The Face Fit Train the Trainer course is ideal for individuals responsible for implementing, managing, or delivering face fit testing within their organisation. It is particularly suited to:

• Health and safety professionals

• Internal trainers in industrial, construction, manufacturing, or healthcare settings

• Supervisors and managers overseeing staff who wear tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

• Compliance and regulatory officers ensuring adherence to COSHH and HSE requirements

• Anyone tasked with developing or maintaining an in-house fit testing programme

This course is designed for those who want to gain the competence and certification needed to carry out qualitative face fit testing confidently and effectively within their own teams.

Completing the Face Fit Train the Trainer course offers a range of benefits for both individuals and organisations:

• Enhanced expertise in respiratory protection and face fit testing protocols, aligned with current HSE and COSHH requirements

• The ability to conduct in-house face fit testing, reducing reliance on external providers and improving flexibility

• Improved workplace safety and compliance, ensuring all staff using tight-fitting RPE are properly fitted and protected

• The skills to train and assess others, creating a self-sufficient, proactive approach to respiratory protection

• Greater professional credibility for participants in health and safety roles

• Opportunities for career progression, especially in compliance, training, or HSE leadership positions

By training internal testers, organisations can save time and resources while significantly enhancing their health and safety culture.

This course is a half day course

This course focuses on qualitative face fit testing, a method that uses the wearer’s sensory response—typically the detection of a taste or smell—to determine if a tight-fitting respirator provides an effective seal.

Unlike quantitative fit testing, which uses electronic instruments to measure the actual level of mask leakage, qualitative testing relies on the user’s ability to detect a test agent (such as Bitrex or saccharin) while performing a series of exercises.

• Qualitative testing is widely used for disposable and half-face respirators, and is recognised under HSE and COSHH regulations

• It is typically simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective than quantitative testing

• While less precise, it remains highly effective when conducted correctly and is suitable for most workplace applications

Participants in this course will gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out and supervise qualitative face fit testing in line with industry standards.

The Face Fit Train the Trainer course is delivered in a classroom setting, providing a structured and interactive learning environment. This format allows for:

• In-depth instruction on qualitative face fit testing procedures

• Live demonstrations of the testing process and equipment use

• Group discussions and Q&A sessions, encouraging shared learning and clarification of key concepts

• Hands-on practice, where participants conduct tests and receive feedback from the instructor

• Review of HSE guidelines, legal responsibilities, and best practices for in-house testing

This classroom-based approach ensures participants leave with the practical skills and theoretical understanding needed to deliver confident, compliant face fit testing in their own organisations.

Delegates on the Face Fit Train the Trainer course are assessed through a combination of formative and summative methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of both the theory and practical elements.

• Formative assessments take place throughout the course and may include:

  • Participation in practical exercises

  • Peer feedback during testing simulations

  • Demonstrations of correct fit testing techniques

• The summative assessment typically consists of:

  • A written test covering key concepts, regulations, and procedures

  • A practical evaluation where delegates must correctly perform and guide a face fit test

Successful completion of both components confirms that the participant is fully competent to conduct qualitative face fit testing and train others effectively within their organisation.

The Face Fit Train the Trainer course is delivered in a well-equipped, professional training environment to support both theory and practical learning.

We provide:

• A spacious, comfortable training room with seating for all participants

• Audio-visual equipment for presentations, videos, and demonstrations

• A dedicated practical testing area for hands-on face fit testing exercises

• All necessary fit testing equipment, including hoods, nebulisers, and test agents

• Demonstration materials and real-world scenarios to enhance learning

• Strict health and safety measures to ensure a safe and controlled environment throughout the course

Our facilities are designed to create an engaging and effective setting for learning and practising face fit testing techniques with confidence.

During the Face Fit Train the Trainer course, delegates will train using a full set of qualitative face fit testing equipment, including:

• Fit Test Hoods – Clear hoods worn over the head and shoulders to contain the test agent during the procedure

• Test Masks – A range of commonly used disposable and reusable half-face respirators for demonstration and practice

• Test Chemicals – Safe, HSE-approved substances such as Bitrex (bitter) or Saccharin (sweet) used to detect leakage via taste

• Nebulisers (Spray Devices) – Used to accurately deliver the sensitivity and test solutions inside the hood

• Spare components and consumables – For demonstrations, troubleshooting, and best practice instruction

All equipment is supplied for training purposes and complies with current health and safety standards.

While this course does not involve personal fit testing, it includes a practical component where delegates will perform and observe qualitative face fit tests.

To ensure proper demonstration and full participation in the hands-on exercises, it is considered best practice to attend clean shaven—particularly in areas where the respirator would seal.

Being clean shaven allows you to fully engage in the practical activities, experience the correct fit process, and better understand the challenges that may arise during real-world testing.

While the Face Fit Train the Trainer course includes a variety of sample masks for demonstration and practice, delegates are encouraged to bring the specific masks used within their own organisation.

This allows for:

• Realistic, hands-on practice using the exact make and model issued to staff

• Discussion of fit challenges specific to your workplace

• Guidance on whether your current masks are suitable for in-house fit testing

Bringing your own masks is not mandatory but is highly recommended for those planning to carry out testing on specific brands or models post-training.

Upon successful completion of the Face Fit Train the Trainer course, delegates will receive a UK Industries Training In-House Certificate of Competence.

This certificate confirms that the participant has:

• Successfully completed theoretical and practical instruction in qualitative face fit testing

• Demonstrated the ability to conduct and supervise fit tests in accordance with HSE guidelines

• Acquired the knowledge and skills required to train others in face fit testing procedures

The certificate is issued by UK Industries Training and serves as formal recognition of your competence to carry out in-house face fit testing within your organisation.

The validity of a face fit testing certificate typically ranges from one to two years, depending on your organisation’s policies or the requirements of your industry or regulatory body.

While there is no fixed legal expiry date, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends re-testing:

• At least every two years as good practice

• Whenever the type or model of mask changes

• If the wearer undergoes significant facial changes (e.g. weight loss, dental work, facial surgery)

• If there is reason to believe the original fit is no longer adequate

Always refer to your employer’s guidelines or industry-specific regulations to confirm the exact duration of validity required in your role or sector.

To check course availability, please:

• Use our online calendar to view upcoming dates and book your place

• Or call or email our team with your preferred dates or specific requirements

We’re happy to help with scheduling and can often accommodate short-notice or group bookings.

The Face Fit Train the Trainer course offers more than just instruction—it is designed to provide long-term value and ongoing support for your organisation’s respiratory protection programme.

Key additional benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling options, including on-site delivery and tailored session times to suit your team’s availability

• The ability to customise training content to reflect your organisation’s specific masks, procedures, and workplace environments

• Access to follow-up support and refresher courses, ensuring your knowledge remains up to date with evolving HSE guidelines

• Provision of training manuals, step-by-step guides, and post-course online resources to reinforce learning and assist with internal training delivery

• Use of real-world case studies and practical examples to deepen understanding and prepare you for a variety of testing scenarios

This comprehensive approach ensures that delegates leave the course not only qualified, but also confident and equipped to implement and sustain an effective face fit testing programme.