The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is advising healthcare workers, currently using respiratory protective equipment (RPE), on the importance of ensuring it is fitted correctly.
A respirator that is incorrectly fitted will not protect the wearer, as a tight-fitting respirator relies on having a good seal with the wearer's face. That is why it is vital before using a respirator for the first time, or before using a different brand of respirator, wearers pass a fit test for the model and size of respirator they are going to use. This is to make sure the equipment fits their particular facial characteristics.
During this pandemic, to protect front line healthcare workers and reduce the risk of transmission, if support is required in carrying out a fit test, it should be done following government advice on social distancing. This means making sure instructions are delivered verbally and observations are made from a distance of two metres where possible. If a closer observation is required, those being fitted should keep their respirator on to minimise the risk of transmission.
Once the wearer has been fit tested for the model of respirator they intend to use, they must ensure they have put it on correctly to protect themselves and others. HSE advises wearers to follow the three RPE steps:
Andrew Curran, Chief Scientific Adviser for HSE said: Ensuring RPE is put on correctly is crucial. Any gaps between the wearer's face and the mask face seal, whether through incorrect moulding of the nose clip or by facial hair, will compromise the protection of the wearer".
"Users must ensure they have been fit tested for the size and model of respirator they are going to use, and that they carry out a fit check each time RPE is used".
For more information on this subject, see:
