FAQ'S
Respirator & Mask Fit Testing
A respirator fit test checks that the specific make, model and size of respirator or mask you’ve been issued actually seals against your face and gives you the level of protection required. No two faces are the same, so a respirator that fits one worker perfectly may leak on another – fit testing is how that’s confirmed.
It’s a formal assessment, carried out by an accredited fit tester, confirming a respirator forms an adequate seal. It applies to anyone required to wear a tight-fitting respirator for work – construction, mining, healthcare, manufacturing, demolition, heathcare and asbestos removal are the industries we see most often.
If a respirator doesn’t seal properly, the wearer is exposed to the dust, fumes, gases or pathogens it was supposed to filter out – even though they think they’re protected. Fit testing removes that false sense of security and is a core part of meeting WHS obligations.
Qualitative fit testing is pass/fail – the wearer is exposed to a test agent (usually a bitter or sweet aerosol) inside a hood, and if they can taste it, the test fails. Quantitative fit testing is instrument-based: it measures the actual number of particles inside versus outside the tight-fitting respirator and gives a numerical fit factor. Quantitative testing is considered the gold standard and is what iOHC uses.
Yes. Our fit testing service is RESP-FIT accredited through the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH), and our consultants hold Occupational Health and Safety qualifications.
AS/NZS 1715:2009 – *Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment* – sets out the requirements. Our fit testing service is carried out in line with this standard.
We can fit-test disposable respirators (including N95/P2), half-face and full-face reusable respirators, and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) with tight-fitting face pieces.
You’ll arrive for your appointment clean-shaven. Our consultant helps you select an appropriately sized respirator, trains you on correctly donning and doffing it, then runs a full quantitative test on the PortaCount 8048 while you perform a series of movements and speaking exercises (based on the OSHA fit test protocol) to simulate real work conditions. You’ll then receive a written fit test report and a fit test card.
Individual test time varies with the protocol and number of respirators trialled, but most participants are in and out within roughly 20–30 minutes once selection, training and the quantitative test are complete. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early.
Be clean-shaven where the respirator seal sits on your face, and avoid eating, smoking or vaping for at least 30 minutes beforehand, as this can affect the seal or your sense of taste (for qualitative tests).
Yes. Facial hair along the sealing surface of the respirator – even a few days’ stubble – breaks the seal and will cause a fit test to fail. This applies to tight-fitting respirators; it isn’t required for loose-fitting PAPRs with a hood.
Generally no, if the beard crosses the seal area of a tight-fitting respirator. Options for bearded workers include loose-fitting PAPRs, which don’t rely on a facial seal, or specific beard-compatible respirator designs – our consultants can advise what’s suitable for your role.
Any hair that crosses the sealing surface of the mask – stubble, beards, sideburns extending onto the seal line – will compromise the fit. A moustache that doesn’t interfere with the seal is generally fine, but this depends on the specific respirator model.
Weight change, facial hair growth, scarring, dentures, glasses (for full-face respirators) and even a different batch or model of the same respirator can all change how well it seals. This is why fit testing is respirator-specific and needs to be repeated periodically.
Annual retesting is required as a minimum, and a new test is required whenever the respirator model changes or the wearer’s face shape changes (weight change, dental work, scarring, etc.). We can advise on the right retest schedule for your workplace.
Respirator fit testing is valid for 12 months from the date of testing.
It’s typically specified for higher-risk exposures – respirable crystalline silica, asbestos removal, isocyanates and other hazardous atmospheres – where a numerical fit factor gives more confidence than a pass/fail qualitative result. Many clients now request quantitative testing as standard.
If you’re working with high-hazard airborne contaminants, if your client or regulator specifically requires it, or if you simply want objective, defensible documentation of protection level, quantitative testing (which is what iOHC provides) is the better choice. P3 full face respirators should only be fit-tested using quantitative fit-testing protocols.
In Australia, fit testing should be carried out by a competent, appropriately trained – such as an AIOH RESP-FIT accredited provider. iOHC’s consultants hold this accreditation.
iOHC offers both onsite fit testing at your workplace and in-house testing at our southside Brisbane office by appointment – whichever suits your team better.
Pricing depends on the number of workers, the respirator types being tested, and whether it’s onsite or at our facility. Contact our team for a tailored quote.
