Respiratory Protection (FFP3 Masks)

June 2021 Update - The updated version of the Organisational Covid-19 Risk Assessment is available here and should be adapted for local use

March 2021 Update - Document explaining the new H Series FFP3 mask, and flowchart for choosing which mask to test on is available here.

FFP3 Masks

The need for FFP3 Mask (oral nasal disposable mask respiratory protection) to be worn is identified through clinical risk assessment. The mask is used to protect against respiratory borne pathogens. To use these masks, relevant staff must be ‘face fit tested’ to ensure that they can achieve a suitable face fit of the mask and that it operates at the required efficiency.

The following documentation is used specifically in relation to face fit testing

• Instructions for fit testing equipment
• Bitrex Safety Data Sheet

A list of current FFP3 mask fitters as of 3rd December 2020 is available here (only accessible to staff on NHS network).

Checking for an FFP3 fit test record

• Employees guide to checking eESS  ** New 9th March 21**
• Managers guide to checking eESS  ** New 9th March 21**

After checking, if you believe a fit test record is not on eESS that should be, please contact the Health and Safety Service - [email protected].

FFP3 Mask Supply

Prior to the onset of Covid-19, NHSGGC fit tested to 3 masks - Alpha Solway 3030V and S-3V; and, the 3M 1863+. In early March 2020, significant challenges to worldwide supplies of FFP3 disposable masks occurred and as a result a number of different FFP3 masks were sourced and introduced. A statement from the Scottish Government relating to the use of pandemic stock is available here.

The following document gives an overview of the masks that have been issued by procurement during this period for face fit testing against:

• FFP3 Mask Model Overview - updated 20^th May 2020

Changes to mask availability due to the above, is likely to continue to occur during the next few months of 2020 and as such the Face Fit Test flow chart below identifying which masks should be fit tested against and are available, will be updated regularly

•  Face Fit Test flow chart - **Update 12th March 2021**

Fit Test Recording Process

• At the point of fit test, the fit tester will complete an eForm available here. **You will need the persons Payroll, eESS or NI Number to use this form**
• Guidance for completing the eForm is available here
• On completing the fit test, the record will be emailed to both the testee and the tester for reference and record keeping 
• Fit test records will be uploaded on a regular basis to eESS OLM. The record can be found within a course entitled 'PPE - FFP3 Mask' in the Health and Safety category and viewed by both the testee and their direct line manager.

Guidance Documents

Guidance including for donning and fit checking an FFP3 mask is provided below:

• What you need to know as an FFP3 user
• Face Fit test SOP
• FFP3 Disposable Face Mask Pre-User Check
• FFP3 General Mask Fitting Guidance
• Alpha Solway H Series Mask Fitting Guidance - video
• 3M 1863 Mask Fitting Guidance
• 3M 1863 mask fitting guidance - video