Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Where can I get PPE?
Direct payment employers and informal carers are eligible for free PPE until 31 March 2023.
To request PPE, you have to complete the survey on the Department of Health and Social Care PPE portal.
The Department of Health and Social Care have also put together instructions on how to complete the survey which you may find useful.
After completing the survey, your account will be set up within 7-10 working days.
If you have any questions about using the PPE portal please call 0800 876 6802. This phone line is open 8AM - 5PM, Monday to Friday.
PPE Guidance
For guidance on wearing the correct PPE, please refer to this document and read section 1.4 which starts on page 12.
For guidance on managing hygiene, please refer to this document and read sections 1.2 & 1.3 which start on page nine.
For guidance on working safely in domiciliary care, please refer to this document.
User fit testing of PPE
It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure all staff who deliver aerosol generating procedures (AGP’s) are trained to wear appropriate PPE, and that it is appropriately fit tested.
FFP3 masks are recommended for use during AGP’s and require a fit test prior to use. Positive pressure hoods may also be used as an alternative and do not require a fit test.
If you need to you may apply for funding to cover the cost of this training for your personal assistants.
If your carers are employed by an agency, the agency is responsible for staff training.
For a list of approved fit testing trainers, please click here.
West Sussex customers can email [email protected] to request fit testing for PAs at their offices in Terminus Road in Chichester. Once testing is complete, PAs will be issued with an initial supply of the relevant mask and a Fit Test Certificate which states the type of mask required. More masks can be ordered by emailing the West Sussex PPE team.
To read government guidance on aerosol generating procedures please click here and refer to section 6.6.