Mask Fit Testing Nhs
For more detailed information on fit testing rpe read our publication guidance on respiratory protective equipment rpe fit testing indg479.
Mask fit testing nhs. Supply issues with ppe and working safely. Nhs staff urged to shave off beards so coronavirus masks will fit in an email to employees the trust s medical director derek sandeman warned that facial hair compromises the ability to protect any individual through a mask. In order to be effective ffp3 type face masks have to form a seal to the face. Face masks can often not be used correctly which is why fitting fit testing is required to ensure they are being used effectively.
In addition to face fit testing and training for organisations with workers exposed to dust and fumes safer are partnering with medical services who are working to ensure that staff protected as they manage in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The best time to do fit testing is at the initial selection stage when individual users can be given a choice of adequate models of rpe. Ppe in non healthcare work. Sarah williams associate director for research and improvement at solent nhs trust spends a week fit testing ffp3 masks on some of our front line staff and explains what happens during these tests.
Nhs organisations are facing an emerging issue with ppe specifically face masks. Staff using the special face masks are supposed to undergo a fit test whereby a. Guidance and sources of advice. Although fit testing is the gold standard for use of ffp3 masks fit checking should be completed every time a person applies an ffp3 mask.
Rpe mask testing and staff training for coronavirus. Changes to mask availability due to the above is likely to continue to occur during the next few months of 2020 and as such the face fit test flow chart below identifying which masks should be fit tested against and are available will be updated regularly face fit test flow chart updated 15 th may 2020 fit test recording process. What you need to do. For employers and workers in non healthcare work.
North cumbria nhs trust apologises over lack of mask fit tests 18 may 2020. Fit testing face masks for healthcare workers. A reference to derriford hospital having suspended mask fit testing was removed after university hospitals plymouth nhs trust informed the guardian that testing had not been stopped. Ppe supply issues and how to manage them.
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