Face Fit Tester

Job description

Job responsibilities

WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title: Face Fit Tester

Pay Band: 3

Hours: 24hrs per week

Contract: Permanent

Location / Department: Countywide Infection Control Team

Responsible to: Fit Test Coordinator

Accountable to: Infection Control Lead

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:

Wards/Departments

PFI Partners

Infection Prevention & Control Team

External:

Suppliers

Risk Assessment:

This post involves frequent contact with equipment. Manual handling of inanimate, often bulky equipment, daily use of VDU screen, use of cleaning fluids and there will be an expectation to work at different Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites to cover service need.

Job Purpose:

Fit testing is a method for checking that a specific model and size of FFP3 mask (tight-fitting mask) matches the wearers facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It will also help to identify unsuitable masks which should not be used.

The performance of tight-fitting masks depends on achieving a good contact between the wearers skin and the face seal of the mask. Peoples faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular model or size of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) mask will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection may lead to immediate or long term ill health or can even put the RPE wearers life in danger.

The post holder will work as part of the Infection under the supervision of the Face fit co-ordinator. They will work closely with the Infection Prevention & Control and Team (IPC) as well as the Procurement and Supply Chain team and the Development and Education Team. They will ensure that staff are individually face fitted to masks providing respiratory protection against harmful pathogens.

The post holder will be responsible for fit testing to ensure masks that are either re-useable or disposable fit the face of an individual. Full training will be given for both the qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods. The post holder will also play a key role in educating staff on the best practice of donning and doffing FFP3 PPE.

The post holder will work independently on a day-to-day basis. All sites will need to be covered with one other Fit Tester during the course of a week and it could be that visiting various locations at those hospitals is required depending on need. The post holder will be responsible for arranging and collecting a PortaCount machine from IPC and setting up the allocated room in preparation for testing. Where required, the post holder will need to refer to IPC for alternatives for respiratory protection where fit testing is unsuccessful and update records accordingly.

If there is a lack of face fit testing bookings, then the staff member may be asked to assist within other departments of the Infection Prevention & Control team or Mattress store. Mattress store duties include cleaning the mattresses using PPE and chemicals, collection and delivery of mattresses. Other duties may include education of trust staff regarding hand hygiene competencies and audit of environment and practices.

Key Duties:

To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy.

Conduct face fit tests on staff that are required to wear FFP3 masks, specifically:

Being clear on the face fit testing process and being able to describe this to staff.

To ensure that the mask that is being fitted is a good fit before conducting the test by assisting in fitting the mask ensuring a good seal.

Directing the member of staff through the face fit exercises.

Recording the result of any face fit test.

Explaining to the member of staff which mask they have passed on and when they should book another fit test, if required.

Where no fit is achieved advising staff on alternatives and how to access them.

To actively support the Fit Test Coordinator in implementing and evaluating the Face Fit Test strategy and action plan.

Monitor and maintain stock levels of face masks and consumables

Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturers guidance.

Communication

Establish and maintain relationships with the Fit Test Coordinator and all members of staff and colleagues affiliated with Face Fit Testing.

Communicate effectively with others, recognising that there may be a requirement to utilise alternative methods of communication to overcome barriers to understanding.

Participate in discussions and team meetings, as required, in relation to the face fit testing process and PPE.

Highlight failure of particular masks to the IPC Support Officer.

Planning and Organisational Skills

Plan and organise with the support of the IPC support officers workload in line with face fit testing appointment system.

Make amendments to the appointment system for face fit testing, as required, and report any issues to the Fit Test Coordinator.

Physical Skills

Standard keyboard skills required for data entry.

Developed physical skills required to operate testing equipment.

Lifting of equipment for transport

Will be required to transport equipment to various sites and wards/rooms.

Person Specification

Skills/ Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to work accurately, methodically to complete the tests and to document and articulate the results.
• Pleasant telephone manner.
• Flexible approach to duties and take on new tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, and demonstrate excellent communication skills: verbal, written and listening.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Demonstrates proficient keyboard skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of COSSH
• Knowledge of Decontamination Processes

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic standard of education including Maths and English (or equivalent) to Basic Skills Agency Version 1

Desirable

• GCSEs preferably Maths and English (or equivalent).

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working in a team

Desirable

• Previous experience in a similar role
• Knowledge of hospital systems or data.
• Previous NHS Experience
• Experience of undertaking face fit tests

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working in a team

Desirable

• Previous experience in a similar role
• Knowledge of hospital systems or data.
• Previous NHS Experience
• Experience of undertaking face fit tests

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Positive attitude.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable.
• Respond in a timely work.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B987UB

Employer's website

https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)