We regularly run fit testing programs for larger workforces and multi-site businesses, either as onsite visits or scheduled sessions at our office. Get in touch and we’ll help plan a schedule that minimises disruption to your operations.
You’ll receive a fit test report and a fit test card, which demonstrate compliance and record which respirator model and size passed for that individual.
Yes. We use the 3M E-A-R Fit validation system, which is a quantitative test that gives a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) for the hearing protection being worn. It typically takes around 10 minutes and can be done at your site.
It’s checking for leakage – how much unfiltered air is getting past the seal of the respirator and into the wearer’s breathing zone – and expressing that as either a pass/fail (qualitative) or a numerical fit factor (quantitative).
FAQ'S
Indoor Air Quality & Mould
IAQ testing measures the pollutants present inside a building – things like dust, mould spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gases – that you can’t see or smell but which can still affect health. iOHC combines a visual inspection with real-time monitoring and/or air sampling to quantify what’s actually in the air.
Poor indoor air quality is linked to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and worsened asthma or allergy symptoms – and, with ongoing exposure, more serious respiratory and cardiovascular effects. Testing identifies hidden pollutants so they can be addressed before they escalate.
Our process has five stages: an initial inspection and visual survey (checking for moisture, ventilation issues, mould, HVAC problems and structural flaws); air monitoring and sampling for particulates, fungal spores, VOCs, chemicals and gases; moisture and humidity checks using moisture meters and thermal imaging; a detailed report with results, interpretation and recommended actions; and, where remediation occurs, a follow-up retest to confirm it worked.
Depending on the scope, testing can quantify particulate matter, mould/fungal spores, VOCs, chemicals and gases, as well as moisture and humidity levels that drive mould growth. Our assessments can also extend to asbestos, drug residue, respirable crystalline silica and general biological contamination.
Cost depends on the size of the property, the number of contaminants tested for, and whether it’s residential, commercial or industrial. Contact us with some details about the property and we’ll provide a tailored quote.
A simple walk-through can flag obvious red flags – musty odours, visible mould, condensation on windows, or a stuffy, poorly ventilated feel – but these observations can’t quantify contaminant levels or confirm what you’re actually dealing with. If you’re seeing those signs, or need results for insurance, legal or compliance purposes, a professional assessment with real air sampling is the reliable next step.
Musty or damp smells, visible mould or discolouration, condensation or water staining, poor ventilation, HVAC issues, and occupants reporting unexplained headaches, fatigue or worsened respiratory symptoms are all common indicators worth investigating.
Yes. Recognised effects range from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and headaches, dizziness and fatigue, through to more serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions with prolonged exposure (source: EPA.gov). The main contributors in most buildings are dust, mould, pollen, VOCs, chemicals and gases.
Look for occupational hygienists with recognised qualifications and industry accreditation who follow established methodologies and standards (like the IICRC S500/S520 for mould). iOHC’s consultants are qualified occupational hygienists based in Brisbane, servicing South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Mould needs moisture and organic material to grow – most commonly from water leaks, rising damp, poor ventilation, condensation, or high indoor humidity. Bathrooms, laundries, roof cavities and areas with previous water damage are typical trouble spots.
It almost always comes back to excess moisture somewhere – a leak, inadequate ventilation, condensation build-up, or a humid microclimate the airflow in the building isn’t clearing. Identifying that root cause (rather than just cleaning visible mould) is the point of a proper mould investigation.
Mould generally becomes a risk once relative humidity in a space is sustained above roughly 60–65%, though local damp spots (behind furniture, in wall cavities) can support growth even when the room’s overall humidity reads lower.
If you can see or smell mould, have had past water damage or leaks, notice condensation problems, or occupants are reporting unexplained respiratory or allergy symptoms, a professional inspection is worthwhile – it identifies the extent of the problem and its underlying cause, not just the visible surface growth.
Our mould inspections include a visual inspection of walls, ceilings and other surfaces for visible mould or water damage; moisture measurement with moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden damp; surface swabs and air samples analysed to identify mould species and extent; and root cause identification (ventilation, leaks, condensation).
This depends on the size of the property and the scope of testing required (visual only vs. full sampling and air testing). Contact our team for pricing based on your specific situation.
