3M Health Care

Infection Prevention
3M Fit Test Kit

3M Fit
Test Kit
User Guide

Purpose of the Guide

The purpose of this guide is to provide users of 3M Health Care respirators with practical information on how
to use the 3M Qualitative Fit Test Kit. It should be used in conjunction with the user instructions and training
video supplied with every kit.

Section 1: Getting Started

Page

Equipment and materials you will need

Preparation and practice

Equipment and facilities

Section 2: Suggested Protocol

Pre test-day preparation

On the day of the test

During the test

End of successful test

What to do when someone fails a fit test

Post test check-list

10

Section 3: Information and support

Information about alternative 3M respirators (e.g. if someone fails)

11

3M contact details

11

Where to obtain 3M Face Fit Test Kits and spares

11

Memory Jogger

12

The Rainbow passage

13

Appendix 1: Further Information on Face Fit Testing

14

The Legal Framework

What type of respirators require fit testing
Who should be fit tested
How often to fit test
Who should conduct the fit test
Different methods of fit testing

(i) Qualitative fit testing

(ii) Quantitative fit testing

Appendix 2: Fit Test Record Card

15

16

Section 1: Getting Started

1.

Equipment and materials you will need

3M Fit Test Kit FT10 (sweet) or FT30 (bitter) - see Note 1.

Set of alternative nebulisers and solutions FT11 & 12 (sweet) or FT31 & 32(bitter)
- Optional - see Note 1

Training CD on how to use the kit (inside every kit) - see Note 2

Training CD on how to correctly fit 3M tight fitting respirators - Optional - see Note 2

Note 1: The choice of bitter or sweet is a matter of individual preference. We suggest you get bottles of
both so that you have an alternative in case someone cannot taste one of them. It is very unusual for
someone to be unable to taste either. If this occurs the person will need to be fit tested by another method
(e.g. Quantitative Testing - see Appendix 1 para 6.2). For more information on spares & consumables for
the Fit Test Kits see Section 3.
Note 2: For a free copy of these CDs call the 3M Health and Safety Helpline quoting the reference
number below:

How to fit and fit test the 3M 1800 Series Healthcare respirators - Ref: CHHCARECD
How to fit other types of 3M respirators
(e.g. alternatives to the 3M 1800 series) - Ref: CHTRNCD

3M Health and Safety Helpline - 0870 60 800 60 (UK) 1-800 320 500 (Ireland)
2.

Preparation and practice

What to do first:

2.1 Read the user instructions contained inside the fit test kit

2.2 Read this document

2.3 Learn how to fit the respirators you will be testing in accordance with the

manufacturers instructions
KEYPOINT:
Lack of knowledge on how to fit a respirator and lack of care taken during the fitting procedure are two of the
most common reasons why people fail a fit test the first time but then go on to pass at the second attempt.
For 3M 1800 series respirators (e.g. 3M 1862, 3M 1872V, 3M 1863, 3M 1873V, 3M 1883SV)
Watch the fitting video on the CD-Rom CHHCARECD and read the printed user instructions that are inside
every box of respirators. You must be confident you can demonstrate the correct fitting procedure. Note that
there are slight differences between the fitting of the valved and unvalved versions in the 1800 series range.
For other 3M respirators (e.g. 3M 7500 Series)
Watch the relevant fitting video on the CD-Rom CHTRNCD and study the printed instructions inside every
box for the alternative respirator you offer to those people who do not pass the fit test on the first respirator
selected for them. Fitting instructions do vary between respirator models.


2.4 Practice fit testing first on a colleague

Practice a few times before conducting your first actual fit test.

2.5 Read HSE supporting material

Study the HSE Information Document 282/28 on Fit Testing. This can be downloaded

from the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk (type HSE 282/28 in the search box).

2.6 Create a Crib sheet or Memory Jogger`

This will help you remember all the steps involved in the test. See our example later.

3.

Equipment and Facilities

You will need the following on the day of the test:

Fit Test Kit (and alternative tasting solutions)

Record sheets (see suggested record card Appendix 2)

Clock or watch with second hand

Typed copy of Rainbow passage in a large font for easy readability (see page 14)

Spare nebulisers (if possible, as these can get blocked)

Nebuliser pin kit (to clear any obstruction if it gets blocked)

Samples of respirator to be tested

Selection of alternative models in case of failures

Table (big enough to lay out the Fit Test Kit)

Jug of water & glasses preferably from a dispenser to avoid the fit test aerosol
contaminating the water and glasses

Room with good ventilation to conduct fit test & separate area/room for those
waiting to be tested
Room should be located near a toilet to allow hand/face washing post fit-test

Section 2: Suggested Protocol

4. Pre test-day preparation

4.1 Communicate to persons to be Fit Tested:

(i)

Time slots
We suggest each person has a specific 30 minute time slot for each respirator being tested.

