Job summary
Since October 2019, face fit testing for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) has been mandatory under Health and Safety legislation (COSSH). Fit testing has been a critical element of the NHS Covid pandemic response under PHE guidance but has a much wider impact on staff and patient health and safety and wellbeing.
The main purpose of this post is to deliver quantitative and qualitative fit testing, issuing of Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR or "Hoods" for short), RPE maintenance, RPE advice and associated administration, as part of the Trust's RPE resilience programme.
Main duties of the job
As part of the Trust Risk portfolio, this role will oversee management of the provision, development, and compliance of the fit testing service for respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
To provide operational day to day management and delivery of a fit testing service for RPE including FFP3 masks to ensure an effective and efficient service for the Trust. The post holder will respond to service needs by ensuring that the workload is managed consistently and responsively to fluctuating needs with focussed attention on high-risk areas as required.
About us
Reading sits on the river Thames and is served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. With excellent leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene, Reading is a wonderful place to live, work and play and provides excellent facilities for families, including some of the best state and private schools in the UK.
The CQC recently rated the care provided by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust as Good.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will participate in the evaluation of face masks and Fit Testing equipment used within the Trust, providing constructive feedback about product suitability to ensure the trust complies with the health and safety policies, procedures and guidelines.
To maintain and audit the required records and the distribution of relevant information to ensure all relevant staff are tested biannually or more frequently as necessary and have access to correctly fit tested RPE. To use initiative in referring issues to other relevant parties as appropriate, ensuring confidentiality and security of information is always maintained.
While this role is predominantly based in Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust main site there will be a requirement to be able to travel to other Trust sites which are situated off site. Close collaboration with the Health & Safety (H&S) Team, Divisional Operations Directors, Heads of Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), facilities, procurement, and Trust managers will be essential to provide Board Assurance and compliance with PHE guidelines.
To support the Head of Risk and Risk, Health & Safety Officer to facilitate implementation of health and safety policies and feedback on the implementation at the health and safety committee.
Should there be occasions when fit testing demand is lower; assist the Head of Risk with provision of flexible administrative and support to the teams within the Risk portfolio, including maintaining records and the distribution of relevant information, analysis of health, safety and risk data for trends and preparation of performance data.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will participate in the evaluation of face masks and Fit Testing equipment used within the Trust, providing constructive feedback about product suitability to ensure the trust complies with the health and safety policies, procedures and guidelines.
To maintain and audit the required records and the distribution of relevant information to ensure all relevant staff are tested biannually or more frequently as necessary and have access to correctly fit tested RPE. To use initiative in referring issues to other relevant parties as appropriate, ensuring confidentiality and security of information is always maintained.
While this role is predominantly based in Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust main site there will be a requirement to be able to travel to other Trust sites which are situated off site. Close collaboration with the Health & Safety (H&S) Team, Divisional Operations Directors, Heads of Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), facilities, procurement, and Trust managers will be essential to provide Board Assurance and compliance with PHE guidelines.
To support the Head of Risk and Risk, Health & Safety Officer to facilitate implementation of health and safety policies and feedback on the implementation at the health and safety committee.
Should there be occasions when fit testing demand is lower; assist the Head of Risk with provision of flexible administrative and support to the teams within the Risk portfolio, including maintaining records and the distribution of relevant information, analysis of health, safety and risk data for trends and preparation of performance data.
Person Specification
Shortlisting
Essential
- Experience within the NHS or a public sector environment, working in an equivalent role or at administrative level.
- Accurate data entry experience
- Prior experience of fit testing
Desirable
- An awareness of Health & Safety requirements within the health service.
Essential
Essential
- 5 GCSEs including Maths and English Grade C 'or' an equivalent good standard of education at GNVQ (Level 3 or above) or similar level.
- Valid Quantitative and Qualitative Fit tester qualification from a Fit2Fit accredited trainer.
- Evidence of continuous professional development and knowledge underpinned by theory and experience
Desirable
- Foundation degree/Post graduate diploma
- Knowledge and experience of using ESR
- Experience of training and contact with different people on a daily basis.
Person Specification
Shortlisting
Essential
- Experience within the NHS or a public sector environment, working in an equivalent role or at administrative level.
- Accurate data entry experience
- Prior experience of fit testing
Desirable
- An awareness of Health & Safety requirements within the health service.
Essential
Essential
- 5 GCSEs including Maths and English Grade C 'or' an equivalent good standard of education at GNVQ (Level 3 or above) or similar level.
- Valid Quantitative and Qualitative Fit tester qualification from a Fit2Fit accredited trainer.
- Evidence of continuous professional development and knowledge underpinned by theory and experience
Desirable
- Foundation degree/Post graduate diploma
- Knowledge and experience of using ESR
- Experience of training and contact with different people on a daily basis.
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.
