Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department takes to ensure face-fit testing by the Fit2Fit Scheme providers is undertaken for all workers using tight-fitting respiratory face pieces.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance states that Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) fit testing should be conducted by a competent person and that person should be appropriately trained, qualified and experienced.

The voluntary Fit2Fit accreditation scheme, administered by the British Safety Industry Federation, provides evidence to help those who have responsibility for the use of RPE at work to decide whether a face fit tester is competent. Following this scheme is not compulsory and employers are free to take other action to comply with the law.