RPE Fit Test Providers Training Course Approval Scheme
Training course approval checklist
Training Provider:
Course Content:Qual / Quant / N95
Course Title / Reference:
Assessed by:
Date of Assessment:
Review Date:
Notes: The task of the assessor is to review training course material and instructional staff
guidance notes to confirm that the training course content meets and exceeds the minimum
requirements of the Fit2Fit scheme. The aim of the training course assessment is to ensure
the course contains sufficient content to potentially train RPE fit testers to a competent
level. The material is to be assessed against those topics identified by Fit2fit (using the
Fit2Fit syllabus as the benchmark) and should adequately cover each topic to ensure
sufficient knowledge and practical experience is delivered to the course candidates. Both
theoretical (i.e. lectures and notes) and practical sessions must be assessed as, at a
minimum, adequate.
The assessor will grade each section of the training to ensure it meets minimum
requirements. The grading will use a traffic light system. Green for adequately covered,
amber for covered, but may need additional material, red for inadequately covered. If the
training material is scored as a marginal (amber) in any area, then the assessor must
decide if the overall result meets the standard required. Red marks equate to fail. .
Marginal marks should only be used where the training material includes a particular topic
but in the judgment of the assessor is deemed to be lacking in sufficient detail, clarity or is
delivered in a way which may cause confusion to trainees.
It is not the assessor’s role to correct the training content. However where a failure occurs,
the assessor should indicate in which areas improvement is required.
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Major
Marginal
Classification
PASS
Training topic
Comments
PASS - Fully covered
Marginal – Partially covered
Major – Not covered
1. General understanding of RPD use in workplace - Potential hazards
Oxygen deficiency
Particulates – different types
Gases and vapours
1.1 Implementing RPD use in the workplace - CE marking
What it means – legal requirement
Example including 4 digit number
1.1 Implementing RPD use in the workplace - selection
1.1 Implementing RPD use in the workplace - use
Storage – purpose
Storage – management responsibility
Use – wearer training
Use – management and supervision
Maintenance – purpose
Maintenance – competent person
Maintenance – records
Maintenance – manufacturer’s instruction
1.2 Protection factors
Fit factor - explained
APF - explained
NPF - explained
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1.3 Types and classes
Filters – 2 groups
Filters – importance of correct selection
Respirators – what they are
Respirators – limitations
Negative pressure – how they work - tight
fitting
Negative pressure – limitations
Powered/assisted - how they work -tight
fitting
Power assisted - limitations
Airfed devices – how they work
Fresh air hose – tight fitting?
SCBA Tight fitting
Practical demonstrations - examples
available
1.4 Assembly, Inspection, maintenance prior to fit testing
(no FFM for Qualitative training only)
Facepiece components and their function
Filter(s)
Why inspect?- potential hazards to fit
tester and wearer
Why inspect?- false result particles inside
Why inspect?- leakage into facepiece
What? components
For? present
For? correct
For? damage/deterioration
For? contamination
Facepiece identification - markings, sizes
Demonstration session faults
Practical session fault finding
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1.5 Donning & wearer related factors
(no FFM for Qualitative training only)
Ref Manufacturer’s instructions
Generic rules for donning - positioning
Generic rules for donning - straps
Generic rules for donning – nose piece
Generic rules for donning - demo
Generic rules for donning – practical
session
Wearer factors – hair facial and long
Wearer factors – specs & other PPE
Fit-checking - why
Fit-checking – how - different methods demo
Fit-checking – practical session
Visual inspection - why
Visual inspection - how demo
Visual inspection – practical session
3 types of facepiece covered in above
Action where fault found
2.1 Required Legal Knowledge and Understanding
Where to find relevant regulations and
ACOPs
Understands the standing of an ACOP
Where to find guidance on RPE use
Where to find guidance on fit testing
2.2 Purpose of fit testing
Demonstration of suitability
Limitations
Applicability – facepiece type
Applicability – situations e.g. comfort
Applicability – repeat needed - ACOP
Applicability – repeat needed - other
Decline – facial hair
Decline – smoking (eating and drinking)
clearly inadequate RPE
Decline – heavy cold
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3.1 Fit test methods
Principles of Qual. - 2 part Why?
Qual test agents
Qual. limitations on facepiece type
Principles of Quant.
