1st September 2021

Valved FFP3 and PAPR hood Safety Alert

Some members may be aware that the National Patient Safety Alert System has identified a risk of infection when using FFP3 respirators with valves or Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) during surgical and invasive procedures. The alert identifies several actions that will be required by 25th November 2021, including that valved FFP3 respirators and PAPR hoods should be replaced before that date.

This alert is likely to have a significant impact on practices’ current operations. Therefore, Agilio Software and other organisations are currently seeking clarification on whether this alert is relevant and applicable to primary care dental providers. In the meantime, Agilio would advise that practices do not take any immediate action. We will update members once we have received some further clarification.

See update here.