Pro Safety and Training
type: channel
description: Specialising in face fit testing, Silica awareness and RPE training, Brisbane
date: 2026-01-30T00:55:24Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: What is RESP-FIT Accreditation and What are the Benefits?
items: How to Fit Test PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirators)
items: Understanding Fit Test Adaptors
items: Fit Testing FAQs
items: Facial Hair Justification
items: Protection against Crystalline Silica
items: Fit Testing in House Vs Engaging a Fit Test Provider
items: Fit Test Software
items: More proof that being clean shaven when wearing RPE is a must!

What is RESP-FIT Accreditation and What are the Benefits?
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-12-10T21:00:00Z
subject: RESP-FIT Accreditation
description: RESP-FIT accreditation is a way for you to demonstrate your competence in conducting fit testing. It involves a two-stage assessment where applicants demonstrate theoretical and practical skills in general fit testing knowledge against a chosen fit test methodology.
encoded: <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RESP-FIT-Accreditation.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="RESP-FIT Accreditation" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RESP-FIT-Accreditation.jpg 1000w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RESP-FIT-Accreditation-300x200.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RESP-FIT-Accreditation-768x512.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RESP-FIT-Accreditation-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> What is RESP-FIT and why was it established? RESP-FIT accreditation is a way for you to demonstrate your competence in conducting fit testing. It involves a two-stage assessment where applicants demonstrate theoretical and practical skills in general fit testing knowledge against a chosen fit test methodology. RESP-FIT was established to ensure competence of fit test operators and subsequent safety of workers wearing tight fitting respiratory protection. RESP-FIT is an initiative of the Australian Institute of Occupational Health (AIOH). What does it mean for me and what methodologies are there? While becoming accredited is not an explicit legal requirement, it is evidence of competency for your customers, employer, or people you are fit testing. The three methodologies are: Qualitative (QLFT) – Aerosol Taste Test (ATT) Quantitative (QNFT) – Ambient aerosol condensation nuclei-counting (CNC) Quantitative (QNFT) – Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) Applicants can attempt accreditation for multiple methodologies either in one assessment or separately. What is the RESP-FIT accreditation process and costs? We believe strongly in fit testers becoming accredited, with the main benefit being that fit testers have been assessed against the methodology they are using for their fit testing. This means reliable a…

How to Fit Test PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirators)
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-12-04T21:00:00Z
subject: Respirators
subject: Face Fit Testing
description: A common question we come across is how to fit test PAPR, and positive pressure RPE in general, this news post aims to clarify some common questions around this.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1280" height="720" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-to-fit-test-powered-air-purifying-respirators.jpg" class="attachment-original size-original" alt="Sundstrom Fit Test PAPR - Powered Air Purifying Respirator" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-to-fit-test-powered-air-purifying-respirators.jpg 1280w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-to-fit-test-powered-air-purifying-respirators-300x169.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-to-fit-test-powered-air-purifying-respirators-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-to-fit-test-powered-air-purifying-respirators-768x432.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-to-fit-test-powered-air-purifying-respirators-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /> Pro Safety and Training has been completing fit testing since 2015 and have been delivering CNC RESP-FIT approved training since 2021. A common question we come across is how to fit test PAPR, and positive pressure RPE in general, this news post aims to clarify some common questions around this. What is PAPR? The acronym PAPR stands for Powered air-purifying respirator. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 1716:2012 refers to PAPR as: A device incorporating a half facepiece, full facepiece or head covering which provides the wearer with air passed through a powered filtering unit, comprising one or more filters, and an electrically operated blower unit. This respirator is referred to as PAPR. Some common PAPR that we come across are: Sundstrom PAPR 3M PAPR Cleanspace PAPR PAPR can be either tight fitting or loose fitting. Tight fitting will involve a face piece that seals to the face, whereas loose fitting will incorporate a hood or helmet. We have found that PAPRs have become more common in mining, construction, healthcare and…

Understanding Fit Test Adaptors
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-11-27T13:05:53Z
subject: Face Fit Testing
subject: Fit Test Adaptors
description: Central to the Fit Testing process are fit test adaptors, indispensable attachments that facilitate accurate assessments of mask performance.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1020" height="574" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fit-test-adapters-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Fit Test Adapters" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fit-test-adapters-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fit-test-adapters-300x169.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fit-test-adapters-768x432.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fit-test-adapters-600x338.jpg 600w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fit-test-adapters.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px" /> Understanding Fit Test Adaptors: Why They're Essential for Respiratory Fit Testing Fit testing is a critical procedure ensuring that respiratory protection equipment seals effectively to the wearer’s face, safeguarding them against hazardous environments. Central to this process are fit test adaptors, indispensable attachments that facilitate accurate assessments of mask performance. In this post, we delve into the significance of fit test adaptors, explore common types, and highlight key considerations. At Pro Safety and Training, our fit testing methodology relies on the Portacount 8048. The Portacount essentially samples air on the inside of the mask, and compares this with air outside the mask. To do this, the PortaCount connects to the mask through twin tubes, and then an adaptor or probe on the mask. When testing disposable respirators we must probe the mask with a permanent probe (damaging the mask), and then post-test we discard the mask. <img decoding="async" width="1200" height="612" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Probed-Disposables.jpg" class="attachment-original size-original" alt="Probed Disposables" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Probed-Disposables.jpg 1200w, http…

