Confidence, Compliance & Cleanliness: What You Need to Know About Respirator Fit Testing
When it comes to workplace safety, respirator fit testing is more than just a box to tick. Whether your staff use disposable P2/N95 masks or reusable half-face / full-face respirators, understanding the correct testing process — and the hygiene practices behind it — is essential for compliance and peace of mind.
At Djinda Health in Riverton, WA, we work with companies across greater Perth and Australia to deliver accurate, standards-compliant fit testing, while also prioritising staff comfort and safety.
Here’s what you and your team need to know.
Disposable vs Reusable Respirators: What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of respirators used in Australian workplaces:
1. Disposable Respirators (e.g. P2 or N95 masks)
Made from lightweight, paper-like materials
Cover the nose and mouth
Intended for single use only
Commonly used in healthcare, mining, and construction
2. Reusable Respirators (Half-face or Full-face)
Made from durable silicone or rubber materials
Provide a full seal over the nose and mouth, or entire face
Used in high-risk settings: chemical, silica, gas or dust exposure
Designed for repeated use with proper cleaning and filter changes
Popular models include 3M full-face respirators
Why Fit Testing Must Match the Exact Mask Used at Work
AS/NZS 1715:2009 provides guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, including fit testing requirements for tight-fitting respirators.
Fit testing should be conducted using the make, model and size of respirator the worker will actually wear. Different respirators can fit differently, even when they appear similar, so a successful fit test with one respirator should not be assumed to apply to another.
Even small differences between masks — such as shape, size, or sealing surface — can drastically affect fit.
Bottom line: A correct fit on one mask does not guarantee a fit on another.
Testing staff on a cheaper disposable mask does not qualify as a valid result for reusable respirators.
Doing so would be considered non-compliant and could expose employers to liability if a worker is not properly protected in a hazardous environment.
What About Hygiene During Fit Testing?
At Djinda Health, we follow strict infection control protocols — both for disposable and reusable respirators.
For Disposable Masks (P2/N95):
A new, unused mask is used for each person tested
This ensures both hygiene and compliance with manufacturer specifications
For Reusable Respirators:
Each unit is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every individual use
We follow 3M’s cleaning guidelines and hospital-grade disinfection methods
All face seals, valves, and adaptors are visually inspected between uses
Individual adaptors and sampling tubes are assigned per person
We’re also happy to explain these cleaning steps at the time of testing — transparency matters to us.
Prefer a New Mask? We Offer Reusable Respirators for Purchase
We understand that some staff may feel more comfortable using a brand-new respirator during testing — especially when testing reusable full-face or half-face masks.
We offer two flexible options:
Option 1: Supply Your Own Mask
Team members can bring their own reusable respirator compatible with quantitative fit testing.
Option 2: Purchase a New Mask Through Us
With notice, we can supply a brand-new, unopened reusable respirator for individual use.
Your staff will be fit tested on the same model they’ll wear at work
They’ll keep the respirator after testing for ongoing use
The cost of reusable respirators varies depending on the manufacturer, model, protection requirements and whether a half-face or full-face respirator is required.
Djinda Health can discuss suitable respirator options and availability based on your workplace requirements. Where a new respirator is supplied, its cost is additional to the fit testing fee.
Serving Riverton, Perth, and Beyond
Djinda Health provides quantitative respirator fit testing at our Riverton clinic in Perth, Western Australia.
For employers with workers in other locations, we can arrange respirator fit testing appointments throughout Australia through selected service providers, subject to availability.
Whether you require testing for a small team or a larger workforce, contact Djinda Health to discuss your locations, respirator types and testing requirements.
Got Questions? Let’s Talk.
We’re committed to supporting your team’s respiratory safety and compliance.
Whether you’re new to fit testing or just want clarity on your options, we’re here to help.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a session.
Need multiple respirators tested? Ask about our group bookings options.