Launch of accreditation scheme for respiratory protection fit-testers
June 25th 2009 Developed with the assistance of the HSE, the RPE Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme was launched by the BSIF at the recent Safety Expo. Based on research evidence, 50% of the respiratory equipment in use is not offering adequate protection and there is a strong indication that the major problem relates to inadequate fit-testing.
This new scheme will check the knowledge of fit-testers through a multi-choice examination which will provide an entry qualification to a physical inspection of competence to achieve accreditation. These inspections will need to take place every three years to ensure that the competence of the fit-tester is current. An HSE statement appearing on all literature states "In preparing the Fit2Fit RPE fit testers accreditation scheme, BSIF and other industry stakeholders have worked closely with HSE experts.
Following this scheme is not compulsory and employers are free to take other action to comply with the law. But if you follow this scheme, you will be doing enough to demonstrate good practice" More articles from BSIF Enterprise: | 