Fit Testing FAQs
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-11-14T21:30:00Z
subject: Face Fit Testing
description: What is the point of fit testing? Fit testing is done to ensure that the respirator you are using is able to create an appropriate seal on your face, and that you are able to don the respirator.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1000" height="666" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fit-testing-brisbane.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Fit Testing Brisbane" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fit-testing-brisbane.jpg 1000w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fit-testing-brisbane-300x200.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fit-testing-brisbane-768x511.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fit-testing-brisbane-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Before Fit Testing What is the point of fit testing? Fit testing is done to ensure that the respirator you are using is able to create an appropriate seal on your face, and that you are able to don the respirator. Respirators work by allowing you to breathe clean air through a filter or air-line. If the air you breathe is leaking in between your skin and the sealing surface of the mask, you are at risk of breathing this, which may be dangerous for you. Do I need to be clean shaven when fit testing? Yes, absolutely. Any hair touching the sealing surface may interfere with the seal and cause the respirator to leak. Certain facial hair styles such as some moustaches may be appropriate if they do not touch the respirator. See multiple previous posts and videos for more information on this. What do I need to bring? Bring any PPE that may interfere with the respirator, such as glasses and hardhats (you don’t have to bring your boots). This is to see if they will affect the seal. What happens if I don’t get fit tested? If you are not fit tested, there is no evidence to say that your respirator is able to provide you protection and you may be at risk. Fines may also apply in some cases. I have done a fit check, is this the same thing? No, fit checks (covering the inhalation surface or exhalation surface and breathing in or out respectively to…

Facial Hair Justification
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-11-02T21:30:00Z
subject: Facial Hair
subject: Face Fit Testing
description: If you are wearing a tight-fitting respirator then you must be clean shaven. Facial hair touching the sealing surface of the mask may create leaks large enough for contaminants to enter the respirator.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1000" height="666" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-service-sundstrom-sr100-8.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Face fit testing service Sundstrom SR100" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-service-sundstrom-sr100-8.jpg 1000w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-service-sundstrom-sr100-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-service-sundstrom-sr100-8-768x511.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-service-sundstrom-sr100-8-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Do I need to be clean shaven when wearing a respirator? Yes. If you are wearing a tight-fitting respirator, you must be clean shaven wherever the mask touches your face. Facial hair touching the sealing surface of the mask may create leaks large enough for contaminants to enter the respirator. This usually means that a moustache or a small “soul patch” is not an issue, however any more may be. <img decoding="async" width="549" height="289" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gap-hair-mask-seal-illustration.png" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Gap, hair and respirator mask seal illustration" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gap-hair-mask-seal-illustration.png 549w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gap-hair-mask-seal-illustration-300x158.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px" /> We use many 3M products, and direct customers to this handy 3M Facial Hair Guide as examples of what is acceptable facial hair or not. We have conducted (for experimental purposes) some tests on workers with stubble and a full beard, and compared their results before and after shaving. The evidence shows that facial hair sign…

Protection against Crystalline Silica
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-10-30T04:24:00Z
subject: Silica
description: At Pro Safety and Training we pride ourselves on keeping workplaces safe, and reducing liability for businesses. Recently we have been helping more and more of our customers with respiratory protection solutions including face fit training and courses, face fit testing and consulting. One issue we are coming across more and more is crystalline silica. This [...]
encoded: At Pro Safety and Training we pride ourselves on keeping workplaces safe, and reducing liability for businesses. Recently we have been helping more and more of our customers with respiratory protection solutions including face fit training and courses, face fit testing and consulting. One issue we are coming across more and more is crystalline silica. This news post aims to provide information on crystalline silica. What is Silica? Silica is essentially a mineral that occurs naturally. Silica exists in many forms however Quartz is the crystalline form of silica and it is in this form that it poses the most risk to workers. Exposure to Quartz is a known contributor of respiratory diseases. Crystalline silica can be naturally occurring (found during mining and quarrying), or can be found in a variety of products including: Concrete Compressed fibro cement sheeting Roof tiles Asphalt Bricks Pavers Sandstone Tiles When crystalline silica is stable and undisturbed it poses very little risk. However when disturbed through demolition, use of power and hand tools and any other process that can create respirable dust it becomes a significant hazard. How does Silica enter the body? Crystalline silica enters the body primarily through inhalation. With crystalline silica particles being extremely small (1 to 6 microns in diameter) they reach deep levels inside our lungs. Our lungs have scavenger cells (called macrophages) which dissolve dust particles by surrounding them. If there are high exposure levels the scavenger cells cannot completely clear the dust, and scars develop in the air sacs. With increased scarring you get an increase in shortness of breath. Above: Worker is exposed to crystalline silica exceeding exposure standards. Which industry groups are at risk? Several industry groups are at risk including: Building and construction Manufacturing Mining Quarrying Civil Road infrastructure Tasks involving the following are at an increased level of risk: Blasting into cla…

