The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wants to ensure all healthcare workers are protected through the proper fitting of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, 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.
The call is an effort to protect front line healthcare workers and reduce the transmission of coronavirus – known as COVID-19.
Proper fitting of protective equipment
Tight-fitting respirators rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. It is vital that 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 to their particular facial characteristics.
In these unprecedented times, to protect front line health care workers and reduce the risk of transmission during the coronavirus outbreak, 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 2 metres (6ft) where possible. If 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 is advising that wearers should follow three simple steps: R-P-E.
R: Read the guidance
HSE has published step-by-step guidance on the correct way to fit the respirator and carry out a fit check. Wearers must familiarise themselves with the guidance and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting their equipment.
P: Put your respirator on using a mirror
When fitting a respirator, wearers must make sure the straps are in the correct place and are not twisted or crossed over. The easiest way to do this is using a mirror.
E: Ensure your own safety
Dr David Fishwick, Chief Medical Adviser for HSE and respiratory physician said: “Before entering the workplace, wearers must carry out a fit check to ensure their respirator is on correctly. This allows the wearer to check they are experiencing no leakage around the face seal, and that they have put the respirator on correctly.”
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 further information, see HSE’s RPE video on the website.
