Fit testing of tight-fitting respirators

Breathe safely

On January 1, 2025, the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s more precise rules on fit testing of tight-fitting respirators will come into force. This means that employees’ respirators must be individually tested, and that those who use tight-fitting respirators must undergo a fit test. The rules are part of a major initiative to improve the work environment and workplace safety in Sweden.

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that employees use individually tested respirators, and the purpose is to ensure that the user will not fall ill, be injured or die from inhaling hazardous substances. The purpose is to prevent the user from falling ill, being injured or die by inhaling hazardous substances and particles.

We make it easy to comply with the new rules

To facilitate the transition, we are offering a new service that makes it easy for employers to meet the new requirements. The service means that we have trained, certified employees who can conduct fit tests according to a standardized method, both on site at your company’s premises and in selected Ahlsell stores.

We offer a nationwide solution where fit testing is done using a quantitative testing method (CNP).

The goal is to help our customers find a tight-fitting respirator that is right for them. All faces are different, and respirators come in different models and sizes. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all respirator, as the fit is individual and unique to each user.

Our new fit test service

Helps you comply with the new requirements from January 1, 2025
Ensures that each user has a respirator that fits their face and creates a tight seal.
Can be performed both on site at your company´s premises or in selected Ahlsell stores
The tests are conducted by certified employees in accordance with an international standard.
We help you with the choice of mask and provide information about the correct use of respirators.
Documentation of test results certifying that the respirator has passed the tests.

Tight-fitting respirators that must undergo a fit test

Fit tests must be conducted on all tight-fitting respirators, such as filtering half masks, half masks and full face masks, tight-fitting masks that are fan-assisted or supplied with compressed air, as well as portable compressed air devices (SCBA).

Half Mask

Full Face Mask

Fan-assisted mask or supplied with compressed air, as well as portable compressed air devices (SCBA)

Filtering Half Mask

What our service includes

Professionally conducted fit tests to ensure that respirators create a tight seal against the wearer’s face.
Training and advice on the correct use of respirators, including the selection of the correct mask, model and size.
Documentation showing that requirements are met in accordance with the new rules.

The service initially includes the fitting of half masks and full-face masks. We will soon also be offering a solution for filtering half masks.

Why individual testing and fitting are important

No two faces are the same, and when it comes to respirators, one model does not work for everyone. It is therefore important that each respirator is individually tested. The new rules concerning the fitting of tight-fitting respirators are designed to ensure that respirators create a tight seal. If a respirator does not create a tight seal, contaminated air can find its way between the respirator and the skin, instead of through the filter, resulting in poorer protection.

Clean-shaven skin is required for a respirator to create a tight seal

An uneven surface can create microscopic gaps between the skin and the mask, allowing contaminated air to enter at the sides instead of passing through the filter. The person undergoing the fit test must therefore be completely clean-shaven in the area of the face where the respirator is to create a tight seal. This is important to bear in mind, not only on the day of the fit test, but every single day when a tight-fitting respirator is used at the workplace.

Important to keep in mind!

To be able to undergo the test, the person must not have a beard or stubble.
Any form of facial hair on the sealed area can affect the seal of the respirator and thus compromise the level of protection.

How we test tight-fitting respirators

Our service includes a quantitative fit test (CNP) that produces a numerical result, a so called fit factor. The test uses an instrument that measures leakage around the facial seal using controlled negative pressure. The method is approved in accordance with the international standard ISO 16975-3.

The test is conducted by our employees who have been trained and certified as test supervisors in accordance with the Fit2Fit working method.

When and how often should a fit test be conducted?

A respirator that is currently in use must be tested individually and documented before January 1, 2025.

Fit testing of a respirator must also be conducted when there is a change of:

size
model
brand

Also bear in mind that you need to take a new test in connection with a significant change in weight (± 9 kg), extensive dental work, facial changes such as new scars or moles, facial piercing, or if the respirator feels uncomfortable. The ISO standard also recommends that a new fit test be conducted annually.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority’s regulation AFS 2023:11 states the following:

Section 9 The employer shall ensure that respirators are individually tested. If a tight-fitting respirator is chosen, the employer shall ensure that the tightness is tested individually using an appropriate quantitative or qualitative method, in order to ensure that the respirator has the expected protective effect.

Empty the list

Clear the shopping list

Your purchase list