Essential Site Skills are delighted to now be delivering NPORS Face Fit Train the Tester for Construction. Let's take a look at what makes this train the tester course perfect for construction workers.

What is face fit testing?

Face fit testing is the process used to check whether face masks are offering the necessary protection for wearers. These tests are crucial to protecting the health of anyone who may come into contact with harmful airborne hazards in their job roles. This could include anything from dusts, gases, particles and pollutants.  

The fundamental purpose of this testing is to ensure the mask’s seal is complete around the wearer’s face, ensuring there are no gaps for airborne hazards to get in. If they do, then the mask is not performing it’s job correctly and risks causing huge harm to the worker.

What is train the tester?

To conduct face fit testing, you need to have completed the necessary training. This is where Face Fit Train the Tester comes into play. Train the Tester will provide learners with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to conduct face fit testing on their colleagues. It will mean that they can become a designated fit tester for their business.

What is NPORS?

NPORS stands for the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme. They are one of the UK’s leading bodies for construction and building training. Having NPORS accredited certification lets your employers know that you are competent in your role and understand your health and safety obligations on site.

Who is NPORS Face Fit Train the Tester for?

The NPORS Face Fit Train the Tester course is perfect for anyone who has responsibility for providing and checking the provision of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) to workers on site. It will provide learners with a full breakdown of how to perform qualitative face fit tests.

ESS are the only provider of the NPORS Face Fit Train the Tester for Construction course. This training has been specifically designed and accredited by NPORS to meet the needs of construction workers, and protect them from the hazards they are likely to face in their line of work. This allows training to be geared towards the learner’s occupation, making it more relevant to the issues they may face on site.

Some of the knowledge and skills provided on this course include:

• Risk assessing the suitability and adequacy of RPE
• Health hazards within the construction sector
• Managerial and supervisory considerations in regard to RPE and testing
• Comprehensive understanding across all relevant legal regulations and associated guidance including COSHH, CAR, L5 ACOP, HSG53, INDG 479

The one-day course will culminate with learners being asked to complete a 25-question theory exam and complete a practical demonstration of a face fit test. The learning is fully compliant with HSE guidance and legislation including INDG479. It is also delivered by Fit2Fit accredited-trainers, ensuring that learners have the most informed training possible. You can find out more about Fit2Fit in our blog “Fit2Fit: Face Fit Testing & Training with ESS”.

What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative testing?

Fit testing is usually broken down into 2 types; qualitative and quantitative. While both are used to check that tight-fitting mask seals are offering the level of protection the wearer needs, they do so using different methods.

Qualitative testing uses something known as a ‘taste test’. This is where a sweet or bitter solution is sprayed around the mask to see if the user can begin to taste it. If they can, the mask seal has failed as particles have made it to the user’s respiratory system.

Quantitative testing uses face fit machines to record a numerical measure of how many particles have made it into the wearer’s breathing area. From this measurement, a ‘fit factor’ can be worked out to establish how much protection is being afforded to the wearer.

While both methods can be used for tight fitting half-face masks, only the quantitative method can be used for full-face masks. NPORS Face Fit Train the Tester for Construction uses the qualitative approach. Find out more about each method by reading our dedicated blogs on each:

• ESS Guide to Qualitative Face Fit Testing
• ESS Guide to Quantitative Face Fit Testing

Is face fit testing a legal requirement?

Face fit testing is a legal requirement to ensure RPE is providing adequate protection for the wearer. Each mask used by the wearer should be tested upon initial use, as well as if they have undergone any physical changes that may have affected the seal of the mask. This could include major weight change or facial surgery.

How long does a face fit certificate last?

Upon completion, learners will receive an accredited and endorsed Face Fit Train the Tester for Construction – Qualitative (P057) NPORS card, valid for 3 years. Once registered, you or your employers can use the NPORS card checker to demonstrate and validate awarded qualifications. You can also speak to the organisation by using the NPORS contact number 01606 351240.

Face fit testing near me

In addition to the NPORS Face Fit Train the Tester course, we provide a range of face fit testing services and train the tester courses all over the UK. These include:

• Face Fit Train the Tester
• Face Fit Train the Tester - Fit2Fit Approved Course (Qualitative)
• Face Fit Testing (Qualitative)
• Face Fit Testing (Quantitative)

For any further enquiries you can call our brilliant training team on 0115 8970 529. You can also email us on [email protected].