0 Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE & PPE) Guidance
- by Accessibility Bathrooms
- 15-05-2020
Respiratory protective equipment
Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer.
To ensure you put on tight-fitting RPE correctly, use a mirror or ask a colleague. Fit-testers should follow government advice on social distancing, as they can make observations from this distance and deliver any instructions verbally.
The user should then carry out a pre-use seal check or fit check. The following poster and video give guidance on how to put on disposable respirators and how to do a pre-use seal check or fit check.
Minimise the risk of transmission
People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or are isolating in accordance with government guidance should not attend a face fit test.
To minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 during face-fit testing the following additional measures should be taken:
- fit-testers should follow government advice on social distancing, as they can make observations from this distance and deliver any instructions verbally
- those being fitted should keep their respirators on if closer observation is required to minimise risk to testers
- both the fit tester and those being fit tested should wash their hands before and after the test in accordance with NHS guidelines
- those being fit tested with non-disposable masks should clean the mask themselves before and immediately after the test using a suitable disinfectant cleaning wipe (check with manufacturer to avoid damaging the mask)
- test facepieces that cannot be adequately disinfected (e.g. disposable half masks) should not be used by more than one individual.
- fit testers should wear disposable gloves when undertaking cleaning of the tubes, hoods etc and ensure they remove gloves following the correct procedure (PDF)- Portable Document Format
- immediately dispose of used gloves, disposable masks, cleaning wipes etc in a waste bin
Fit testers should familiarise themselves with the following potential contact points and actions to minimise transmission:
Further advice on fit testing
A fit test should be carried out before people wear RPE for the first time. Inadequate fit can reduce the protection provided and lead to immediate or long-term ill-health or can even put the RPE wearer’s life in danger. A fit test should be repeated whenever there is a change to the RPE type, size, model or material or whenever there is a change to the circumstances of the wearer that could alter the fit of the RPE; for example:
- weight loss or gain
- substantial dental work
- 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)
There is no stipulated frequency for re-testing, and you don’t need one if there are no changes in these circumstances.