Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 01:08 pm

FFP3 RESPIRATOR MASK AND  REUSABLE  RESPIRATOR MASK – FIT TESTING

Staff who may require use of FFP3 – disposable mask or reusable respirator for aerosol generating procedures (AGP) should have a FIT TEST completed, so that right PPE can be provided.

Please contact one of the trained FFP3 fit tester/ assessors assigned to your department for arranging fit testing at a mutually convenient time. Upon completion of fit testing, the assessor will provide you advice on the most appropriate FFP3 mask or reusable respirator which you could use safely.

If your role has high risk of being exposed to AGP, but you have failed fit testing on disposable FFP3 masks, your manager can request a reusable respirator and necessary filters by emailing purchasing@sthk.nhs.uk

Filters on the reusable respirator masks should be changed regularly.  Replacement filters are to be requested via Procurement team Note: It is important to pass a fit test the respirator seal must form a tight fitting seal, hence beards or facial hair will cause a fail of the fit test. Pictorial guidance – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1021293/20200520_COVID-19_Infection_prevention_control_FFP3_and_facial_hair.pdf

WHEN TO USE AN FFP3 RESPIRATOR

Carrying out potentially infectious aerosol generating procedures (Examples below)
Intubation, extubating and related procedures; Tracheotomy/tracheostomy procedures; Manual ventilation; Open suctioning of the respiratory tract; Bronchoscopy, upper ENT airway or upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy procedures requiring suctioning; Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) e.g. Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ventilation (CPAP);   Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Surgery which high-speed devices are used; High-frequency oscillating ventilation (HFOV); High-flow nasal Oxygen (HFNO); Induction of sputum; Some dental procedures (e.g. high speed drilling)   Further advice can be obtained via link :   https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/what-to-wear-and-when/

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How to book FFP3 Fit test?

Please book your appointment slot by contacting Fit.test@sthk.nhs.uk or Karen.duffy@sthk.nhs.uk.

The respirator fit-testing team normal working hours (08:00 to 15:30 hrs.) Monday to Friday

 Whiston Hospital, Nightingale House, Lower Ground Floor (LG1), Administrative Offices.

How often to fit test?

  • It is recommended  that Fit tested staff to rebook a  FFP3 fit test every 2 years after their initial FFP3 fit test pass date ;

When to repeat fit testing?

  • weight loss or gain ( (+/- 10%)
  • substantial dental work e.g.  new denture, implants
  • any facial changes (scars, moles, effects of ageing etc) around the face seal area
  • facial piercings
  • introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective equipment (PPE)

For more information about fit testing, please Contact Fit Testing team within Estates and Facilities. fit.test@sthk.nhs.uk

https://intranet.sthk.nhs.uk/extranet/circle/9b9bd4c2819db562c2f0e69755759fab

Information for fit testers

Instructions for setting up and operation of the Portacount fit testing machine