TIP:

Its best to fit test people individually so that they are not distracted by other
people in the room. Each test takes 20-40 minutes depending on whether the
person passes first time. Time slots help avoid people waiting around.

(ii)

Arriving on time
Ask them to arrive on-time and be cleanly shaven

(iii)

Eating & drinking beforehand

They should not eat or drink anything other than water within 30 minutes of their
allocated time-slot.
This reduces the risk of food or drink consumed earlier leaving a residual taste in
the mouth that could be confused with a fit test failure.

(iv)

Provision of respirators for test

Make it clear if people should bring their own, or if you will provide identical models
(& sizes where appropriate) for the tests.
This applies if respirators have already been issued and fit testing is being carried
out retrospectively.
If respirators have not already been issued, explain that one will be specified and p rovided
at the time of the test.

Sensitivity Test

(v)

TIP:

If it is possible to do so, conduct the sensitivity test on a different day to the a ctual fit test.
This reduces the risk of a false failure caused by any solution from the sensitivity test that
might remain in trace quantities on the hands, face or lips, being tasted during the actual fit test.
If it is not practical to do this then be very careful to avoid cross contamination by asking the
person to wash their hands, face and lips, especially after the sensitivity test and before starting
the fit test.

4.2 Check the equipment you need

(i)

Nebulisers
Ensure they are washed, rinsed and that they work properly.
Saccharin can sometimes crystallise and block the nebuliser. If this happens the
bulb becomes hard to squeeze and no aerosol comes out. Use the pins provided to
unblock nebulisers. Spraying in front of a dark background makes it easier to see
the fine mist emerging from the spout.

(ii)

Test Solutions
Check you have enough of each of the solutions.

On average one teaspoon should be enough to test 10 people. Each bottle should b e able to
test about 150 people.

Screw the cap firmly on the bottle to prevent saccharin solution leaking out a nd crystallising
as a white powder around the cap. In particular, try and avoid g etting any of the powder into
the nebuliser or it may become blocked.
If this occurs during a fit test then ideally have a spare one available to use.
Otherwise you will have to halt the test, wash the nebuliser using the pin provided to
dislodge any blockages, and then start the test again from the beginning. Finally, avoid
storing the solutions in a cold place as the saccharin can crystallise into a lump inside the
bottle. If this occurs, you may have to leave the bottle in warm water for a while to dissolve
the saccharin back into solution.
The bitter solution is less prone to crystallising out of solution.

(iii) Respirators

Have enough samples of each respirator you are testing (together with different s izes when

applicable). One for each person and a few spares should be enough.

5.

On the day of the test

5.1 Assembling the hood

(i)

The training video on how to use the Fit Test Kit shows a simple and easy way to fi t the hood
to the collar.

(ii)

Make a 10cm gap between the persons face and the inside of the hood by p ulling apart
the front and back of the hood at the top. You can clip together the two press-studs on the
top corners of the hood to hold it in this shape.

5.2 Preparing the nebulisers - Practical tips

(i)

Use the foam block provided in the kit with the round holes as a holder to stand the
nebulisers upright and ready for use.

(ii)

Dont pour in too much solution. A teaspoon is enough for several people.
A quarter teaspoon is more than enough for one person.

(iii)

Each nebuliser is marked Sensitivity Solution or Fit Test Solution. DO NOT put the
wrong solution into the nebuliser or you risk using the wrong solution in the tests.
(The two solutions have different concentrations and should not be mixed or confused
with each other).

(iv) Check BOTH nebulisers are working by spraying against a dark background.

You should see a fine mist coming from the spout.

(v)

Wash your hands afterwards to reduce the risk of surface contamination.

(vi) REMEMBER to remove both plastic plugs when you use the nebuliser (or it wont work!).

5.3 What to tell the person being tested

(i) Purpose of the Test

Explain the purpose of the test and what you want them to do.
KEYPOINTS:

(ii)

Follow instructions given

Explain that the test is very rigorous and it is possible to taste very tiny amounts o f the solution
should they get inside the respirator. They should follow your instructions precisely and should not
talk until asked to do so. They need to avoid laughing or doing anything different to the test protocol.

(iii) If they wear other Personal Protection Equipment

Explain that during the Fit Test they should wear whatever other PPE they would normally wear
when using the respirator, such as safety eyewear or normal spectacles.
(iv) If they pass
Explain that if they pass, this result is specific to this particular respirator and they should not use
another type or model unless they are fit tested on that one too.
(v) If they fail
Explain they can be tested on the same respirator a second time even though they failed at the
first attempt. This is because failures are often a result of not taking enough care during fitting.
If they fail twice, then they should not see this as a f ailure on their part. It is just an indication that
the respirator tested has been shown not to fit them well enough and an alternative must now be
tried in order to find a model that will provide them with an adequate fit.
(vi)

Washing hands & face

Explain the importance of avoiding a false test result due to trace amounts of the s olution getting
into their mouth. This is why they will be asked to wash their hands, face and lips before the fit test
stage begins and to keep these clean throughout.

6. During the test

6.1 During the Tests Reminders & Practical Tips

(i) Breathing through the mouth

Remind the person to breathe through their mouth with their tongue slightly out.
Remind them that they are trying to taste the solution, not smell it.
(ii) Regularly check the nebuliser
Frequently check that you can see the spray entering the hood. If the mist cant b e seen then the
nebuliser may have become blocked and you will need to take action (see para 4.2 (i).)

 (iii)

Ensure gap between Sensitivity & Fit Test

If doing the Sensitivity Test and Fit Test on the same day then ensure a good time gap between
the two to give time to rid the taste from the persons mouth and to wash hands and lips to avoid
cross contamination. 5 minutes should b e enough. Ensure they have a drink of water to help clear
any leftover taste.

(iv) Alternative to Rainbow Passage

If preferred, it is acceptable for the person to count down from 100, or recite some other passage
known to them, as long as they continue to talk out aloud for one minute.
6.2 The Sensitivity Test - Things to remember
(i) This test is done without wearing the respirator.

(ii) The objective is to find out IF the person can taste the solution and HOW MANY s queezes of the
nebuliser to use in the Fit Test which follows.
6.3 The Fit Test - 7 tests

1. Breathe normally

2. Breathe deeply

3. Head side to side

4. Head up and down

5. Bent over at waist

6. Talking

7. Breathe normally

7.

End of a successful test

Before removing the hood

Ask the person to put their hand inside the hood and then, with one finger, break the seal of the respirator
on their face. Ask them to take a breath through their mouth. They will probably grimace in surprise at the
sudden taste of the strong solution inside the hood.
This is a very good way of building peoples confidence in the respirator, because they will realise that if it
can be this effective at keeping out an apparently high concentration of test agent for so long, then it will
be able to protect them in the workplace, provided they have been careful to fit it correctly each time.
Make this point to them afterwards.

8. What to do if someone fails a fit test?

8.1 When has someone failed a fit test?

(i) Remember, you can be tested twice on the same respirator.

You only fail if you fail twice on the same size & model of respirator.

8.2 How often do failures happen?

It is not unusual to find that some people have difficulty obtaining a reliable fit with their selected
respirator. This is not surprising, as it is impossible to design a respirator that fits everybody. When
this occurs, an alternative respirator of a different design or size, but with at least the same level
of protection can be offered. The Face Fit Test is then repeated using this alternative model. Usually
just one alternative model or size is needed to achieve a pass of the Fit Test second time around.

8.3 How to select an alternative respirator to use
3M has a range of different respirators. We are confident that there is an effective, comfortable
alternative for anyone who does not pass the fit test on the 3M 1800 series model, such as
3M 7500 Half Mask fitted with 3M 6035 (P3) filter. Ensure the alternative respirator selected
offers the same level of protection.

8.4 Who to contact in 3M about alternatives
See section 3 of this guide for further information and guidance on how to select a n alternative
and where to get information and samples.

8.5 Repeat Fit Testing
Arrange for Fit Testing on an alternative model or size as soon as possible for a nyone failing the
Fit Test.

9. Post test check-list

(i)

Record the tests results for each person. These should be kept for 5 years.
An example of a record sheet is given in Appendix 2 but you could produce your own,
using the HSE guidance document.

(ii)

According to your policy, send a copy to the person and/or Department responsible
for holding fit test records.

