PPE guidance – are you fitted for a respirator?

January 20, 2021

Whilst most colleagues will be well accustomed to the disposable FFP3 masks but did you know that you could be fitted for and issued your own silicone respirator?

Silicone respirators are fit tested respirators that can be issued to colleagues who work in a role with direct patient contact. These respirators mean that you no longer need to worry about your particular fit of disposable mask being out of stock and you can carry on with your duties knowing that the respirator does not need a filter change for 3 months.

You get to keep your silicone respirator, it stays with you wherever you go and when you need it it’s there to be popped over your face. Just give it a thorough clean with a clinell wipe following our infection control and maintenance guidance and you are good to go.

To book yourself in for fit testing please call ext. 5050 and the team will book you into a slot at a site, date and time to suit you. Fit testing clinics are available everyday between 8am and 4pm. Additional capacity has been made available to respond to the changed requirements for fit-tested masks in amber, community and outpatient areas.

Please remember to wear eye protection also.

Note: If you are not in direct contact with a patient, then you may to continue to wear the fluid resistant surgical mask. If you are visiting the ward from another area, a minimum requirement when entering the unit will be to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask.