HSE flags up need for ‘fit-testing’ facemasks
31 Mar 2020
The Health and Safety Executive has issued advice to essential industrial workers and companies warning them to ensure that so-called ‘tight-fitting respirators’ need to be sealed and checked.
“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 can protect the wearer,” said a spokesperson.
In order to ensure fitting is done correctly, the HSE is advising wearers to use a mirror or ask a colleague to observe the process. However, it added that care should be taken not to create a health risk by failure to observe the new socil distancing protocols.
Fit-testers should follow Government advice on social distancing, as they can make observations from this distance and deliver any instructions verbally”
People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or are isolating should not attend a face fit test, the HSE emphasised.
To minimise the risk of transmission it released its guidelines for good practice. Rules include:
- fit-testers following social distancing guidelines and deliver any instructions verbally
- those being fitted should keep their respirators on if closer observation is required
- both parties should wash their hands before and after in line 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
- 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
- immediately dispose of used gloves, disposable masks, cleaning wipes in a waste bin
For further information go to the HSE website.