Note:

No-one should continue to use a respirator at work if they failed the Fit Test and an
alternative has not yet been identified and tested on them successfully.

10

9.1 Record Keeping

9.2 Cleaning the Test Kit after use

(i)

Nebulisers:
Thoroughly clean and rinse after use and ideally dry with kitchen or paper
towels or similar.

(ii)

Hoods:
The hoods may be cleaned from time to time with a cloth dampened with very
mild soapy water, then rinsed with clean water. A cloth dampened with water
containing a small amount of mild disinfectant can be used as an additional
measure. Kitchen roll or paper towels can be used to dry the inside of the hood
afterwards and remove any wipe marks, especially on the inside & outside of the
clear visor.

(iii)

Packing away the Test Kits:

Do not pour unused solution back into the bottles, it should be discarded.
Ensure the caps are firmly screwed back on the bottles to prevent leakage and
crystallisation, especially of saccharin, around the neck.

Section 3: Information and Support

10. Information about alternative 3M Respirators

10.1 Selection criteria
You must ensure that any alternative respirator offered provides at least the same level of protection
as the model it is substituting. 3M offers a wide range of types of respirator offering differing levels
of protection and can provide you with assistance in the selection of suitable alternatives.

10.2 Alternative Disposable (Maintenance Free) Respirators
The main 3M alternatives to the 1800 series FFP3 respirators are given below.
Free-of-charge samples are available on request through the 3M Helpline or your local 3M representative.

Class

Type

3M Model

3M Alternative

FFP3

Unvalved

1863

FFP3

Valved

1873V

8835, 8833 or 7500 Half Mask

fitted with 6035 P3R Ffilters

FFP3

Shrouded valve

1883

None

Notes
Valved alternative only

10.3 Other types of respirator
3M offers a variety of other types of respirator including re-usable half and full-face m
odels, battery
powered and other systems. Not all of these require face fit testing.
Ask 3M for details about how these might help you.

10.4 Contact 3M
Please call the 3M Health and Safety Helpline on 0870 60 800 60 (UK) or 1-800 320 500 (Ireland)
for details of suggested alternative products, free-of-charge s amples, literature and information on
where these products can be obtained and details of the 3M representative in your area who will also
be able to discuss your needs and help you further.

11. Where to obtain 3M Qualitative Fit Test Kits

11.1

Fit Test Kits and Spares

3M offer two qualitative fit test kits FT-10 (sweet) and FT-30 (bitter). Each kit c ontains a hood
and collar assembly, two nebulisers, one bottle of sensitivity solution, one bottle of fit test solution,
detailed User Instructions and CD-Rom), spare atomiser heads for the nebuliser and a pin for
unblocking blocked nebulisers.

Spare Parts are available for these as follows:

FT11 - Sensitivity Solution 55ml bottle (sweet)
FT12 - Fit Test Solution 55ml bottle (sweet)
FT31 - Sensitivity Solution 55ml bottle (bitter)
FT32 - Fit Test Solution 55ml bottle (bitter)
FT13 - Nebuliser (1/box)
FT14 - Hoods (2/box)
FT15 - Collar (1 collar/box)
CHHCARECD - Video

11.2 Where to obtain kits and spares
Contact 3M for details of your local supplier

11

Memory Jogger
Sensitivity Test
Use sensitivity solution and matching atomiser
Remind person to breathe through mouth with tongue at front.
Say ... Tell me immediately when you can taste it
1-10 Squeezes

If not tasted, repeat for a further 10 squeezes

11-20 Squeezes

If not tasted, repeat for a further 10 squeezes

21-30 Squeezes

STOP if not tasted

NOTE down in which range the taste was detected = up to 10, 20 or 30

Fit Test
Change exercise every 60 seconds
Top up with atomiser every 30 seconds
Repeat again ... Tell me immediately when you can taste it
Start

10, 20 or 30 squeezes according to the result achieved in the sensitivity test

During test

Half = 5, 10 or 15 extra squeezes every 30 seconds

Exercises (7)

Breathe normally
Breathe more deeply
Head side to side
Up and down
Bending over
Talking
Breathe normally

Finish

Ask person to break face seal with finger and take a breath
through the mouth (Explain what this shows)

12

Dont Forget To Record The Results!

Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism
and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful
colours. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above,
and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a
boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man
looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold
at the end of the rainbow.

TIP:

Alternative to the Rainbow Passage - Can also count

backwards from 100 as long as its out loud and lasts 1 minute.

