Mask fit testing service
Heron and Gull provide a qualitative fit testing service (also known as the taste test) for Personal Assistants (PAs), Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), Nurses, and other clinical and care staff to ensure their masks provide a safe fit, as required by law.
What is fit testing?
Face masks are required as part of personal protective equipment worn for clinical tasks where aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) are undertaken (such as cough-assist), to meet infection, prevention, and control guidance. Note: Department of Health and Social Care guidance (2022) declassified non-invasive ventilation as an AGP.
Fit testing ensures the mask is suitable for the individual wearer. It is a legal requirement (INDG 479 and COSHH regulations) that workers using tight fitting respiratory protective equipment (including masks) must be fit tested by a competent person.
What is the qualitative method?
Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail test based on the person’s subjective assessment of leakage through their mask by detecting a bitter or sweet tasting aerosol test agent. A hood is placed over the persons head and then filled with a harmless test substance. If the person can taste the substance while conducting some simple exercises (such as talking or moving their head), the mask doesn’t fit, and the test is a ‘fail’.
Qualitative testing is suitable for disposable and re-usable half masks.
About the test session
Our fixed price session includes up to 8 fit tests.
Each face fit test takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes, and includes the fit test, and training or refresher on how to carry out a fit check (which the individual should conduct each time they apply their mask).
Testing is carried out in your home (e.g. for PHB holder’s PAs), or your workplace (e.g. care/nursing home). Alternatively, an external venue can be arranged at cost price. This may be preferred if staff from different locations/care packages can attend and take advantage of the maximum number of tests included in our fixed price session.
Heron and Gull fit testing is carried out by our Registered Nurse trainers, competent in the qualitative testing method, as required by Health and Safety Executive Guidance.
More information and booking
If you’d like more information, or to book a session, please get in touch.
Call us on 01424 427 430, or email office@heronandgull.co.uk