[MCOH-EH] Annual fit testing, usually for an N-95

[Novak, Debra A. (CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL)]

Offering these resources as respiratory protection is recommended for use with ALL aerosol transmissible diseases, one of which is TB.
See link below
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3767.pdf

Also there are a set of new learning modules free of charge at AAOHN
http://aaohn.org/page/respiratory-protection-1278

Hope this helps!
Debra A Novak PhD, RN
Senior Service Fellow
CDC/NIOSH
National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Email: ian5 at cdc.gov<mailto:ian5 at cdc.gov>



From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+ian5=cdc.gov at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Brosseau, Lisa M
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2017 9:56 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Annual fit testing, usually for an N-95

I don't know about South Carolina, but federal OSHA requires annual fit testing for all tight-fitting respirators.  Respirator use in workplaces is regulated by OSHA, not the CDC.

I think annual fit testing is a good idea for people who only infrequently wear a respirator, because they often forget the basics of properly donning an N95 filtering facepiece respirator - such as proper placement of the straps and forming the noseclip around the nose.  My research team found that people who received an adequate fit factor - with training and assistance - only 7-10 days later were not able to achieve the same good fit when they returned for a second fit test (without assistance).


Lisa M Brosseau, ScD, CIH
Professor
University of Illinois at Chicago
School of Public Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
312-413-5185



From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+brosseau=uic.edu at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Galaid Edward I
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 4:10 PM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Annual fit testing, usually for an N-95

Senior management is asking why we do annual fit testing, usually for an N-95  used in a clinical environment.  Here, Safety "owns" the respirator program.

In South Carolina, the state regs defer to the 2005 CDC TB document.  Which says:  The frequency of periodic fit testing should be determined by the occurrence of 1) a risk for transmission of M. tuberculosis, 2) a change in facial features of the wearer, 3) a medical condition that would affect respiratory function, 4) physical characteristics of respirator (despite the same model number), or 5) a change in the model or size of the assigned respirator

So, are you doing fit testing after the initial?   If yes, how often, and how come?

This should be interesting.  Thanks for your responses.

Ed


Edward I. Galaid, MD, MPH
ABIM, ABPM (Occ Med, PH&GPM)
Medical Director, Occupational Health Partners
Roper St. Francis Healthcare   Charleston, SC
Member, ACOEM Task Group on Medical Guidance for Law Enforcement Officers
843-724-2131


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