Quant. Outline of methods
Quant. Limitations on facepiece type
N 95 companion why and when
Pros and cons – taste sensitivity
Pros and cons – ease of training in
correct donning
Pros and cons – result decided by test
subject v independent measurement
Pros and cons – wearer generated
particles
Pros and cons – sufficient ambient
particle count
Pros and cons – room environment
Illustrations of examples of equipment
3.2 Fit test exercises and activities
Purpose of exercises (7)
What they are
How they should be conducted action
How they should be conducted pace
Purpose of activity cycling, stepping etc
How activity should be conducted
Practical demonstration of exercises
Precautions – wearer safety
Precautions – wearer physical ability and
coordination
Recording deviations from protocol
3.3 Information for and requirements of the wearer
What the wearer will need to know and
when
Explaining the test purpose
Explaining possibility of a test fail and
solutions
Explaining the test protocol
Explaining what wearer needs to do at
the end of the test and why
Wearer requirements - facial hair
Wearer requirements - smoking
Wearer requirements - eating and
drinking
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3.4 Considerations for the employer prior to fit testing
Information conveyed to the wearer - 3.3
Wearer and task specific needs - specs
PPE, appropriate filter(s)
Suitable room – space and furniture
Suitable room – air quality
Declaration that wearer is medically fit
3.5 Examination of facepieces for adequate condition for fit testing
See section 1.4
3.6 Record keeping
Why
What needs to be recorded
Who needs to have records
How long to keep records
3.7 Preparing the wearer immediately before the test
Explain the purpose of the test - briefly
Explain how the test works - briefly
Explain what the wearer needs to do and
how to do it
Restriction on talking
Check - Facial hair
Check - smoking
Check - eating and drinking
Agree means of communication with
wearer
Explain what to do at end of test
3.8 Post-test requirements - equipment
Clean and disinfect facepiece and fit test
equipment
Return facepiece to usable condition
Debrief wearer
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3.9 Diagnosing reasons for failures
Visual Examination of fit – changes
during test
Corrective actions before re - testing
Diagnostic checks on equipment
Visual checks on facepiece
3.10 Interpretation of results
Pass/fail criteria
4.1 Qualitative Fit Testing
4.1.1 Knowledge of test basis and equipment required
Aerosol mist taste test
Purpose of hood
Difference between sensitivity solution
and fit test solution
Purpose of sensitivity soln
Purpose of fit test soln
Types of facepiece it may be used with
Why these facepieces – equivalent fit
factor
OSHA standard kit – basis for test
method
Additional equipment – timing
Additional equipment – record keeping
4.1.2 Environmental Requirements
Ventilation requirements
Reasons
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4.1.3 How to Prepare the equipment
Hood purpose and use
Nebulisers – how they work
Nebulisers - applying solution
Nebulisers - applying solution demo
Nebulisers - applying solution practical
session
Nebulisers – importance of labelling
Nebulisers – checking function
Nebulisers – checking function demo
Nebulisers - checking function practical
session
Nebulisers - correct use during tests
Nebulisers - correct use during tests
demo
Nebulisers – correct use during tests
practical session
Nebulisers – resolving function problems
demo
Nebulisers – resolving function problems
practical
Nebulisers – care of
Facepiece – checks see section 1.5
4.1.4 Sensitivity test
Brief wearer – taste test mouth open
tongue forward breathe through mouth
Application of sensitivity solution – how?
Application of sensitivity solution – how
much?
Constant engagement with nebuliser
function – sound
Constant engagement with nebuliser
function - visible droplets/mist
Brief wearer – taste test mouth open
tongue forward
Application of sensitivity solution – how?
Application of sensitivity solution – how
much?
Constant engagement with nebuliser
function – sound
Constant engagement with nebuliser
function - visible droplets/mist
End of test
Nil taste
Test result and significance
Need to clear taste in mouth – why?
Need to clear taste in mouth – how?
Deposition of aerosol on lips –
significance
Deposition of aerosol on lips – action
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4.1.5 Fit test
Ensure sensitivity taste has cleared, how
long?
Remind wearer of exercises and safety
Remind wearer of restriction on talking
Remind wearer of taste test - mouth
open…breathe through mouth
Explain what to do if wearer can taste the
test agent
Observe donning, giving instruction
Inspect fit
- settling and comfort time
Use of sensitivity test result
Application of fit test aerosol
Constant engagement with aerosol
generation
Timings of aerosol application
Continuity of aerosol application
throughout test
Continuity of exercises
Time for each exercise
Total time for test
Correct exercise action and pace
End of test pass – reassurance of correct
result - check nebuliser function
End of test pass – reassurance of correct
result - reveal test option
Ensure sensitivity taste has cleared, how
long?
