Fit2Fit gathers pace at the International Society for Respiratory Protection Autumn
October 27th 2009 Following the launch of the Fit2Fit initiative, designed to improve the understanding of the importance of adequate respiratory protection, the campaign has been gathering pace. The important messages highlighted include not only the need for respiratory protective equipment (RPE) but also the need for correctly selected, sized and well fitted RPE.
David Lummis, BSIF, recently addressed the International Society for Respiratory Protection and gave a presentation at a specialised Fit2Fit workshop. With fellow speaker Mike Clayton of the Health & Safety Laboratory, the importance of the Fit2Fit campaign was highlighted to attendees and the background to why the Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme has been developed was explained.
One of the major reasons that the RPE is ineffective, despite the quality, is that it simply does not fit. Where a faceseal is necessary, an appropriate fit test must be conducted by a competent person. For some time the HSE has been concerned that the competence of fit testers has been inadequate, and research and field reports have strengthened this belief. They therefore approached the BSIF to generate an industry self regulated accreditation scheme.
The HSE explains that “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.” Employers who select these accredited Fit2Fit personnel to fit test their employees will mitigate liability in the event of an incident.
Ultimately, of course, the success of the scheme is reliant upon employers and safety managers ensuring that the RPE they provide fits employees properly. The BSIF hopes that by substantially increasing the level of correctly fitted RPE, the incidence of occupational respiratory disease will be significantly reduced.
More articles from BSIF Enterprise: | 
