Respiratory Qualitative Fit Testing
Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face in order to provide expected protection. This includes filtering facepieces respirators. Therefore, fit testing is required in Malaysia by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job and must be assessed at least annually as highlighted in the Guidelines on The Use of Personal Protective Equipment Against Chemical Hazards, under the Occupational Safety & Health (Use and Standard of Exposure of Chemical Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. In addition, fit tests should be performed:
• Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used.
• When any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work.
Hearing Fit Testing
Hearing protector fit testing is a way to measure the amount of noise reduction, or attenuation, a hearing protector provides while it is being worn by a specific individual. This real-world measurement is referred to as a “Personal Attenuation Rating” or PAR. 3M recommends workers fit test their hearing protectors. So, like respirators, the worker can better understand the level of protection they can achieve with a properly fitted hearing protector using the 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System.
Training Services
No matter how effective a piece of PPE is, it will offer little or no protection if it is not fitted and/or worn correctly. Proper inspection, cleaning and storage is vital for safety equipment that protects a worker’s health and wellbeing. That is why we offer training programs that explain the correct way to fit, inspect, clean and store PPE manufactured by 3M. The programs we offer include:
1. Respiratory Protection
2. Hearing Protection
3. Head, Eye and Face Protection
4. Fall Protection