Remind wearer of exercises and safety
Remind wearer of restriction on talking
Remind wearer of taste test - mouth
open… breathe through mouth
Explain what to do if wearer can taste the
test agent
Observe donning, giving instruction
Inspect fit
- settling and comfort time
Use of sensitivity test result
Application of fit test aerosol
Constant engagement with aerosol
generation
Timings of aerosol application
Continuity of aerosol application
throughout test
Continuity of exercises
Time for each exercise
Total time for test
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4.1.5 Fit test (continued)
Correct exercise action and pace
End of test pass – reassurance of correct
result - check nebuliser function
End of test pass – reassurance of correct
result - reveal test option
Explain meaning of result to wearer
End of test fail – inspect fit
What to do with spare solution in
nebuliser
Cleaning - nebulisers
Cleaning - hood
Communicating the result
4.1.6 Troubleshooting
Nil response sensitivity test
Reasons for fails – poor donning,
Reasons for fails – facepiece faults
When to re test
Test equipment problems
Communicating result to wearer and
employer
Conducting further fit tests on the same
wearer – need to repeat sensitivity test
4.1.7 Interpretation of fit test results
Confirming a positive result
Slight taste of test agent Definite taste –
always assume a negative result is true
unless proved otherwise
Definite taste – possible causes
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4.2 Portacount Fit testing
4.2.1 Knowledge of the Portacount
Function – ambient particle counter
Need for IPA & purity
Function – compares particle numbers
from inside and outside facepiece
Limitations of use – ambient particle
operating range identified
Modes of operation – usually controlled
by computer software
Modes of operation – also stand alone
4.2.2 Set-up the Portacount plus ready for use
Connect and switch on demo
Daily checks – purpose ambient count
– purpose zero check
Failed zero check - actions
Particulate environment needed
-Min ambient p/cc disposable
-Min ambient p/cc half mask
-Min ambient p/cc full facemask
Why we need these levels
Max p/cc co-incidence
Effect of AC on particle levels
Effect of room size on particle levels
Increasing particle conc. pros and cons
- opening windows
- candles
- particle generator
Using the software
Entering details demo
Pass criteria inc N95 companion
Selecting and checking protocol timings
demo
demo User preferences – stop at fail
- flag up >100,000
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4.2.3 Prepare an RPD for fit testing using an adaptor
Pre-use check of facepiece
- Actions if fails
Correct positioning of sample tube
termination
Why this is important
Potential consequences of poor sample
tube termination
Use of disposable ports for FFP
Demo examples of application of
disposable ports
Types of fit test adaptors for reusable
facepieces
Precautions with sample tubing
extensions – what?
Precautions with sample tubing
extensions – why?
Use of fit test adaptors at least 3
examples for demo
Applying a fit test adaptor - demo
Applying a fit test adaptor - practical
exercise
Common errors using fit test adaptors
- examples demo
- no tubing extension into mask
- Sample tube termination on inside of
visor
- sample tube termination not far enough
into inner mask/half mask
- sample tube twisted/ blocked/ detached
Common errors using fit test adaptors
- consequences fit factor
Common errors using fit test adaptors
- consequences pass/fail
Common errors using fit test adaptors
- consequences health of wearer
Correct filter selection – P3 why?
Correct filter selection – considering
intended RPE use
Fit2Fit Training Course Assessment Form
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4.2.4 Conduct a Portacount 282/28 fit test demo
Remind/Brief wearer - process
-exercise physical workload
- exercises (–no talking)
- safety
- communication
- correct facepiece
- correct filter
- correct PPE/ specs
- check clean shaven
- check smoking restriction eating
drinking
- instruction for end of test
Observation of donning facepiece and
PPE
- and fit check
- settling and comfort time
Conduct a fit test
- control wearer exercise conduct – no
talking
-correct pace & action
-correct activity
- observe real time test counts
- note any issues e.g. coughing
- ending test - pass all exercises
- ending test - fail actions
- ending test – explaining the pass result
- caution with conveying FF measured
- ending test – explaining the fail result
and actions
4.2.5 Post fit test requirements
Returning RPE to usable condition
- clean and disinfect
- remove adaptor and replace valves etc
Care of Portacount – HEPA filter
Shut down Care of Portacount – remove
wick to prevent flooding
Sample tube moisture management
4.2.6 Care and maintenance of Portacount
Annual calibration for valid fit tests
- manual gives some advice e.g.
changing wick
- other servicing requires return to TSI
Fit2Fit Training Course Assessment Form
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4.2.7 Troubleshooting
Investigating failures - Inspect fit
- Check facepiece
- check equipment
Use of real-time function –donning
problems
Insufficient ambient particle count
alcohol warning low or flooded
Wearer generated particles
4.2.8 Interpretation of Results
Very high fit factors may indicate a
problem with facepiece sample collection
Consequences - false passes especially
with same set-up where results are
‘typical’ – risk to health
Reasons – poor sample tube positioning
twisted or detached tubing inside adaptor
- tube blocked against wearer’s face
Open facepiece check of sample tubing
connection
Wearer generated particles
Condensation in sample tubing
Fit2Fit Training Course Assessment Form
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4.3 Portacount with N95 companion Fit testing
Function of N95 comp tech
Why N95 comp tech
When to use N95 comp tech
Effect on ambient particle count
measured
4.3.1 Set-up the Portacount with N95 companion technology
Either: Demo connection to the
Portacount 8020
Or: Switching on the N95 with the
Portacount 8038
Daily checks
- Ambient particle concentration needed
- increasing the Ambient particle
Increased sample path length
- increased Software timings purge time
- increased individual exercise time
- increased overall test time
- maximum fit factor limited
4.3.2 Conduct a fit test using Portacount with N95 companion technology
Supporting the pendant and sample lines
- more weight on less substantial FFP1
and FFP2
- significance
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Notes & Additional Items of Interest:
Overall Result & Comments
Pass
Assessor……………………………………
Fit2Fit Training Course Assessment Form
Fail
Comment
Date……………………
3-14-4
Fit2Fit Training Course approval
Observations
Observations & Comments from the Assessment
Observations
Actions
Assessors Signature…………………
Assessors Name (Print)……………
Training Company Name (Print)………………………
Date………………………………….
Fit2Fit Training Course Assessment Form
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Additional Comments
Fit2Fit Training Course Assessment Form
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