What Is A Fit Check?

A fit check is a critical process in ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) clothing fit properly on an individual. Fit checks are conducted to ensure that PPE effectively protects the individual from potential hazards such as chemicals radiation dust heat other workplace hazards.

Why Are Fit Checks Essential?

Fit checks are essential because wearing improperly fitting PPE clothing can lead to serious injuries health risks. Inadequate PPE leads to exposure to hazardous substances that can cause serious health problems. Wearing a respirator mask for example that is too large or too small can expose workers to respiratory hazards when the mask doesn’t fit properly. Fit checks are important in ensuring that PPE provides the best protection possible to the wearer.

When Are Fit Checks Necessary?

Fit checks are necessary when an individual begins to wear a new type or model of PPE when the PPE undergoes significant changes when a worker gains or loses weight when the PPE is not worn for a prolonged period. Also fit checks should be conducted periodically even when there are no significant changes to the PPE.

How Are Fit Checks Conducted?

Fit checks are conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines for the PPE. For example manufacturers suggest different ways of conducting fit checks for a respirator mask or for a protective suit. PPE fit checks can be conducted by the individual user an appointed person or a trained health safety professional.

Conclusion

Fit checks are essential to ensure proper PPE clothing fit which in turn provides effective protection against various workplace hazards. To ensure that PPE clothing provide the best protection against workplace hazards fit checks should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Employers should also provide training to workers appointed persons health safety professionals on how to conduct fit checks properly.