Face fit testing Attleborough services are provided by Milne Safety for employers in Attleborough and the surrounding Norfolk area. We test tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) at your premises or at our training centre in Wymondham, just a short drive from Attleborough along the A11.

What face fit testing involves

A face fit test checks that a specific make, model and size of tight-fitting facepiece forms an adequate seal against the wearer’s face. Without a proper seal, contaminated air bypasses the filter and the RPE offers little or no protection.

Under the COSHH Regulations 2002, employers who provide tight-fitting RPE must ensure each wearer has been fit tested. This applies to disposable FFP masks, reusable half masks and full-face respirators. The requirement is not optional; if your COSHH assessment identifies a need for RPE, fit testing must follow.

Testing should be repeated when a wearer changes to a different mask type, model or size, or when there are significant changes to facial features such as weight change, dental work or scarring.

Why choose a local provider for face fit testing Attleborough

Attleborough sits in a part of Norfolk with a strong mix of manufacturing, food production, agriculture and construction. Many of these sectors require RPE for tasks involving dust, fumes, vapour or biological hazards. Bringing a fit tester to your site avoids pulling staff away from work for a trip across the county.

We are based in Wymondham, roughly 10 miles from Attleborough. That proximity means we can deliver on-site testing with minimal travel cost and short lead times. For smaller numbers, your staff are welcome at our Wymondham training centre at Unit 9, Philip Ford Way.

Milne Safety has been providing health and safety services across Norfolk since 1978. Our directors, David Field (CMIOSH, MIIRSM) and Alec Rodwell (CMIOSH, MIIRSM), hold Chartered Membership of IOSH, so your face fit testing sits within a broader understanding of workplace health risk.

Face fit testing as part of a wider programme

A fit test alone does not discharge your RPE duties. Employers also need to ensure that RPE is properly selected based on the hazard and workplace exposure limit, that wearers are trained in correct fitting, use and storage, and that equipment is maintained and inspected.

Because we also carry out COSHH assessments and health surveillance including audiometric testing and lung function screening, we can identify where face fit testing fits into your overall compliance picture rather than treating it in isolation.

Areas around Attleborough we cover

We deliver face fit testing across Norfolk and into north Suffolk. As well as Attleborough itself, we regularly work in Wymondham, Norwich, Thetford, Dereham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. On-site testing is available throughout these areas.

Frequently asked questions

Is face fit testing a legal requirement?

Yes. The COSHH Regulations 2002, Regulation 7, require employers to ensure that RPE is adequate and suitable. The HSE states that fit testing is an essential part of demonstrating suitability for tight-fitting facepieces. Failure to fit test is a common finding in HSE inspections and can result in enforcement action.

How often does fit testing need to be done?

There is no fixed re-test interval set in law, but the HSE recommends retesting at regular intervals. A new test is always needed when the wearer changes to a different make, model or size of RPE, or when facial changes may affect the seal.

Can you test at our premises in Attleborough?

Yes. We bring all the necessary equipment to your site. This is usually the most practical option for larger groups because it avoids disruption. For one or two people, our Wymondham training centre is a convenient alternative.

What should wearers do before a fit test?

Wearers should be clean-shaven in the area where the mask seals against the face. Stubble, even a day’s growth, can break the seal and cause a test failure. They should also avoid eating, drinking or smoking for at least 30 minutes before a qualitative taste test.

Book face fit testing in Attleborough

If you need face fit testing for your team in Attleborough or anywhere in Norfolk, call us on 01953 607093 or contact us through the website. We can test at your site or at our training centre in Wymondham, and we are happy to discuss how fit testing fits alongside your COSHH assessments and health surveillance programme.