Most residential inspections can be completed in a single site visit, though timing depends on property size and how extensive the suspected contamination is. Turnaround for lab-analysed samples adds a few extra days before your final report.
Mould exposure is associated with eye, skin and respiratory irritation, and can worsen asthma and allergies in sensitive individuals. If occupants are experiencing ongoing, unexplained symptoms alongside visible or suspected mould, a professional assessment is the best way to confirm the connection and scope of the problem.
Our role is assessment: identifying the mould, its cause and its extent, and preparing a scope of works and remediation recommendations in line with IICRC S500/S520 standards. We then offer post-remediation verification testing once remediation works are complete, to confirm the property is safe to reoccupy.
After a remediation company has cleaned or removed mould, post-remediation testing independently confirms the work was effective and that contaminant levels have returned to acceptable levels – protecting you if there’s ever a dispute with a remediator, insurer, tenant or buyer.
Our mould inspection, scope-of-works and remediation recommendations are prepared in line with the IICRC S500 and S520 industry standards.
Soot is the fine black carbon-based residue left after incomplete combustion (from fires, smoke damage, or diesel/fuel exhaust). It can contain a mix of chemicals and particulates, and depending on what burned, some components of soot are recognised as carcinogenic. If your property has experienced a fire, soot testing and cleaning verification is worth including alongside general air quality testing.
Some compounds found in soot (particularly from certain types of fires) are classified as carcinogenic, and inhalation or skin contact can cause irritation. The specific risk depends on what burned and the extent of contamination – this is exactly the kind of thing an air quality assessment after a fire can quantify.
A post-fire indoor air quality assessment typically combines a visual inspection for soot deposits and structural damage with air sampling to check for residual particulates, VOCs and combustion by-products, so you know the property is safe to reoccupy or continue works.
Yes – our indoor air quality assessments can be extended to also cover asbestos, respirable crystalline silica, drug residue and general biological contamination where relevant to the property, alongside the standard mould and IAQ scope.
The right fix depends entirely on what’s actually driving the problem – better ventilation, HVAC servicing, moisture control, or removing a specific contaminant source. That’s why we always recommend testing first: fixing symptoms without knowing the cause tends to be expensive and only partly effective.
Yes – beyond direct health symptoms, stuffy or contaminated air is commonly linked to reduced concentration, fatigue and lower comfort for occupants, whether that’s staff in an office or customers and employees in a retail environment. It’s a genuine business consideration, not just a compliance one.
Yes, our assessments can be used to provide independent evidence in legal or insurance matters, alongside standard health risk assessments for compliance purposes.
We service Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, and Northern NSW, covering residential, commercial and industrial properties across South East Queensland.
FAQ'S
Occupational Hygiene
Occupational hygiene is the science of anticipating, identifying, assessing and controlling health hazards in the workplace – things like airborne dust, chemicals, noise, heat and biological hazards – so that workers aren’t exposed to levels that could harm their health.
An occupational hygienist is a workplace scientist trained to identify potential hazards, measure workers’ actual exposure using scientific equipment and validated methods, and recommend practical controls to reduce risk. iOHC’s hygienists work across air quality testing, noise testing, dust monitoring and hazardous substance measurement.
They’re essentially the same discipline – “occupational hygiene” is the term more commonly used in Australia, the UK and much of the world, while “industrial hygiene” is the term typically used in the United States.
This typically involves tertiary study in occupational hygiene, health and safety or a related science, followed by practical experience and professional certification (such as through AIOH in Australia, e.g., the Certified Occupational Hygienist pathway). This is a separate question from hiring a consultant – happy to point you toward AIOH’s resources if that’s the path you’re after, but it’s outside the services we provide.
Our approach starts with a walkthrough survey of your site to understand specific hazards and group similar-exposure roles, followed by a monitoring plan and a series of scientific measurements of chemical, biological and physical hazards. You then receive a detailed report with findings, recommendations and risk mitigation strategies.
Outsourcing gives you access to specialist qualifications, calibrated equipment and current knowledge of WHS standards without the overhead of employing that expertise full-time – and independent third-party testing tends to carry more weight for compliance, insurance and legal purposes than in-house assessments.
