Be able to fit test respirators for your workplace.
Current standards dictate that any person required to use a tight fitting respirator must be fit tested by a qualified tester. After completing the Respirator Fit Testing Course, you will be able to perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator fit tests to the leading recognised standard in Australia. If people in your workplace are required to wear a tight fitting respirator then you have a respiratory health risk. Being able to perform respirator fit tests protects worker health and reduces workplace health and safety risk.
1. Book online now
2. Complete online theory
3. Attend in-person practical
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Contact usWhy choose the AIOH RESP-FIT approved program?
RESP-FIT is a national respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing training and accreditation program developed to improve the competency of fit testers against both the Australian and international ISO respirator standards for fit testing. The course syllabus has been carefully developed by the AIOH (Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene) to ensure all the skills and knowledge have been developed for quantitative and qualitative fit testing. The approved course has been carefully scrutinised by leading Occupational Hygienists in Australia and has all the components required to prepare respirator fit testers to do the best possible job.
Companies that undergo fit testing for their employees do so to meet the duty of care requirements created by the WHS Act to prevent foreseeable harm to respiratory protection for their employees as is reasonably practicable. Ensuring that fit testers are trained by AIOH RESP-FIT approved providers in an approved program helps an employer demonstrate best practices in the protection of respiratory health in workplaces.
The fit testing program will provide the ability to adhere to both the Australian Standards and ISO International Standards. Undertaking this approved course is proof of a company’s commitment to the best fit testing training possible.
What you will learn
Respirator Fit Testing course is endorsed by The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) RESP-FIT Committee with the aim to provide persons conducting respirator fit testing with the required knowledge and skills to conduct proper fit testing of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to determine an adequate match between the facepiece of the RPE and face of the wearer.
On completing this course successfully, the student will have an understanding of:
- The value of fit-testing and the role of the fit-tester,
- Fit factors affecting respirators and their impact on deep breathing and work health,
- Fit testing methodologies,
- How to correctly select and fit respiratory protective equipment,
- How to care for and maintain respiratory protective equipment.
The Respirator Fit Test Training Program is delivered to meet all relevant Australian Standards and relevant legislation or guidance. This includes but is not limited to –
- AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
- Applicable State or Federal workplace health and safety legislation
- Equipment instructions and user guides
The KINNECT Training Guarantee
Attend this course again for no extra cost in the 12 months following completion. KINNECT Training wants you to be confident and capable in your role in respirator fit testing. Within 12 months of completing your respirator fit testing course you are welcome to confirm your knowledge by attending any scheduled public face to face course for respirator fit testing – it’s on us! (Subject to seat availability. Contact KINNECT Training for more information)
5 Steps to Make Sure Your Respirator Protects You Every Day
We have created this free resource so you start with your best foot forward. Download, have a read and enjoy!
The full RESP-FIT program requires between 1.5- 2 days of training to meet all requirements. KINNECT Training has developed a convenient program syllabus to ensure all critical knowledge is developed and all practical application is completed. The following options are available for your training –
Blended Program – Online Theory and Face to Face Practical
- Online theory via the KINNECT Training LMS – approximately 6 hours to be completed prior to practical training day.
- Full day (approximately 9 hours) face to face program to review theory and practice qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing.
- Conducted at one of KINNECT’s Training Facilities across Australia.
Onsite – Qualitative, Quantitative or Full Program
- Choose the fit testing method/s appropriate for your organisation.
- Australia wide delivery is available at your venue or ours.
- Complete the online theory prior to the practical session via the KINNECT Training LMS (full course approximately 6 hours, Qualitative only approximately 4 hours, Quantitative only approximately 5 hours.
In-house programs can be provided nationally at any site. Please contact KINNECT Training on 1300 591 548, on support@kinnecttraining.com.au or via the enquiry form on this page for a training proposal.
Statement of Completion
Students who successfully complete this RESP-FIT approved training course and pass the examination, will be provided with a “Certificate of Completion” issued by KINNECT Training.
Completion of a “RESP-FIT Approved Course” is not a designation of competence or Accreditation by the AIOH or the RESP-FIT Program against the requirements of ISO 16975-3. Applicants seeking
RESP-FIT accreditation will be required to undertake the RESP-FIT Accreditation process as detailed on the RESP-FIT website http://www.respfit.org.au.