Fit Testing in House Vs Engaging a Fit Test Provider
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-10-24T04:31:50Z
subject: Face Fit Testing
subject: PortaCount
description: Customers are regularly looking to establish fit testing in house (test their own employees). For some clients this is worthwhile, and for others it is not- it all depends on the size of the business and their turnover of staff.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1000" height="666" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pro-safety-and-training-face-fit-testing-van2.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Pro Safety and Training face fit testing van" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pro-safety-and-training-face-fit-testing-van2.jpg 1000w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pro-safety-and-training-face-fit-testing-van2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pro-safety-and-training-face-fit-testing-van2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pro-safety-and-training-face-fit-testing-van2-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Here at Pro Safety & Training we regularly have customers looking to establish fit testing in house (test their own employees). For some customers this is worthwhile, and for other customers it is not- it all depends on the size of the business and their turnover of staff. We have been fit testing since 2015, and from a single PortaCount we now have a fleet of 8 PortaCounts, onsite testing vans and several accredited fit testers. So, it is safe to say we have a good idea on the costs of establishing fit testing. This news post will give you a rough idea of costs involved in setting up testing in house, along with an approximate number of fit tests for testing in house to be viable. All pricing should be checked with suppliers and is not to be relied upon to make a business case, we also recommend running your numbers past your accountant to ensure that your decision is viable. Costs of Setting Up Fit Testing In House For customers wishing to setup testing, we would allow the following costs as a minimum: Item to Establish Fit Testing in House Cost Recommended Supplier PortaCount 8048 and Particle Generator ~$29,000 + GST Kenelec Scientific Card Printer and Cards ~$3500 + GST ID Warehouse …

Fit Test Software
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-10-16T21:00:00Z
subject: Face Fit Testing
subject: PortaCount
description: In this quick guide we provide details of the correct fit test software to be downloaded when using our fit testing machines for completing quantitative fit testing.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1000" height="666" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-portacount-machine.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Face fit testing PortaCount machine" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-portacount-machine.jpg 1000w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-portacount-machine-300x200.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-portacount-machine-768x511.jpg 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/face-fit-testing-portacount-machine-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Part of using our fit testing machines and completing quantitative fit testing is using the software as well, which needs to be downloaded. As there are a few different versions, this can be confusing. This blog should be a quick guide to downloading the correct fit test software. Please note that manufacturers may change links at any time and upgrade the software, so always refer to the manufacturer of the equipment. Software for Portacount 8048 (Fit Pro Ultra) Open the TSI Software and Firmware Wizard In the “Search” bar, enter the name of your PortaCount (PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester 8048 [8048]) Scroll down to and click on “FITPRO ULTRA 5.1.0 SOFTWARE SETUP” Complete the form for TSI to send you the software <img decoding="async" width="1020" height="765" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PortaCount-8048.png" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="PortaCount 8048 Fit Test Software" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PortaCount-8048.png 1024w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PortaCount-8048-300x225.png 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PortaCount-8048-768x576.png 768w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/upl…

More proof that being clean shaven when wearing RPE is a must!
type: item
creator: Anshul Khanna
date: 2025-10-08T03:48:00Z
subject: RPE
description: Pro Safety and Training are the number one provider for face fit testing in Australia. We believe that all workers wearing RPE (respiratory protective equipment) have to be clean shaven as even the slightest stubble can affect the seal. The following guidance also recommends workers wearing tight fitting face pieces/ masks or RPE: ASNZS 1715:2009 [...]
encoded: Pro Safety and Training are the number one provider for face fit testing in Australia. We believe that all workers wearing RPE (respiratory protective equipment) have to be clean shaven as even the slightest stubble can affect the seal. The following guidance also recommends workers wearing tight fitting face pieces/ masks or RPE: ASNZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of RPE Manufacturers Specifications for multiple brands of RPE including Sundström, Scott and 3M How to Safely Remove asbestos in the workplace Code of Practice 2011 Just to prove how much of a difference there is we recently conducted a face fit test on a student of our asbestos courses with and without a beard. We found that the mask sealed approximately 13 times better when the wearer was clean shaven. Details of testing For the test we considered the following: Student had slight stubble in the first test, and then shaved and conducted the second test Student did not drink or smoke prior to the testing Ambient counts were close in the first and second test The Portacount used has been recently calibrated The first and second test used the same respirator- an SR100 M/L Test 1: Despite the student having slight stubble he still passed the test overall fit factor score of 2430. Although this is a pass the student failed one of the individual tests- Head up and Down. As all work involves physical activity and exertion failing in the “head up and down” activity proves to us that the mask does not seal correctly on the face and is unsuitable. Slight Stubble prior to fit testing. <img decoding="async" width="692" height="493" src="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Slight-Stubble-Fit-Test.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-205" srcset="https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Slight-Stubble-Fit-Test.jpg 692w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Slight-Stubble-Fit-Test-300x214.jpg 300w, https://prosafetytraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads…