3M Supports Respirator Face Fit Tester Scheme

3M has voiced its support for the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Fit2fit accreditation scheme for respirator face fit testers. Developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 3M said it had an active part in producing the syllabus and sits on the technical committee and the governing body of the scheme. Fit testing is a requirement of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, It is required to make sure respiratory protective equipment (RPE) incorporating a tight-fitting facepiece can fit the wearer well, helping to ensure they are correctly protected.

However, due to different face shapes and sizes, tight-fitting facepieces do not always fit all wearers adequately. Fit testing by a competent person identifies wearers who cannot achieve a good fit with a particular facepiece so they can be provided with an alternative model. Although not a legal requirement, the Fit2fit scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing fit testing by passing an industry recognised assessment, based on the competencies required by the HSE.

The assessment includes a multiple choice exam and a demonstration of a practical fit test to show that participants have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and can put it into practice. A Fit2fit accreditation proves that a fit test service provider has been independently assessed and can operate to the standard required. It also gives employers a means of assessing the competencies of their in-house fit testers.

Scrappage Scheme Targets Compressed Air Systems

Atlas Copco Compressors has launched a scrappage scheme for compressed air systems, offering GBP2,000 towards the cost of new equipment. With the Atlas Copco Compressors Scrappage Scheme, any compressor that is five years old or more, regardless of model or manufacturer, could be worth up to GBP2,000 against the purchase of new Atlas Copco compressed air equipment.

Those interested in participating in the scheme are invited to contact the company for an estimate of the trade-in value of existing equipment, with the reminder that the larger the capacity of the traded-in compressor, the better its scrap value. The scrappage scheme offer closes on 30 June 2010.

QSI Reveals Benefits Of Winlims Rental Scheme

Quality Systems International (QSI) has revealed that its Winlims Rental scheme has been developed to give organisations a tax-efficient option for investing in its Winlims system. Winlims is a laboratory information management system (Lims).

Clive Collier, managing director at QSI, said: 'If your company is making profits and paying corporation tax, you can offset the rental fees for your Lims, which will reduce your tax burden by the amount of the fees. 'This means your Lims is paid for by the government and effectively costs your company nothing.