Howie, Robin

Robin Howie Associates, Edinburgh

Quantitative Fit Tests (QnFT) have been an integral part of RPE programmes in the USA for many years, have recently been specified for asbestos workers in the UK and are likely to be specified for all work covered by the revised UK COSHH Regulations. However, notwithstanding the effort expended in such tests, it would appear that those specifying such tests have failed to consider the vital question: What do the test results mean?

Analysis of the available published data clearly demonstrates that there is no significant or useful relationship between Fit Factors and Workplace Protection Factors, an interpretation clearly stated by a number of authors. For example, Colton et al (1989) considered “The quantitative fit factors that were obtained did not predict which workers would have the highest or lowest WPF. ….it appears there was no correlation between WPF and quantitative fit factor”. Consequently, the revised BS 4275:1997 stated that “Fitting tests only identify gross misfits and do not guarantee adequacy of fit”, BSI (1997).

Detailed analysis of the available data will be presented and discussed.