Cost is driven mainly by the size of the site, the number and type of hazards being assessed (e.g., dust, noise, silica, welding fumes each require different sampling), the number of workers/exposure groups sampled, and whether laboratory analysis is required. Get in touch with details of your workplace for an accurate quote.
Airborne pollutants (dust, respirable crystalline silica, chemicals, welding fumes, diesel particulate), noise, heat stress, and biological hazards are all common categories we assess.
RCS is a fine dust generated when materials like stone, concrete or engineered stone are cut, ground or drilled. Prolonged exposure can cause silicosis and other serious lung disease, so exposure must be eliminated or minimised, and kept below the workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg per cubic metre of air. Personal exposure monitoring is the best way to establish what levels workers are actually being exposed to.
Personal exposure monitoring uses air sampling pumps worn by workers during representative tasks, with the samples analysed to determine RCS concentration against the workplace exposure standard, alongside a visual inspection of the controls already in place.
DPM is a component of diesel exhaust. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness and irritation, while prolonged exposure raises the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease and lung cancer. Workers in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces around diesel machinery are most at risk and should have DPM levels assessed.
Welding fumes are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, and repeated exposure is linked to metal fume fever, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, central nervous system effects and cancer. The current workplace exposure standard is 1 mg/m³ (TWA)
If workers are regularly exposed to loud environments, yes – noise-induced hearing loss accounts for thousands of claims in Australia each year. Noise surveys measure area noise levels, while personal noise dosimetry measures an individual worker’s actual exposure, both used to guide hearing protection and controls.
It’s an assessment of the risk to workers performing tasks in hot environments, factoring in temperature, humidity, workload, clothing and hydration. It’s relevant for all hot working environments, including foundries, commercial kitchens, and any role where core body temperature could be pushed above safe levels.
It’s a broader review that identifies all health hazards present across a workplace – combining document review, a walkthrough survey, spot monitoring, and formal exposure assessment – to establish an overall picture of risk and inform an ongoing monitoring program.
If a property has been used to manufacture illicit drugs, residue and airborne chemical contamination can pose real health risks (eye/skin irritation, respiratory effects, headaches, sleep disturbance, and cognitive/behavioural effects). We assess drug residue and air quality (VOCs and other chemicals), inspect affected areas, and provide a scope of works and clearance testing once remediation is complete.
FAQ'S
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials
Our inspections include a visual inspection of the property, surface sampling of suspect materials for laboratory analysis, and – if asbestos is confirmed – assistance preparing a removal plan and, where required, air monitoring during removal.
Yes, if asbestos is present in your building. It’s a legal requirement to have a current asbestos register and management plan, and these must be reviewed at least every five years to stay current.
Yes – we can audit and update your current asbestos management and removal plans, including identifying any changes since the last review and re-inspecting where needed.
Yes. As part of asbestos removal projects, we provide air monitoring and clearance inspections/certificates confirming the area is safe to reoccupy once removal work is complete.
Yes – we provide inspection, air monitoring, laboratory assessment and clearances for asbestos in soil, in addition to asbestos in building materials.
Under Queensland WHS legislation, a PCBU with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials in a workplace must maintain an asbestos register, keep it up to date, and follow the Code of Practice for managing and controlling asbestos exposure. iOHC can assist with the inspection, registers, management plans and any required monitoring to meet these obligations – see our detailed Code of Practice guidance linked from our Asbestos & Hazardous Materials page.
Beyond asbestos, our broader hazardous materials and occupational hygiene work covers respirable crystalline silica, diesel particulate matter, welding fumes, drug lab residue, and general chemical and biological contaminants – often as part of a combined property or workplace assessment.
FAQ'S
General / Booking
You can book directly through our online scheduling page, call our office, or send us your details through the contact form on any service page and our team will be in touch within 24 hours.
We’re based in Underwood on Brisbane’s southside and service Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Northern New South Wales.
Both – most of our services (fit testing, IAQ and mould assessments, occupational hygiene monitoring, asbestos work) can be carried out onsite at your workplace or property, and fit testing is also available at our Brisbane office by appointment.
Construction, mining, healthcare, manufacturing, quarrying, and commercial and residential property owners are among the industries and clients we regularly work with across our four service areas.