Mask Fit Testing | ABL Distribution
Conducting Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing in accordance with AS/NZS 1715:2009 since 2019.
What ABL Offer:
ABL conducts Quantitative Respiratory Fit Testing in accordance with the OSHA FAST protocol & in accordance with AS/NZS 1715:2009 'Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment' Standard.At ABL we offer in-house fit testing at our Gold Coast based office as well as onsite testing* (*minimum 3 tests) throughout SE QLD on Monday's, Wednesday's & Fridays.
You can book your in-house face fit test between 8am & 3pm Monday-Friday at our Arundel based office (allow 20 minutes for your appointment).
Onsite testing* at your location (SE QLD Only) can be conducted at a time that best suits you between 8:00am & 2:30pm (allow 10-20 minutes per person to be tested).
With our wide range of RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) and our extensive knowledge ABL can also assist with any product questions you may have. ABL offer a wide range of Respiratory Protection Equipment including popular brands such as 3M, Sundstrom, CleanSpace & more!
Note - ABL is limited to the brands of masks we can test. Please contact our office to confirm we are able to conduct testing prior to making a booking.
What's Included?
In accordance with Australian Standards, ABL Distribution supply the below for each test conducted:- Fit Test Card - A credit card style card which displays their fit test status & details. Suitable for presentation to WH&S officers, site managers etc.
- Note - ABL can replace lost Fit Test Cards for $18 + GST.
- Detailed Fit Test Report - A PDF report is emailed to you after your test has been conducted. This Fit Test Report includes your fit test results & other detailed information.
- Note - ABL can supply lost Fit Test reports via email free of charge
- If required ABL can supply Calibration & Validation Certificates for our equipment. Please request at time of booking if you require such information.
How To Book Your Quantitative Respiratory Fit Test:
It's easy! You can book Online or contact our office on (07) 5618 5100 for our current availabilities & to secure your booking. Please note bookings are essential for ALL tests.
Pricing:
- Quantitative Respiratory Fit Test At ABL Distribution:
- $69.95 + GST*
- Onsite Quantitative Respiratory Fit Test:
- $100 + GST* (3 Tests)
- $79.50 + GST* (4-6 Tests)
- $68.95 + GST* (7+ Tests)
- $1,625 + GST (Day Rate**)
*Pricing is per person per test. T's & C's apply (see below)
**ABL can conduct 25 tests at your location per day. For your convenience we have a 'Day Rate' charge which is applied to full day bookings of 25 tests.
At The Time Of Booking Please Have The Below Information Available:
- Company Name (if applicable)
- Contact Name, Number & Email Address
- Preferred Date & Time of test
- First & Last Name (with correct spelling) of all persons to be tested
- Brand & Information of the respirator which requires fit testing.
- Example: 3M 6000 Series Half Face, Sundstrom SR100 Half Face etc.
- Are you required to purchase a respirator from ABL? If YES, please ensure you are aware of the protection you require.
- If ABL is coming to your location - Is there an enclosed room with access to power available?
- Payment Details - ABL requires full payment of all Respiratory Fit Tests prior to your booking being confirmed.
Useful Information For You To Know Prior To Your Appointment:
- Persons MUST be clean shaven for ABL to conduct fit testing.
- ABL WILL NOT test any person that has stubble, or facial hair that interferes with the respirator seal.
- ABL reserve the right to refuse service to persons who attend their appointment with stubble/facial hair.
- If deemed unacceptable for testing the person will be required to purchase a shaving kit for $15 + GST or alternatively cancel the appointment. Please note refunds are not provided for persons who refuse to shave at the time of testing.
- No smoking permitted 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. Smoke particles can cause inaccurate results.
- Ensure all persons are medically fit to perform the test.
- If purchasing a respirator from ABL please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time.
- If bring your own respirator please ensure it is clean & in workable condition.
- If at time of testing ABL deems the mask not in workable condition attendee will be required to purchase a replacement or alternatively cancel the appointment. Please note refunds are not provided for persons who arrive with an unacceptable respirator and do not wish to purchase a replacement.
- ABL is limited to the brands of masks we can test. Please contact our office to confirm we are able to conduct testing prior to making a booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Respirator Fit Test is used to determine the effectiveness of the seal between a person's face and the respirator.
All fit testing is conducted on fully calibrated and validated machines (Portacount or Accufit). These machines once connected to your face mask sample the air inside & outside of the respirator to provide an Overall Fit Factor.
Half Face Respirators require an Overall FF of minimum 100
Full Face Respirators required an Overall FF of minimum 1000.
Note - If being tested on a disposable mask ABL is required to secure a 'punch adaptor' to the mask. This compromises the mask and it is no longer able to be used.
Note - If being tested on a PAPR unit (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) such as CleanSpace or Shigematsu the power unit must be turned off throughout the duration of the test
All fit testing is conducted on fully calibrated and validated machines (Portacount or Accufit). These machines once connected to your face mask sample the air inside & outside of the respirator to provide an Overall Fit Factor.
Note - If being tested on a disposable mask ABL is required to secure a 'punch adaptor' to the mask. This compromises the mask and it is no longer able to be used.
Note - If being tested on a PAPR unit (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) such as CleanSpace or Shigematsu the power unit must be turned off throughout the duration of the test
Per Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 'Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator will stop it sealing properly. Fit-testing must be carried out on persons who are cleanshaven or have no hair between their face and the fitting surfaces of the respirator face piece.'
ABL allows 20 minutes for each appointment.
The actual testing time is approximately 3 minutes.
The actual testing time is approximately 3 minutes.
