When to use a surgical

face mask or FFP3 respirator

When caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19,
all healthcare workers need to – prior to any patient interaction – assess
the infectious risk posed to themselves and wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE) to minimise that risk.

When to use When to use

a surgical face mask an FFP3 respirator

In cohorted area Close patient contact When carrying out aerosol generating
(but no patient (within one metre) procedures (AGP) on a patient with possible
contact) or confirmed COVID-19
In high risk areas where AGPs are being
conducted (eg: ICU)

For example: For example: The AGP list is:

Cleaning the room, Providing patient care, • Intubation, extubation and • Non-Invasive Ventilation
equipment cleaning, direct home care visit, related procedures such (NIV) such as Bi-level
discharge patient room diagnostic imaging, as manual ventilation and Positive Airway Pressure
cleaning, etc phlebotomy services, open suctioning (BiPAP) and Continuous
physiotherapy, etc • Tracheotomy/tracheostomy Positive Airway Pressure
PPE to be worn procedures (insertion/open ventilation (CPAP)
• Surgical face mask PPE to be worn suctioning/removal) • High-Frequency Oscillating
(along with other • Surgical face mask • Bronchoscopy Ventilation (HFOV)
designated PPE for • Apron • Surgery and post-mortem • High Flow Nasal Oxygen
cleaning) • Gloves procedures involving high- (HFNO), also called High
speed devices Flow Nasal Cannula
• Eye protection (if risk
• Some dental procedures • Induction of sputum
of contamination of
(such as high-speed drilling)
© Crown copyright 2020. Public Health England Gateway number 2019 271

eyes by splashes
or droplets) PPE to be worn
• FFP3 respirator
• Long sleeved disposable gown
• Gloves
• Disposable eye protection
Always fit check the respirator

REMEMBER
• PPE should be put on and removed in an order that minimises the potential for self‑contamination
• The order for PPE removal is gloves, hand hygiene apron or gown, eye protection, hand hygiene, surgical face
mask or FFP3 respirator, hand hygiene

These images are for illustrative purposes only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.