MASK FIT TEST FOR STUDENTS
- Rebekah McCutcheon
- Mar 3
- 8 min read
Fit Test Australia - The Leading Mask Fit Test For Students
If you’re preparing for clinical placements in healthcare or aged care, you’ve likely been advised to undergo an N95 mask fit test in order to be able to take part in this required portion of your education. At Fit Test Australia, we complete a quality mask fit test for students, maintaining all compliance, safety and required standards to get you ready for placement.
Why Is A Mask Fit Test For Students Important?
Respirator masks, such as N95 or P2 masks, are designed to create a tight seal around the wearer’s face, preventing microscopic airborne particles like viruses (including COVID-19) and airborne diseases from entering your airways. A proper fit is crucial to ensure the mask provides the protection it’s designed for, and mask fit testing confirms that the brand, style, and size of the respirator you use is suitable for your facial structure.
Fit testing isn’t just about safety—it’s a regulatory requirement. Governing bodies like Safe Work Australia mandate that all individuals using tight-fitting respirators, including students entering clinical placements, must undergo fit testing to ensure proper seal and performance.
At Fit Test Australia, we specialise in mask fit testing for clinical placement students.
Mask Fit Testing: What To Expect And Why It’s Important
A mask fit test for students is a straightforward but essential process that ensures your N95 or P2 respirator fits correctly, providing maximum protection. This involves using specialised equipment, such as an AccuFit or PortaCount machine, to determine the best brand, model, and size of respirator for your face.
The Fit Testing Process
Preparation:
We begin by placing a small metal probe into your mask and connecting it to the fit testing equipment via tubing. Once your mask is secured, we guide you through a fit check aka seal check, teaching you how to confirm there are no obvious leaks.
Fit Test Exercises:
With the equipment ready, you’ll perform a series of movements, such as bending, talking, and basic head movement. During this time, the machine measures air particles inside your mask compared to the surrounding air. If too many particles sneak in around the edges, the mask fails.
Fit Factor Results:
The equipment calculates a "fit factor" score. To pass any mask fit test for students, you’ll need a minimum overall score of 100, indicating that the respirator effectively seals against airborne particles.
Why Is A Mask Fit Test For Students Essential?
As a nursing or clinical placement student, you’ll be exposed to patients and wards where airborne infectious agents are a potential risk. In these settings, strict infection control measures, known as airborne precautions, are implemented, requiring the use of N95 or P2 respirators.
The Importance Of Proper Fit
Respirators are not one-size-fits-all. Mask fit testing is the only way to determine the specific brand, model, and size N95/P2 respirator forms an effective seal on your face. Without a proper fit, the mask cannot offer the level of protection it is designed to provide.
Beyond Covid-19
While many associate an N95 and P2 mask with COVID-19, their use extends far beyond the pandemic. These respirators are vital in any situation where airborne infectious viruses and diseases, such as measles, tuberculosis, shingles, and SARs, are a concern.
Why Mask Fit Testing Is A Requirement For Students
Protecting Yourself:
N95 and P2 respirators filter out 94–95% of microscopic airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. However, their effectiveness depends on achieving a tight seal. Without fit testing, harmful particles can bypass the mask, compromising your health and safety.
Protecting Patients:
As a healthcare provider in training, you also have a duty to protect your patients. A properly fitted respirator minimises the risk of you unintentionally transmitting infections to those under your care.
Regulatory Compliance:
Healthcare facilities are bound by strict infection control standards, which include ensuring all staff and students wear properly fitted respirators. Mask fit testing ensures you meet these requirements, maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.
Adherence to Standards:
Fit testing is mandated by AS/NZS 1715:2009 and supported by the NHMRC Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. These standards emphasise the necessity of respirator fit testing as a critical component of infection control.
Fit Test Australia ensures that nursing and clinical placement students are well-prepared for their placements. With a focus on compliance, safety, and comfort, we help you find the respirator that’s right for you so you can step into your clinical roles with confidence and peace of mind.
Why Fit Test Australia Provides The Best Mask Fit Test For Students
At Fit Test Australia, we go the extra mile for students preparing for clinical placements. Not only do we ensure your mask provides a proper seal, but we also test multiple mask options to find the best fits to your face. This way, you’ll have backups and the flexibility to choose a comfortable option. We fit test the HealthShare masks to ensure you find the perfect fit for your face and your personal characteristics. It’s another way we go above and beyond to make sure you are safe while on clinical placement.
Additionally, we take the time to demonstrate proper donning and doffing techniques and fit checking so you’re confident in using your mask safely and effectively. This thorough approach helps prevent placement rejections due to inadequate respiratory protection, ensuring you’re ready to meet your clinical placement requirements with confidence.
With Fit Test Australia, you’ll receive expert guidance and a mask fit testing experience tailored to meet the unique needs of healthcare and aged care students.
How Fit Test Australia Simplifies Mask Fit Testing For Placement Students
At Fit Test Australia, we understand the challenges faced by clinical students and placement coordinators when preparing for placements in healthcare and aged care settings. That’s why we’ve developed streamlined strategies to make the process of N95/P2 mask fit testing as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer convenient scheduling options to accommodate the busy timetables of both students and placement coordinators. Whether it’s individual or group bookings, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable solution.
