Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) filters the air to remove harmful substances, ensuring the wearer breathes clean air in line with Health and Safety legislation. It is essential protection against airborne diseases and forms part of BrisDoc’s Notifiable and High Consequence Infectious Disease Operational PPE and Cleaning SOP. This plan ensures preparedness for situations where a large number of clinicians are required to be fit-tested for FFP3 masks, such as during a pandemic or outbreaks of infectious diseases, allowing a greater number of BrisDoc staff to use RPE safely. Activation and implementation of the plan will be authorised by the IPC Lead in consultation with Head of Nursing and AHPs and Director of Nursing, depending on the situation and assessed level of risk. A Respiratory Hood System is available at each base for situations where Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required on a daily basis.
The standard masks used in clinical settings are FFP3, which provide high-level filtration suitable for healthcare environments. To be effective, an FFP3 mask must form a good seal with the wearer’s face, and this is verified through a process called fit testing. This SOP explains how to correctly wear and fit test FFP3 masks and how BrisDoc will maintain the competence of trained fit testers to ensure readiness for future implementation.