3M FT-30 Bitter Face Fit Test Kit

The 3M FT-30 is a qualitative face fit test kit using denatonium benzoate to create a bitter-tasting test aerosol. It helps a competent tester assess whether a particular respirator make, model and size seals adequately to the individual wearer’s face.

Kit contents

• Test hood and collar.
• Two nebulisers for the separate test stages.
• FT-31 bitter sensitivity solution.
• FT-32 bitter fit test solution.
• User instructions.

The sensitivity stage establishes whether the wearer can detect the bitter agent. The fit test then uses the separately identified test solution with the respirator worn. The two solutions serve different purposes and must not be interchanged.

Suitable applications include filtering facepieces and reusable half masks. For the 3M procedure, reusable half masks must have the specified P3 particulate filtration fitted during testing. Full face masks require a suitable quantitative method.

Follow the full 3M instructions and applicable HSE guidance. A fit test is specific to the tested respirator and wearer; it does not replace the user seal check required whenever the respirator is put on.