Onsite Campus Fit Testing
Our team provides onsite fit testing services, traveling to campuses or other locations to ensure all students have easy access to their fit tests.
Simple Online Booking System
Students can book their fit test online through our intuitive platform, selecting a time and date that works best for them. To ensure no one misses their appointment, our system sends follow-up SMS and email reminders.
Resources for Placement Coordinators
We offer QR code posters and sample communications with booking links, making it easy for coordinators to share information with students and facilitate bookings.
Flexible Payment Options
Fit Test Australia offers multiple payment methods to suit your needs. Students can pay directly through our booking system, or we can provide invoices for payment by the RTO or institution. In our office, we accept cash and have an EFTPOS machine.
Comprehensive Mask Testing
We carry the full approved HealthShare range of recommended P2/N95 masks to ensure every student finds the right fit. No student is left without a suitable respirator.
Documentation and Compliance
Each student receives a fit test report in their appointment and a personalised fit test card (only in our office), providing proof of compliance with regulations and institutional guidelines. This ensures students are fully prepared for placements while giving placement coordinators peace of mind that all safety requirements are met.
Not Sure Which Masks Require Testing?
We’ve got you covered for any mask fit test for students! We test different types of respirators to ensure you’re fully prepared for your clinical placement. This includes testing the recommended masks used by placement hosts, ensuring you’re fitted with the correct P2/N95 mask. Our fit testing process helps find the perfect fit for you.
Why Choose Fit Test Australia for Student Mask Fit Testing?
One Price
At Fit Test Australia, we offer a transparent pricing structure. You won’t have to worry about providing your own masks for the fit test. If the first mask doesn’t fit, we will continue to test with additional mask/s at no extra charge, ensuring the best fit possible. We charge a straightforward fit testing fee with no hidden costs involved.
Certified and Compliant
Once your fit test is complete, we provide you with an official student fit test certificate, which is essential for placement coordinators and healthcare providers yo upload in ClinConnect. We also issue a Fit Test Card, listing the specific N95/P2 mask that fits you best. This card ensures you’re always prepared, you will have a quick reference as to what mask you passed, also a quick show of compliance if asked on ward, just pop it in with your access cards.
Flexible and Convenient
We understand that clinical placements have tight schedules, which is why we offer a streamlined process to help you get your Certificate of Fit and Fit Test ID Card on the same day. With our flexible weekend fit testing options, you’ll never have to worry about missing your placement due to scheduling conflicts. We also offer convenient online booking to make the process as easy as possible.
We Test Two P2/N95 Masks
To ensure you’re properly fitted, we test up to six different N95/P2 masks, giving you the best chance of finding a suitable fit. Most students are fitted with 2 masks, providing you with options for comfort and protection. Many clinical placements now require at least two fitted masks, we ensure you’re fully prepared without needing to schedule another test.
How We Conduct Mask Fit Tests for Students
At Fit Test Australia, we specialise in providing mask fit testing for nursing and clinical students, ensuring you're fully prepared for your clinical placements with the right protection.
Book Your Appointment
Visit our website and easily book your fit test appointment at a time that suits you. Select your location and then the ‘Student Fit Test’ option to access our exclusive discounted pricing for students.
Prepare for Your Appointment
For an effective fit test, arrive clean-shaven (no exceptions) and no smoking or vaping at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This ensures compliance with the standards and best practice.
We Provide Everything You Need
You don’t need to bring anything! We supply all the N95/P2 masks for testing, ensuring they’re on the Department of Health’s approved list. Our expert team will walk you through the process and ensure your mask provides the best protection.
Fit Testing Process
We aim to get you fitted with 2 masks that pass your test, but in some cases, we may test additional options to ensure the best fit. We have a strong track record and have never sent anyone away without at least one successful fit.
Receive Your Certification
Before you leave the appointment, we’ll email your fit test certificate, so you have all the documentation you need for your placement. You’ll also receive your Fit Test Card with details on the best-fitting mask for your face.
Group Fit Testing on Campus
We also offer on-site fit testing at universities and campuses for groups. If you’re coordinating a session for your student cohort, get in touch with us to arrange a convenient time.
Quick and Efficient
The entire fit testing process takes around 20 minutes—quick, simple, and hassle-free.
With Fit Test Australia, you can rest assured that you’ll be equipped with the proper PPE, and you'll be ready for your clinical placements. Book your student fit test today!
Need an Urgent or Emergency Fit Test?
We understand that sometimes urgent situations arise. If you need a last-minute student fit test, simply reach out to us by phone or email. We offer flexible scheduling, including weekend fit tests on Saturdays and Sundays, to accommodate your needs.
Don’t let a missing fit test certificate delay your placement. Trust Fit Test Australia for a fast, convenient, and reliable fit testing experience. We’re here to help you stay on track!
Your health and safety is our priority
Call: 0403 064 064
Email: info@fta.net.au
FTA fit test Melbourne Victoria and Sydney NSW
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