To ensure all personnel required to wear tight-fitting RPE have their masks correctly tested and can:
• Understand the importance of a proper fit
• Recognise the limitations of RPE
• Comply with UK legislation and HSE requirements
• Confidently wear, check, and maintain their equipment
By the end of the training and testing, participants will be able to:
• Understand why face fit testing is essential for RPE effectiveness
• Demonstrate how to correctly don and check RPE
• Identify when a retest or equipment replacement is required
• Comply with legal duties and HSE guidance on RPE use
• Ensure ongoing protection for themselves and their colleagues
• Anyone required to wear tight-fitting RPE in the workplace
• Employers and managers responsible for workforce safety
• Contractors or tradespeople working in dusty, fume, or hazardous environments
Theory Training:
1. Legal requirements under COSHH, CLAW, and HSG53
2. HSE guidance on RPE selection and fit testing (INDG479)
3. Types of RPE and their applications
4. Common causes of poor fit and how to avoid them
5. User seal checks and daily inspections
6. Storage, cleaning, and maintenance of RPE
7. Responsibilities of employers and employees
Practical Training:
1. Fit testing using qualitative methods
2. Step-by-step guidance on correctly fitting RPE
3. User seal check demonstration and practice
4. Identification of poor fits and troubleshooting
5. Recording and documenting fit test results
• Each participant undergoes a full face fit test using approved HSE methods
• Instruction is provided before and during the test to ensure full understanding
• Successful participants receive a Face Fit Test Certificate detailing the RPE model tested and results
• Certificates are valid for up to 2 years, or sooner if facial features or equipment change
Health & Safety and Fire Safety
Consultancy and Training
