Moldex Bitrex Fit Test Kit User manual

Moldex Fit Test Kit User Instructions
Qualitative Fit Testing with Bitrex® Solutions

Content
1. Introduction
1.1 What is qualitative Fit Testing? | 03
1.2 What is Bitrex®? | 03
1.3 Why fit test? | 03
1.4 Equipment | 04
1.5 Additional equipment needed | 04
2. Prior to Fit Testing
2.1 Preparing the solutions | 05
2.2 Checking the nebulisers | 07
2.3 Instructing the test person | 07
2.4 Preparing the hood | 08
3. Sensitivity Test
3.1 Putting on the hood | 09
3.2 Performing Sensitivity Test | 10
3.3 After Sensitivity Test | 11
4. Fit Test
4.1 Putting on the mask | 12
4.2 Preparing the test solution atmosphere and perform Fit Test | 13
4.3 Test exercises | 14
5. Test results
5.1 Repeating the test | 15
5.2 Most common reasons for failed Fit Tests | 16
5.3 Fit Test record | 17
5.4 How often should you Fit Test? | 17
6. Maintenance
6.1 Unblocking nebulisers | 18
Content

1. Introduction
1.1 What is qualitative Fit Testing?
A simple but effective method for checking that a tight fitting facepiece seals adequately
to the wearer‘s face (FFP and half masks).
Pass/fail test that relies on the test person‘s response to a test agent.
If the test person can taste the test agent through the mask at any time, the test is failed.
1.2 What is Bitrex®?
An odourless substance which is used in Fit Testing for its strong bitter taste.
Developed for cleaning products to prevent children from drinking them.
Drinking water after the Fit Test will quickly remove the taste.
Further information: www.bitrex.com
1.3 Why Fit Test?
To select a mask model which matches the test persons facial features and seals
adequately to their face.
To check that the wearer can put the mask on correctly.
Required by legislation in some countries (UK).
1. Introduction
| 03

1.4 Equipment
The Moldex Fit Test Kit comes with equipment required to carry out multiple tests.
1x Test Hood
2x Nebulisers (for sensitivity and test solution)
6x 2.5 ml ampoules Bitrex® sensitivity solution*
6x 2.5 ml ampoules Bitrex® Fit Test solution*
4x Replacement nebuliser inserts
2x Nebuliser cleaning pins
1x User instructions CD
* Replacement ampoules available
1.5 Additional equipment needed:
Paper towels
Stopwatch
Plain drinking water
Protective gloves
1. Introduction
| 04

2. Prior to Fit Testing
2.1 Preparing the solutions
We suggest to wear gloves during this procedure.
1
Every solution box contains a protective
crushing sleeve. Slide the sleeve onto the
ampoule all the way up to the applicator tip.
2
Keep applicator tip pointed upward.
Pinch the sleeve at the top of the ampoule to break
the glass inside the tube.
3 Remove the cap on top of the nebuliser.
2. Prior to Fit Testing
| 05

4 Insert applicator tip into opening.
5
Squeeze the ampoule with sleeve still on until
drained.
6 Perform these steps for both solutions, the
sensitivity and the test solution and mark one
nebuliser with “T” for test and one with “S”
for sensivity.
2. Prior to Fit Testing
| 06

2.2 Checking the nebulisers
1
Make sure both caps are removed from the
nebuliser.
2
Check if nebulisers are working by spraying
against a dark background. You should see a
fine mist.
3
If you cannot see the mist then the nebuliser may
be blocked from crystallised Bitrex® Solution.
See maintenance section for further instructions.
4
Continue to check the nebulisers throughout the
Fit Test.
2.3 Instructing the test person
The test person should not eat, drink [except plain water], smoke or chew gum
for at least 15 minutes before the test.
Explain the reasons for Fit Testing and the Fit Test procedures to the test person.
2. Prior to Fit Testing
Make sure caps are removed
You should see a fine mist
| 07

2.4 Preparing the hood
1
Unfold the hood. We recommend to put it over a
box, basket or the back of a chair.
2
Before the first use, remove protective paper from
window panel.
3
Fasten the top left and right
press studs together.
4
Turn the hood and unfold it again
from the inside.
2. Prior to Fit Testing
| 08

3. Sensitivity Test
This test is done to ensure that the test person can detect the taste of Bitrex®
at sufficiently low levels to make the Fit Test valid.
3.1 Putting on the hood
1
Instruct test person to put on the hood without
a respirator.
2
Position the hood forward so there is about 10 cm
gap between the test person‘s face and the hood
window.
3
The hood should sit on the shoulders.
4
The test person holds the pull strings to keep the
hood in place. No need to draw them.
3. Sensitivity Test
| 09

3.2 Performing Sensitivity Test
1
The test person breathes through the mouth, with
tongue slightly forwarded.
2
Ask the test person to indicate as soon as they taste
the Bitrex®.
3
Inject up to 10 full squeezes until the person being
tested indicates they can taste the Bitrex®.
4
If nothing is detected, repeat the procedure up to a
further 2 times.
5
If nothing is detected after 30 squeezes, the test person cannot be tested with this test
method. Please contact Moldex for information on alternative methods.
6
Note the number of squeezes required. This will determine the amount of Bitrex® Test
Solution used during the Fit Test.
3. Sensitivity Test
Squeeze
10x
Squeeze
10x
Squeeze
10x
Nothing
detected?
Nothing
detected?
Nothing
detected?
Test is not
applicable.
Detected?
Note 10
Detected?
Note 20
Detected?
Note 30
| 10

3.3 After Sensitivity Test
1
Remove the hood.
2
Ask test person to wipe mouth and wash hands.
3
Drinking water helps to remove the taste of Bitrex® solution.
4 Wait a few minutes before proceeding to Fit Test.
3. Sensitivity Test
| 11

