Breathe easily - The BSIF focuses on Fit2Fit
October 27th 2009 According to a survey carried out by the HSE, 5.5 million employees in about 220,000 workplaces are potentially at risk of respiratory disease. In addition further research indicates that an estimated 50% of all employees requiring respiratory protection does not achieve the correct level of protection and there has been at least one well documented case of large Blue Chip Company not protecting staff adequately by ensuring they had facefit testing for respirators.
The BSIF wants to see this changed and in cooperation with the HSE, ARCA and other industry stakeholders, has developed a competency scheme – the Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme with the aim of significantly reducing the incidence of occupational respiratory injury by substantially increasing the correct fitting of RPE.
This scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing facepiece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam, demonstrating that they have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and that they know how to fit test in practical circumstances.
David Lummis, BSIF, explained the importance of the scheme: “By creating a nationally recognised accreditation scheme with ‘professional’ standing, employers who select appropriate, accredited Fit2Fit personnel to fit test their employees with respiratory protection will mitigate liability in the event of an incident. Most importantly, of course, it will play a part in reducing respiratory disease in the workplace.”
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