal.
Facial hair that interferes with the respirator sealing surface can prevent a valid fit. Workers should follow workplace requirements and manufacturer guidance regarding facial hair.
