Band 3 Mask Fit Tester

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose

 The post holder will act as the Trust’s main provider of respiratory protection equipment face mask fit testing. Testing is in line with HSE guidance on fit testing INDG479 and the tester shall be trained and qualified to perform face fit testing using the quantitative method and have significant experience in providing tests. Tests shall be performed at locations throughout the Trust and sometimes outside of normal working hours to meet the needs of a dispersed community workforce. The post holder shall be the central point of contact for mask fit testing matters and will be based within a new logistics and special projects team.

 The post holder will administer all fit-test appointments by liaising with team leads and individual staff members for appointment times and locations and administer the appointment portal.

 The role shall be flexible, and the post holder will be expected to periodically assist in other tasks performed by the logistics team including liaison with staff and service users, Trust parking service, the Trust emergency female sanitary products program and a new logistics service to move supplies and equipment around Trust sites.

 The post holder shall support management of a storage facility and stock control of equipment, uniforms and supplies. They shall also interpret stock control data to ensure sufficient supplies are held and available for use and maintain records of all equipment stored within the facility.

 Responsible for

This Post holds no line management responsibility, but the post holder will be expected to ensure all equipment is calibrated, maintained and all consumables are stocked. The post holder shall also maintain a sound understanding of FFP3 masks appropriate for use within the Trust. 

 Main Duties

·       Plan mask fit testing schedule to meet Trust demand

·       Accurately record outcomes of fit testing including paper records, spread sheets and databases.

·       Review fit testing records to identify any staff that are due for periodic retesting or need to be tested on alternative masks

·       Screen staff to ensure they are suitable for FFP3 respirator use and testing and that proper respirator sizing and style is used.

·       Maintain inventory of respirators, testing solution, and other fit-testing supplies

·       Monitor and manage equipment used for fit testing and ensure sufficient testing equipment is available to deliver the program. Arrange and coordinate calibration of PortaCount fit testing machines

·       Ensure that mask fit testing facility is suitable and equipped fully to perform mask fit testing and that all preparation tasks/daily checks are completed

·       Prioritise any urgent mask fit testing requests as needed based upon any risk factors for individual staff/teams as appropriate

·       Arrange and monitor off-site testing across various Trust sites and also external partners (Care Homes, Hospices etc.) as and when required

·       Communicate key messages to all departments/teams regarding fit testing as required

·       Carry out general administrative duties and maintain the testing environment

·       Provide advice and guidance on the correct use of masks in different applications and for different face shapes based upon experience gained, this may include working in close proximity to individuals.

·       Provide input into the general development of the mask fit testing service, equipment and consumables used, mask selection and development of the testing process

·       Undertake other duties as requested and appropriate to the role.

·       When required, the post holder will take responsibility for the training of staff to perform quantitative fit testing themselves (training will be provided as required).

·       The post holder will be responsible for providing a high level of comprehensive support to staff being trained and mask fit tested, including:

o   Adequacy and suitability of tight-fitting masks

o   Training how to use face masks safely

o   Guidance on correct handling and storage of PPE

o   Guidance on when to use respirators

The post holder will need to deliver excellent customer care to provide a professional, reliable and consistent service. The post holder will develop and maintain relationships with staff from all areas within the Trust that use tight-fitting respirators to monitor and deliver the program; this will also require strong organisation skills for administration and record keeping. 

The job will include working within a dedicated face fit testing area (Moseley Hall Hospital) as well as deployment to specific locations across other Trust sites as required.

Additional required training and mentorship in line with the requirements of the job will be provided.

Additional duties shall include:

• To support new activities carried out by logistics team
•  To support development and delivery of the day-to-day Trust’s logistics team service as well as any new services required.
•  Working with Infection Prevention and Control to ensure compliance and resilience to ensure staff safety and meeting all legislative requirements.
•  To support a storage facility including possible fork-lift truck usage, communicating with service users about storage.
•  To be an active member of the logistics team ensuring the highest level of service is delivered to Logistics service users. This may include out-of-hours working, additional hours and working in new/unfamiliar locations.
•  To work closely with the infection prevention and control team in respect of mask fit testing to ensure the service can respond to any outbreaks, incidents or requirements that may need urgent or dedicated attention. Work generally with service users to avoid duplication of effort and a single approach to logistics service management. Liaising closely with service users to update them on plans, issues and progress.
•  To ensure all data entry, record keeping, and other documentation is accurate, up-to-date and correct. To provide reports as required on aspects of work including, stock levels, mask usage etc.
•  Provide help, advice, and guidance to service users on all aspects of the service provided.
•  Share best-practice experience from the development of the service to ensure a common approach by staff delivering the service to achieve the best outcomes for service users.
•  Engage in training and learning opportunities to support your own continued professional development, enhancing your own skills and supporting progression within the Trust.
•  Plan your own workload to meet performance targets and deadlines.
•  To undertake other duties commensurate with this grade of post in agreement with the relevant line manager.

 To minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible, including recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel. Where the role includes the ordering and use of supplies or equipment the post holder will consider the environmental impact of purchases.

 Key Relationships

 To establish effective working relations with the following:

• Project Manager (Head of service)
• Medical device management team
• Estates and Facilities operational staff
• Infection prevention and control team
• Key mask fit test staff across partner organisations within the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System
• Clinical staff that require staff to undertake mask fit testing
• Others as applicable