Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Qualitative Face Fit Testing

Introduction

The NHS guidance on Pandemic Influenza recommends that staff carrying out aerosol generating procedures wear suitable respiratory protection and that staff are adequately trained and fit tested. Training and fit testing is an essential part of the overall infection control strategy.

In response to the declaration by WHO (World Health Organisation) of a global Swine Flu pandemic the UK is pushing ahead with its preparedness to reduce the impact of pandemic flu on the UK. This has increased the demand for training and fit testing for the use of respiratory protection. In response to this demand HSL has arranged additional training sessions to meet this need.

Each course will cover:

• Legislation
• Theory of operation
• Equipment specification, maintenance, checks etc.
• How to set up and perform a qualitative fit test
• Correct facepiece donning procedures
• How to check for adequacy of fit on each use and prior to qualitative fit testing
• Dealing with problems
• Maintenance of the fit testing kit
• Record keeping
• Safety issues