FFP3 face mask fitting

SJH Emergency Medicine
NHS Lothian

As a front door service, we may face infectious disease threats from various transmissible diseases. We are close to an international airport so SJH ED might be the first healthcare facility that an infectious person presents to.

It's everyone's responsibility to keep themselves and others safe. It's therefore important to make sure you are fitted and trained for PPE (including the FFP3 masks).

If you can't remember, or have never been, FFP3 mask fitted it's essential we can help sort this out as soon as possible. If you haven't been mask fitted within the last 2 years, or have a change in your face shape, it's also important to get re-tested.

To do this please find an NHS Lothian computer, go onto the intranet, and search for RPE Service. On the RPE Service page (part of Health and Safety) there is a page and instructions on how to access FFP3 mask face fit testing. The service has a new system that requires you to log onto the system with your NHS Lothian email, request access to the mask fitting booking site, and then you can book a fitting slot on a day and site of your choosing.

Here's the link if you're on the intranet: http://intranet.lothian.scot.nhs.uk/Directory/HealthAndSafety/RPE/Pages/Face-Fit-Testing-.aspx

When doing your mask fitting please get a copy of the testing form (or get a screenshot on your phone!). This record can go into your appraisal / portfolio as evidence of keeping yourself and others safe. You should also give a copy to your line manager for recording purposes.

Please record your department as "Emergency Department" rather than "ED", and please record your main site separately as "RIE" or "SJH" - we need to have this recorded properly so we can search through the records easily!

Organising mask fitting

If face mask fitting is required you can use the intranet to access the Face Fit Testing Appointment Application (intranet link). This will replace the RPE.Service@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk  email address for booking, although if there are issues you can still contact the RPE team (intranet link) through this method.

Please let your line manager know once you have been face mask fitted, and please send them a copy of the testing form, and keep a copy for yourself (and it is also useful to add to your appraisal). When recording your department for the face mask fitting service, please use "Emergency Department" and record the site separately - this allows easier searching of data.

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

In an emergency, where you have not been fitted to a FFP3 mask or if a suitable one is not available, the Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) can be used. These used to be "Jupiter Hoods", however these have been replaced by the EASIAIR 2020 system. Please do not use these unless you are trained.

There are 2 EASIAIR systems found in the ANP and registrar office at the back of the SJH ED.

A video in its use can be found here: http://vimeo.com/432824939/71ee81e74b

The SOPs can be found here (also on the intranet here):

Things to do before face mask fitting

  • Fasted of all food for at least half an hour
  • Not chewed gum or sweeties for at least an hour
  • You can drink plain/unflavoured water
  • Not smoked/vaped for an hour
  • Must be clean shaven/a wet shave the morning of the test. A test will not be carried out if facial hair is present
  • If you wear glasses, please bring them with you
  • If you have long hair, can it be tide back away from your face.
  • Please bring your ID badge to your appointment

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 17/05/2024

Next review date: 17/05/2026

Reviewer name(s): Deepankar Datta.