Respirator Fit Testing in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Bay of Plenty
Ensure your team is properly protected from airborne hazards with WorkAble’s Respirator Fit Testing service. We provide mobile, on-site quantitative fit testing for businesses across Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and Bay of Plenty, helping you meet workplace safety obligations and protect employee health.
Why Respirator Fit Testing is Essential
If your employees are exposed to hazardous substances, you may be required to provide Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) as part of your personal protective equipment programme.
RPE prevents inhalation of harmful dusts, mists, vapours, and gases such as wood dust or solvent vapours.
Airborne hazards can have serious health impacts:
- Short-term effects – headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, skin or eye irritation, mood changes
- Long-term effects – memory loss, sleep disorders, cancer, organ damage, fertility issues, or even death
Respirator Fit Testing ensures that RPE fits correctly and provides the protection it is designed to deliver. Poorly fitted RPE can leave workers exposed to dangerous contaminants despite wearing the equipment.
When and How Often to Carry Out Fit Testing
Respirator Fit Testing should be performed in line with the AS/NZS 1715 Standard:
- Before first use of the respirator
- Annually
- Whenever facial characteristics change in a way that could affect fit
Factors that may impact the fit of RPE include facial hair, stubble, glasses, long hair, make-up, jewellery, weight gain, or weight loss.
The standard does not apply to powered air purifying respirators and supplied air respirators with loose-fitting hoods or helmets.
How Our Quantitative Fit Testing Works
WorkAble Occupational Health provides professional Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing (QNFT) to ensure your team is safely protected from airborne hazards.
Delivered by our experienced occupational health nurses, this service uses the Portacount Pro, a specialised machine to provide an accurate, objective measurement of the respirator’s seal on each individual’s face. We test the fit under realistic work conditions and provide a definitive “Fit Factor” score to confirm compliance with New Zealand’s safety standards.
This essential service not only helps you meet your legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 but also gives you confidence that your employees are wearing properly fitted and effective respiratory protective equipment.
We deliver this service either at our clinic locations, or using our mobile health clinic.
Combine Fit Testing with Spirometry
Many employees who require RPE also need lung function testing as part of regular health monitoring. We make compliance simple by offering combined Spirometry testing and Respirator Fit Testing in one visit.
When you book Spirometry, we can subsidise your RPE fit test, saving time and reducing downtime for your business. Both services are recommended annually, so combining them streamlines your occupational health obligations.
Mobile On-Site Testing Across the Region
Our mobile service means we come to you, whether you’re in Napier, Hastings, Gisborne City, Wairoa, Tauranga, or anywhere in between. On-site testing reduces travel time, minimises disruption, and helps you keep costs under control while meeting your compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions – Respirator Fit Testing
What is respirator fit testing?
It is a method to check whether a respirator forms an effective seal to the wearer’s face, ensuring maximum protection from airborne contaminants.
How often is fit testing required?
It should be done before first use, annually, and any time facial changes could affect fit.
What happens if an employee fails a fit test?
They may need a different size or model of respirator to achieve a safe and secure fit.
Can facial hair affect the test?
Yes. Facial hair can break the seal of the respirator and cause a fail.
Do you offer on-site testing?
Yes. Our mobile team delivers testing directly at your workplace to save time and reduce downtime.