ABL Distribution can perform Quantitative Fit Test on a range of mask brands, models & sizes including:
3M 6000 Series
3M 7000 Series
3M 6500 Series
3M Secure Click
Sundstrom
CleanSpace (Please ensure your unit includes a head harness)
Aviva
Scott Safety Promask (SC160)
ProChoice (Please ensure you have P3 filters available for the test - ABL does not stock this brand and is unable to provide filters)
STS (Shigematsu) PAPR & Non-PAPR (Please ensure you have P3 filters available for the test - ABL may not be able to provide filters)
Maxisafe (Please ensure you have P3 filters available for the test - ABL does not stock this brand and is unable to provide filters)
Moldex 7000 & 9000 Series (Please ensure you have P3 filters available for the test - ABL does not stock this brand and is unable to provide filters)
All P2/N95 Disposables
Note - ABL is limited to the brands of masks we can test. Please contact our office to confirm we are able to conduct testing prior to making a booking.
If unsure of any of the above please feel free to contact our office on (07) 5618 5100 and we can help with any questions you may have.
Note - ABL is limited to the brands of masks we can test. Please contact our office to confirm we are able to conduct testing prior to making a booking.
If unsure of any of the above please feel free to contact our office on (07) 5618 5100 and we can help with any questions you may have.
- This email will include your appointment details, our T's & C's & other helpful information. Behind the scenes ABL will arrange any equipment purchased at time of booking*
- This phone call will confirm all important information in relation to your appointment and allows you to cancel free of charge (if required).
Note - For bookings made online you will be contacted requesting payment to confirm your appointment. Until payment has been received your booking is not finalised & is available to others.
Prior to starting the test, you will receive a brief of what is involved during the testing and why it is important to carry out.
Our fit tester will ask you to present the respirator you will be using (alternatively we have a selection of respirators you can choose from / purchase on the day).
We will show you how to correctly apply the face mask, and then ask you to demonstrate this back to us.
Once the test begins you will carry out the following exercises:Bending Over (60 seconds)
Jogging On The Spot (30 seconds) OR Talking (30 seconds) - Depending on your face mask
Head Side To Side (30 seconds)
Head Up and Down (30 Seconds)
Standing Still (15 Seconds)
Our fit tester will ask you to present the respirator you will be using (alternatively we have a selection of respirators you can choose from / purchase on the day).
We will show you how to correctly apply the face mask, and then ask you to demonstrate this back to us.
Once the test begins you will carry out the following exercises:
Fit testing is typically required for individuals who are mandated to wear respirators in their workplace or industry, such as healthcare workers, industrial workers, construction workers, and emergency responders.
Fit testing should be conducted initially when a person is first issued a respirator and then annually.
In addition to this, fit tests need to be updated if/when:The wearer changes the size or style of the respirator used
If there are any changes to the wearer's face such as weight fluctuation, plastic surgery or dental work.
In addition to this, fit tests need to be updated if/when:
A 'PASS' is not guaranteed due to a range of different factors.
In the event you fail your fit test, ABL's fit tester will look at alternative RPE options and work with you to find a solution.
In the event you fail your fit test, ABL's fit tester will look at alternative RPE options and work with you to find a solution.
No. A fit test is only valid for the mask Band, Model & Size the person is tested on.
Persons need to be tested on the mask in which they will be wearing.
ABL can only perform tests on your mask. Whether you bring your own or you're needing to purchase one from ABL.
Our fit testers will not perform a test on a mask you do not own or purchase.
Persons need to be tested on the mask in which they will be wearing.
ABL can only perform tests on your mask. Whether you bring your own or you're needing to purchase one from ABL.
Our fit testers will not perform a test on a mask you do not own or purchase.
Terms & Conditions:
- A 'Pass' is NOT guaranteed.
- ABL allows 20 minutes per test. If the test goes outside of this 20 minutes (at no fault of ABL’s) another booking fee will be charged.
- If we need to change the model of the mask you bought with you in order to achieve a pass another booking fee will be charged
- The attendee MUST be clean shaven
- ABL WILL NOT test any person that has stubble, or facial hair that interferes with the respirator seal.
- ABL reserve the right to refuse service to persons who attend their appointment with stubble/facial hair.
- If deemed unacceptable for testing the person will be required to purchase a shaving kit for $15 + GST or alternatively cancel the appointment. Please note refunds are not provided for persons who refuse to shave at the time of testing.
- Attendee cannot be wearing makeup
- Each appointment is for a single respirator.
- If you require testing on multiple respirators you will be required to book and pay for multiple appointments
- If you would like to purchase a respirator with us on the day please arrive 10 minutes prior to the appointment time.
- ABL has a 24 hour cancellation period.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment time will not be refunded. (Excludes cancellations relating to COVID - See further details below)
- If you do not attend your appointment without notifying us you will not receive a refund.
COVID Terms & Conditions:
- Attendee will be asked at time of booking if they have had COVID or flu like symptoms in the past 14 days.
- If YES we are unable to accept your booking - Bookings will need to be made at a later date once the attendee has been symptom free for 14 days.
- If attendee contracts COVID or flu like symptoms after making their booking, attendee will be required to notify ABL either via phone (07) 5618 5100 or via email to fittest@abldistribution.com.au.
- If ABL is not notified attendee will not be refunded for cost of test.
- ABL reserve the right to refuse to test an attendee who shows signs of COVID or flu like symptoms at time of test
- Attendee will not be refunded for cost of test.
Useful Links:
- Facial Hair Infographic
- 3M 7500 Series Half Face Fit Poster
- 3M 6000 Series Half Face Fit Poster
- How Long Does A Filter Last?
- Fit Testing Requirements For Tight Fitting Respirators
- Workplace Hazards and the Hierarchy of Controls
- Are You Wearing Your Disposable Respirator Correctly?
- OSHA 1910.134
- Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022
- Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in the stone benchtop industry Code of Practice 2019
