FIT Mask Testing dates for September, now available!

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, it is a mandatory requirement that all clinical staff are fitted for personalised respiratory masks every two years. Each colleague should be fitted for two masks.

It is important that all staff are aware that if they have had a mask fitting at another hospital, they need to be fitted again by Lancashire Teaching Staff. Each Trust is responsible for maintaining their own fit testing records to ensure accuracy.

The Fit Mask team would like to make all colleagues aware that practices have been updated since the original round of fittings. The Trust no longer test respiratory masks using the hood and spray method and instead use a PortaCount, which tests each person’s respiratory capability, whilst not involving the use of any chemicals.

For the latest Covid Updates and PPE Guidance, please see the current Infection Control guidance. 

Booking a FIT Mask Appointment

You can attend a FIT Mask Testing session at Royal Preston Hospital, in Education Centre One in the fit mask testing room on the first floor.

You can attend a FIT Mask Testing session at Chorley District Hospital, in Education Centre Three in Seminar Room B.

To book your appointment for yourself, and or your team, at any of the following sessions, please call the team between 9:30am – 11:30am or 1pm – 3pm.

For Fit Mask Test bookings at Preston, please dial Extension 4919.

For Chorley, please dial Extension 5600.

Please be aware, you can only wear masks that you have personally passed a fit test on.

If changing the make of your mask, or wearing a mask for the first time, you must attend a session to be fit tested, this is a mandatory requirement.

Please also be aware that due to current H&S Executive guidance, FFP3 masks cannot be worn with any facial hair as this does not allow an efficient seal of the mask to the face. Male colleagues must be clean shaven to complete the fit test otherwise they will be turned away.

After fitting you will need to stay clean shaven.

If facial hair is for religious reasons, please speak to your line manager as a respirator hood may be an option if deemed appropriate.

It is worth taking a few moments to refresh yourself on the PPE Guidance and in particular the posters denoting what special measures are in place in an area before you enter.