The BSIF Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Provider Accreditation Scheme
June 26th 2009 The Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Provider Accreditation Scheme was officially launched at Safety & Health Expo: this works alongside with the Clean Air? Take Care! awareness campaign, organised in conjunction with the HSE.
Both initiatives are designed to improve the understanding of the importance of adequate respiratory protection. This is no small matter as market research has indicated that only an estimated 25% of those facing a respiratory hazard in the workplace have the protection they need. They may have access to respiratory protective equipment (RPE) but incorrectly selected, sized and poorly fitted RPE defeats the object of wearing it.
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 this scheme is reliant upon employers and safety managers ensuring that the RPE they provide fits employees properly. We hope that by substantially increasing the correct fitting of RPE, we can significantly reduce the incidence of occupational respiratory disease.
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