What Is RPE? Face Fit Testing and Train the Tester Courses in Scotland
If you work in construction, engineering or another environment where dust, fumes or harmful substances may be present, you have probably heard the term RPE. However, understanding what it means and knowing whether your mask is giving you the right level of protection can sometimes feel less straightforward.
RPE stands for Respiratory Protective Equipment. It covers a range of masks and respirators designed to reduce the amount of harmful material a person breathes in while at work.
At ACT, we help businesses and workers understand these requirements through practical Face Fit Testing and Train the Tester courses. Based in Dingwall, we support customers across Inverness, Fort William, the Highlands and throughout Scotland.
What is RPE used for?
RPE may be needed where workers could breathe in dust, fumes, gases or vapours. It is used across a wide range of industries in Scotland including construction, engineering, manufacturing, utilities and agriculture. It is important to note that different tasks require different types of protection and these differences are crucial.
Why does a face mask need to be tested?
A tight-fitting mask relies on a good seal around the wearer’s face, if there are gaps, contaminated air may pass around the edges rather than through the filter. Everyone is different, people have different face shapes and sizes and this means that one make or model of mask will not necessarily fit everyone.
A face fit test checks whether the selected mask creates a suitable seal for that individual. The wearer should then continue to use the same make, model, type and size of mask that passed the test. Facial hair can also affect the result. Anyone wearing tight-fitting RPE should be clean shaven in the area where the mask meets the face.
Get your FFP3 mask tested by ACT
ACT provides FFP3 Face Fit Testing for individual mask wearers in Dingwall and at customer locations all across Scotland.
The test takes around 20 minutes and checks whether the mask provides a suitable fit for the wearer. It also covers mask suitability, how to put the mask on correctly and the purpose of different mask types.
Candidates should bring the mask they normally wear. ACT can also provide masks when requested. Before attending, candidates should not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum for at least 30 minutes. They must also be clean shaven around the sealing area of the mask.
Become a face fit tester for your organisation
Some employers prefer to have a trained member of staff who can carry out qualitative face fit testing within the business, are you up for it? ACT’s Face Fit Train the Tester course is a half-day programme for employers, supervisors and safety representatives. It teaches delegates how to prepare for a qualitative test, use the correct equipment and record the results.
Having someone trained within the organisation can make it easier to arrange testing for staff. It can also help the business manage changes in masks, workers or job roles.
Book Now
If either these courses are what you're looking for, you can view our Upcoming Training or, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the details below:
Email us: alasdair@actsafe.uk
Phone us: 01349 793088