Fit Testing is mandated by Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715
Compliance with WHS Regulations
In the WHS Regulations, respiratory protective equipment means equipment that—
- is designed to prevent a person wearing the equipment from inhaling airborne contaminants; and,
- complies with
- AS/NZS 1716:2012 – Respiratory protective devices; and
- AS/NZS 1715:2009 – Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
Australian Standard Requirements
AS/NZS 1715:2009 requires fit testing before wearing a tight-fitting respirator for the first time, when a new make or model is issued, when facial characteristics change, and at least every 12 months thereafter.
The standard states:
- Wearers of tight-fitting respirators should undergo fit testing before wearing a mask for the first time
- Fit testing must be repeated at least every 12 months
- Retesting is required following significant weight change, facial surgery, or major scarring
- Testing must be repeated when a different mask model or size is introduced
- PCBUs must ensure respiratory protective equipment is suitable for the nature of the work, selected based on the risk assessment, and provides an adequate level of protection.
Duty of Care & Risk Management
Fit testing proactively identifies risks early by uncovering issues like improper mask selection, poor equipment maintenance, facial hair breaking the mask’s seal, or the use of incorrect size that could compromise worker safety.
WHS Regulation considerations
In addition to the references to Australian Standards for respirators, respiratory protection requirements are also prescribed further in the WHS Regulations.
Regulation 44 is the primary reference across all industries. It states that the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that all Respiratory Protection, and more specifically a Respiratory Protection Program (cross referenced in the standard) must include:
- Suitability: It must match the specific nature of the work and the associated hazard.
- A Proper Fit: It must be a suitable size and fit reasonably comfortably for the worker.
- Maintenance: It must be maintained, repaired, or replaced so it continues to protect the worker.
- Cleanliness: It must be clean, hygienic, and in good working order.
- Training: The worker must be provided with information, training and instruction in the—
This universal requirement for PPE covers contaminants from farming chemicals, infection and diseases, mining activities, spray paints to diesel and welding fumes. There is more specific WHS legislation, like Regulation 529B and 529CA dealing with silica processes, Chapter 7 dedicated to Lead Processes, and Chapter 8 with Asbestos related activities.
Health Care
In terms of the Health Care sector, Regulation 44 covers requirements broadly, but in this field, PPE often becomes a primary, daily defense rather than a “last resort” measure. Respiratory protection is heavily relied upon to manage standard and transmission-based contaminants. Hence, fit testing is critical to ensure the mask minimizes the risk of biohazards to protect health workers, emergency personnel, and their patients. This is supported by the Therapeutic Goods Act, with more detailed PPE requirements and work practices within this industry.