Training through fit test and its role in knowledge, attitude and performance of workers regarding respiratory protective equipment: a case study in a petrochemical company

Abstract

Background. Providing workers with respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not enough to protect them. RPE should be selected correctly, worn properly and fitted adequately. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of training through fit test (TTFT) on knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) of workers regarding a respiratory protection program. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 respirator users in a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess the KAP of workers before any intervention. After that, all participants were trained with a 15-min video-based training intervention and then the qualitative fit test was performed. Participants who failed in the fit test were retrained and the test was repeated. To assess the effect of TTFT, the KAP questionnaire was completed after 3 months. SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyze data. Results. There was a significant difference between knowledge, attitude and some of the unsafe behavior before and after TTFT. There was no person with a poor or very poor knowledge status after TTFT. Conclusion. TTFT could improve some unsafe behaviors associated with the user seal check. Moreover, TTFT could be considered an opportunity to improve workers’ KAP regarding RPE.