University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
FFP3 Mask Fit Tester
The closing date is 10 November 2025
We are looking for someone dynamic to join a newly formed mask fit testing team at UHSussex. Three posts are available across the trust. Site to be discussed. This discussion can be had prior to interview.
Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) provides staff respiratory protection, via a fitting and testing process (Fit Test) of selected and approved face masks which are designed to safeguard the wearer and prevent the inhalation of contaminated air. This essential technical fitting process safeguards staff and ensures they are confident to wear the most suitable respiratory PPE which provides full protection from respiratory hazards during their work.
Main duties of the job
* Ensuring staff are assessed for the correct selection of FFP3 mask
* Be competent and confident to undertake the fit test using a quantitative methodology
* Maintain equipment and stock control
* Ensure all fit tests are accurately documented on Health Roster
* Communicate to a high level to ensure all staff, of all grades, are fit tested.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job responsibilities
* Prepare the fit testing room ensuring surfaces are free from contamination.
* Assemble the fit testing equipment ensuring sufficient quantities of alcohol solution, wicks, masks, a fully operational particle generator, Portacount machine and laptop.
* Check the ambient particle count of the environment being used to perform the fit test.
* Measure ambient particle count using current UK guidance (INDG 479). If low enact the Particle Generator to provide particles in the correct size for the Portacount to measure.
* Assess the staff members health to conduct the fit test i.e. respiratory illness, asthma.
* Assess the staff members face shape, nose bridge and ensure the staff is free from facial hair, not eaten, drunk or smoked in the last 60 minutes.
* Illustrate the correct donning and doffing of a respirator following infection control guidance ensuring the staff member practices the correct technique.
* Explain and conduct disposable mask fit testing, ensuring verbalising assurance at all times.
* Problem solve the reasons for a poor fit factor, this skill comes with experience of the tester and will often determine whether or how quickly the problem is resolved.
* If disposable masks unsuitable the fit tester will be performing reusable mask/RPE hood testing.
* Teach staff members how to change/frequency of reusable respirator filters.
* Document accurately outcomes of all fit tests on Health Roster.
* Participate in data entry, data trend analysis and administration tasks as required.
* Mask Fit testers will answer telephone/email enquiries and elevate to Lead as required.
* Mask Fit tester to fill fit testing appointment schedule independently.
* Ensure Lead Mask Fit Tester is informed of any stock constraints, equipment malfunction, non-attendance at appointments.
* Communicate with patient facing staff, Doctors, Ward managers, Matrons and team leaders to ensure they are aware of which members of staff require mask fit testing. Support, encourage and persuade staff to have a fit test.
Person Specification
Experience/Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care or equivalent. Educated to GCSE level (C or above) including Maths and English.
* Experience of working in NHS or other clinical area. Experience of undertaking mask fit testing.
People Management and Development
* Mask Fit Tester is responsible for organising their daily workload and filling own appointment schedule, prioritising any urgent requirements and high‑risk areas.
* Highlight any concerns about stock levels or equipment malfunction where required to the Lead Mask Fit Tester.
* To be responsible for the safe use and storage of equipment (Porta Count machine).
* Evidence of continuing advise on matters pertaining to donning and doffing, fit checking, usage, storage, cleaning, filter change, inspections and maintenance.
* Recognise the need to keep up to date with the relevant information required to carry out the role.
* Experience in database management, IT software.
Skills
* To be able to communicate information effectively with differing levels of diverse staff in a clear and concise manner.
* Able to plan and prioritise workload. Evidence of good time‑management with an ability to keep a Fitting session on schedule.
* Must be PC literate with proficiency in spreadsheets, database software and word processing.
* Must have dexterity to demonstrate how to fit a FFP3 mask, tightening, moulding the mask to the face.
* Evidence of a caring /supportive attitude to staff undergoing fit testing.
* Ability to competently undertake Fit Testing without supervision.
* Adherence to designated process of mask fitting.
Specific Requirements
* Ability to travel independently between sites.
* Evidence that personal behaviour reflects Trust Values.
* Positive, good humoured and flexible approach to team working. Reliable work record.
Equaility, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
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 name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per annum pro rata
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