How to Become an AIOH RESP-FIT Approved Respirator Fit Tester

KINNECT Training plays a vital role in helping individuals become competent Certified Respirator Fit Testers in their workplaces. By providing comprehensive training that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of fit testing, KINNECT Training ensures that participants have the knowledge and skills needed to conduct accurate and reliable fit tests.

What is RESP-FIT Accreditation

RESP-FIT is a national respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing training and accreditation program developed to improve the competency of fit testers against both Australian and international ISO respirator standards for fit testing. The program aims to protect worker health by ensuring that respirators, the last line of defence against dust, chemicals, or pathogens, fit properly and prevent leakages that could expose workers to contaminated air.
KINNECT Training, as an approved RESP-FIT training provider, offers courses designed to help nominated individuals in workplaces become competent fit testers. This training is crucial for ensuring that workers who wear tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment receive reliable fit testing, thereby enhancing their health protection..

Why should I be Respirator-Fit Testing Certified?

Respirator fit testing is a critical process that ensures a respirator fits the wearer correctly, providing the necessary protection against airborne contaminants. Fit testing is essential because an ill-fitting respirator can lead to exposure to harmful substances, compromising the wearer’s health.
The RESP-FIT Certified Fit Tester program provides a standardised training syllabus to ensure that fit testers have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct accurate fit tests.

The Path to Accreditation

Completing the RESP-FIT training course is the first step towards becoming a competent fit tester. KINNECT TRAINING assists all their RESP-FIT Certified students to find their feet when they commence respirator fit testing in their workplace. However, RESP-FIT recommends that newly trained fit testers are mentored in the role for a period to gain essential on-the-job experience and confidence. This mentorship helps ensure that fit testers can apply their training effectively in real-world scenarios, further enhancing their competence.

There are two points of entry into the RESP-FIT Accreditation Pathway:

1. If you are already an experienced fit tester with other fit testing qualifications, you can apply to respfit.org.au to undertake accreditation without having completed a RESP-FIT certified course, or
2. Once you have completed a RESP-FIT certified course, after gaining further experience and confidence in fit testing, you can then apply to respfit.org.au to undertake accreditation.

Your RESP-FIT Accreditation process
The process of RESP-FIT Accreditation will progress in two stages:

• Stage 1: One-hour, closed-book online exam. Give yourself a chance to set up for this exam ahead of time because it includes downloading some special Ai software that supervises you to make sure you follow the rules of the exam.
• Stage 2: Practical video assessment. Here, you demonstrate your competency as a fit tester by instructing your wearer and explaining your way through your chosen method of fit testing. If you are good at speaking on-the-spot, great! However, if you usually need to time to figure out what you need to say, then you’ll need to prepare a script.

If you don’t meet the minimum requirements for either the written test or your video submission, don’t worry. You are always able to resit your exam or resubmit your video if required.

Once you become a RESP-FIT “Accredited Fit Tester”, your details will be added to the respfit.org.au website, you will be issued with an ebadge (which you can display on your website or email signature) and you will receive an Accredited Fit Tester ID card and accreditation for three years.

How KINNECT Training Assists in Becoming a Competent Fit Tester

KINNECT Training is a RESP-FIT “approved training provider” that helps “nominated person/s” complete the required training to become fit testers in their own workplace. This training offers a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of respirator fit testing. The course includes theoretical and practical components, ensuring that participants gain a thorough understanding of fit testing procedures and techniques.

By choosing KINNECT Training, participants benefit from:

1. Expert Instruction: KINNECT Training’s courses are delivered by experienced instructors who are knowledgeable about RESP-FIT standards and protocols.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The training covers all aspects of fit testing, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to conduct fit tests in their workplaces.
3. Practical Experience: The hands-on component of the course allows participants to practice fit testing techniques, building their confidence and competence.
4. Instruction From Certified Fit Testers: All Trainers are RESP-FIT accredited Testers and approved Trainers. Learn more on the RESP-FIT website.

Course Content
The RESP-FIT training course provided by KINNECT Training includes the following key components:

1. Introduction to RESP-FIT: Participants learn about the RESP-FIT program, its objectives, and the importance of respirator fit testing.
2. Fit Testing Methodologies: The course covers different fit testing methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative fit testing.
3. Practical Fit Testing: Participants gain hands-on experience in conducting fit tests using various methodologies and equipment.
4. Standards and Protocols: The course emphasizes the importance of following accepted fit testing standards and protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results.
5. Assessment and Accreditation Certification: Participants are assessed on their knowledge and skills, and upon successful completion of the course, they receive a “Certificate of Completion” as evidence of training.

This training KINNECT Training’s course ultimately contributes to improved worker health protection by ensuring that respirators fit properly and provide the necessary protection against airborne contaminants.
For more information about RESP-FIT and KINNECT Training, visit the RESP-FIT website or contact KINNECT Training directly on 1300 591 548 or via our Contact Form.