Become a Respirator Fit Tester
Individuals interested in conducting respiratory protection fit testing including Occupational Hygienists and allied professionals such as health and safety professionals, occupational health specialists [including physicians and nurses], as well as respiratory protection program administrators. This course is suited to those people wanting to be able to undertake respirator fit testing in their workplace. Public courses include qualitative and quantitative testing methodologies.
This program provides a pathway to becoming an approved RESP-FIT Tester through the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene.
Managers and Supervisors wanting to improve their understanding of fit testing as part of a respiratory health program are encouraged to attend.
This course has no pre-requisites for entry but the ability to read, understand and discuss complex documents such as legislation and testing procedures is required. An open book assessment is part of the program. Students must also have the physical capacity to set-up and pack-up respirator fit testing equipment, demonstrate and direct fit testing for others.
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Industry Relevant ProgramsRigorous industry consultation ensures the programs we deliver will give you the outcome needed to be effective at work and in your career.
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Programs are delivered to suit your work requirements and lifestyle with the ability to switch between delivery styles.
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Trainers with industry qualifications, real world experience and a passion in their field to make sure you get the outcomes you need.
FACE TO FACE COURSE DATES
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing?
Qualitative fit testing is a method that can be used to test RPE up to a required fit protection factor of 10X. This test is suitable for any disposable, half-face reusable and half-face PAPR respirators. It cannot be used to test full-face respirators. The cost for the equipment is relatively low, and this type of testing can be done just about anywhere, although a well ventilated area is recommended.
It relies upon the wearer’s ability to detect a safe aerosol by taste. The results are, therefore, subjective and may not be reliable. There is a risk of test subject deception. The testing method can be time-consuming, as a single test can take 20-25 minutes to conduct properly, and each subsequent test will take the same amount of time. This test can cause some physical discomfort to the test subject as they must be tested inside a hood enclosure. If a test subject cannot taste the challenge agent (sweet or bitter solution) they cannot be tested using this method, nor can subjects who have adverse reactions to the solutions.
Quantitative Fit testing is suitable for testing disposable and reusable half masks and full-face masks, including PAPR respirators. This test is done by using a particle-counting instrument that will accurately measure the particle count inside the breathing zone of the tight fitting respirators and compare it to the particle count outside the respirators to give a numeric score. It can be used to test RPE to any required level of protection. It is completely objective, and there is no chance of test subject deception. The test itself can be conducted in under 10 minutes. The machine also provides a screening stage in order to avoid testing a poorly fitted respirator. It is considered to be the most reliable way to undertake a quantitative fit test.
More information can also be found at Respirator Fit Testing: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Analysis
When does fit testing need to be done?
Fit testing must be carried out:
- before wearing a tight-fitting respirator for the first time;
- whenever a new model of respirator is used;
- if there is a change in the individual already assessed (eg excessive weight gain or loss).
Is this Respirator Fit Test Training Course nationally recognised?
Successful completion of this course will result in the issue of a Statement of Completion for attending a Respirator Fit Test Training Program.
The program is designed to meet relevant Australian and International Standards, relevant codes and guidance and respirator fit test equipment manufacturer recommendations.
At this stage there is no nationally recognised unit of competency for this type of training.
Is there an expiry date for this certificate?
There is no ‘expiry date’ for this course. It is generally expected that a person must maintain currency / proficiency if they are performing respirator fit testing in the workplace. Being current and competent could include completing a fresher program in respirator fit testing or other professional development activities.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Enrol Now
To enrol, go to the enrol now section, select your course type, location, and date, and then fill out all your details. Or you can call us on 1300 591 548 or email support@kinnecttraining.com.au.
We Make Contact
After you enrol, we will contact you to confirm your details, where the training will be held and if you have any dietary requirements. If you’re completing a blended delivery we will make sure you know how to complete it.
Course day!
Enjoy your course day(s)! Don’t worry about bringing food or drinks, we cater for all of our face to face courses. After the course you will be given access to our knowledge base, so you can stay updated with all the relevant industry information.