Episode 23: Respiratory Fit Testing

In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss respiratory fit testing. AS/NZS 1715:2009 - Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protection, states that: “Employers shall ensure a suitable fit test is carried out for all users of Respiratory Protective Equipment with a close fitting face piece at least annually or whenever there is a change in the wearer’s facial characteristics.” What exactly is facial fit testing and why is it so important for workers wearing a respirator to be fit tested?