13

Appendix 1: Further information on Face Fit Testing

1. Legal framework

Checking that respirators with tight fitting face pieces seal adequately to the wearers face
has long been considered best practice as part of a Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
programme. With the introduction of the new Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
(COSHH) and the supporting Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs), fit testing is now a mandatory
requirement. RPE is only deemed suitable if it is suitable for the job, the environment, the level of
exposure and the wearer. One type and size of respirator will not fit everybody, so fit testing has been
introduced to find the most suitable respirator for each individual.

2. What type of respirators require face fit testing?

The type of respirators that require a fit test are those which employ a tight fitting facepiece such as
disposable respirators, half masks and full face masks, including those that form part of a powered or
airfed respirator.

3. Who should be fit tested?

Fit testing should be carried out on:

(i) All existing wearers of these types of respirator if it has not already been done
(ii) People who are about to start wearing RPE in order to ensure that incorrectly fitting
respirators are not selected for use.

4. How often should people be fit tested?

Currently, fit testing should be repeated at regular intervals or at appropriate times such as:

(i) If the RPE wearer significantly loses or gains weight, has major dental work or sustains a
major facial injury.
(ii) If a different size or model of RPE is specified

5. Who should conduct fit testing?

14

According to HSE guidelines, fit testing should be conducted by a competent person. There is currently
no recognised certification for a competent fit tester, therefore a certain s kill set is suggested such as
adequate knowledge in the selection of suitable RPE, ability t o correctly fit the selected RPE and follow
manufacturers guidelines, ability to recognise a poorly fitting facepiece, ability to identify poorly maintained
facepieces, etc. For full details of suggested competencies, please refer to the HSE Document 282/28 which
can be downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk (search for document 282/28).

The decision on who is a competent person to carry out fit testing is the responsibility of the company,
organisation or employer concerned.

6. Fit test methods Quantitative and Qualitative

Two main methods of fit testing are available, Qualitative & Quantitative fit testing

6.1

Qualitative fit testing:

Qualitative fit testing provides a pass or fail result based on the wearer detecting a test agent.
It provides a subjective measure of the quality of the seal of the facepiece to the wearers face.
These tests are suitable for disposable respirators and half masks. T he test agent can either be
detected by taste or by smell.

The 3M Qualitative Test uses taste to detect face seal leakage. A controlled concentration of
aerosol is introduced into a hood fitted over the wearer. This test is suitable for all disposable
respirators and half masks fitted with particulate or c ombination gas/vapour and particulate filters.
3M offer two test kits in this category, one using a sweet tasting substance (saccharin) and the
other which uses a bitter tasting solution.

The 3M Kit can not be used with Full Face Mask respirators.
3M products that can be used with the 3M Qualitative Fit Test Kit are:

All 3M Disposable respirators (e.g 3M 1800, 8000, & 9300 Series)

3M 4000 Series Respirators
3M 6000 Half Masks
3M 7500 Half Masks

3M 1800 Series

3M 8835 Series

3M 4000 Series

3M 7500 Series

6.2

Quantitative fit testing:

Quantitative fit tests give an objective measure of the quality of the seal between the w
earers face
and the facepiece. A fit factor number is produced which indicates the quality of the face seal and
leads to a Pass/Fail result. There are 3 main methods available on the market today. (1) Test Chamber,
(2) Particle Counting Device (such as t he TSI PortaCount) and (3) Controlled Negative Pressure Device.

This guide deals only with the 3M Qualitative Fit testing method.

15

Appendix 2: 3M Qualitative Fit Test - Record

Name
Company/Dept
Make/Model/Size of Respirator
Own facepiece/Pool or Test model used?
Fit test kit used?

Own

FT 10 (Sweet)

Pool

Test

FT 30 (Bitter)

Test conducted by (Company and Fit tester)

Re-tests required

Yes

No

Yes

No

If yes, reasons

Pass achieved
Comments
Date
Signed

3
3M House,
Morley Street
Loughborough
Leicestershire LE11 1EP
Tel: 01509 613800
Fax: 01509 613990

3M Ireland

3M House, The Iveagh Building

3rd Floor, The Park
The Park, Carrickmines
Dublin 18
Tel: 01 280 3555
Fax: 01 280 3849

3M is a trademark of the 3M Company.

3M Health Care Limited 2006.

CHFTG V2
12/08

Commercial Team
3M Health Care Limited