4. Fit Test
4.1 Putting on the mask
1 Ask test person to put on and adjust the mask.
2 Inspect the fit of the mask and as the person to perform a fit check.
3 If necessary, correct the fit. Make sure the chin properly moves into the mask and that
the mask sits correctly on the nose.
4 Any assistance given should be recorded on the test report and to the employer as
additional training might be required.
5 If testing a half mask, then particulate filters must be used.
The test person should wear the mask for 5 minutes prior to the Fit Test.
4. Fit Test
| 12

4.2 Preparing the test solution atmosphere
and perform Fit Test
1 Instruct the test person to put on the test hood.
2
The results of the Sensitivity Test dictate the amount of Bitrex® test solution to be used
during the Fit Test.
3
Use the Bitrex® test solution nebuliser to inject the initial amount of squeezes into the
hood. A
4
Now 7 exercises need to be performed (See following page).
Every 30 seconds top up the test solution inside the hood by administering half the
initial amount of squeezes. B
Initial
Squeezes
1
/
2 of Initial
Squeezes
1
/
2 of Initial
Squeezes
and so
on ...
Exercise 1
Excercise 1
Normal
breathing
30 sec
Exercise 1
Normal
breathing
30 sec
4. Fit Test
Number of sdqueezes
administered in Sensitivity Test
Number of initial squeezes of
test solution
Number of squeezes of test
solution to be administered
every 30 seconds
1–10
11–2 0
21–30
10
20
30
5
10
15
A B
A B B
1
/
2 of Initial
Squeezes
Exercise 2
Exercise 2
Deep
breathing
30 sec
Exercise 2
Deep
breathing
30 sec
B
| 13

4.3 Test Exercises
Instruct the test person to breathe through the mouth, with tongue slightly forwarded.
Ask the test person to indicate if Bitrex® is being tasted at any time during the test.
The test person should perform the following exercises for 60 seconds each.
1
Normal breathing
The test person should breathe normally with no head movements or talking.
2
Deep breathing
The test person should breathe slowly and deeply, taking care so as
not to hyperventilate.
3
Turning head side to side
The test person should slowly turn their head from side to side while inhaling
at each side.
4
Moving head up and down
The test person should slowly move their head up and down while inhaling in
the up position.
5
Talking
The test person should talk out loud and slowly (for example counting backwards
from 100).
6
Bending over
The test person should stand and bend at the waist as if to touch their toes, and then
return to an upright position. Repeat 10-15 times.
7
Normal breathing
The test person should breathe normally with no head movements or talking.
4. Fit Test
| 14

5. Test results
If the entire test is completed without the test person detecting the bitter taste of Bitrex®,
the test is passed.
If the test person detects the bitter taste at any point the test is failed and should be
stopped. The test can be repeated.
Sometimes test persons are not sure if they taste something. In this case finish the test
and at the end ask the test person to lift the mask. The test person will now taste Bitrex®
and give a clear answer if he/she has really detected Bitrex® during the test.
5.1 Repeating the test
Before retesting a minimum 15 minute waiting period must be observed to allow the
taste of the test agent to be removed completely. Offer the test person a drink of water.
Both the sensitivity test and fit test should be repeated.
Ideally, the test is performed on the next day. For some people it takes two hours and
longer until they loose the Bitrex® taste.
If the second test fails, repeat test with another size and/or model of Moldex mask.
Before restarting the test it is important to review the fit of the mask for any obvious
failures.
5. Test results
| 15

5.2 Most common reasons for failed Fit Tests
Incorrect fitting of respirator
Facial hair [e.g. beard, stubble etc.]
Excessive facial movement during the talking section
Sweating
Make-up or face creams
Jewellery such as nose studs
Unusual facial features
In general Moldex masks pass in fit test procedures but it is quite normal that every now
and then someone will fail. This doesn‘t show that there is a problem with Moldex masks
in general. It is proof that the fit test procedure is working and shows how important it is
to do fit testing.
There are persons that have problematic face shapes relating to respiratory protection
and that is why Moldex has different masks and sizes to choose from.
Test again with some other type of FFP. The Air Plus or the 7000 Series almost always fit.
5. Test results
| 16

5.3 Fit test record
Complete the Moldex Fit Test record and explain the result to the candidate.
We recommend the employer and employee both keep a copy of the Fit Test record.
5.4 How often should you Fit Test?
We recommend annual Fit Testing.
There are situations where repeat testing should be carried out e.g. if the test person loses
or gains weight, or develops any facial changes like scars.
5. Test results
| 17

6. Maintenance
Immediately after completing the test, pour away any unused solution in the nebulisers
and ampoules.
Rinse both nebulisers with warm water and dry with paper towel.
The hood can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
Do not fold the hood across the window panel.
6.1 Unblocking nebulisers
If you cannot see a fine mist when using
the nebuliser then it may be blocked.
Use the pins provided to unblock the nozzles.
If necessary, replace the nebuliser insert.
6. Maintenance
| 18

EN Rev09-17
Moldex-Metric AG & Co. KG
www.moldex-europe.com
Head Office (DE):
Tübinger Straße 50
72141 Walddorfhäslach
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
ES Pol. Ind. Molí dels Frares
Carrer C, no. 30
08620 Sant Vicenc dels Horts
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
FR Îlot Girodet - Bât. A
26500 Bourg les Valence
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
GB 9 Glaisdale Point
Bilborough
Nottingham NG8 4GP
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
IT Via C. Porta, 69
20831 Seregno (MB)
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
NL Ebweg 1A
2991 LS Barendrecht
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
SE Kapplöpningsgatan 14
25230 Helsingborg
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]