[MCOH-EH] Mask/eyewear fatigue

[Stebbins, John (LNI)]

With the ENVO masks, how do you address them as quarter masks (half the assigned protection of standard N95 FFR)?  Are there limitations on their use?  Have you assessed any of the half-face elastomeric respirators coming on the market that either have no exhalation port or use filters over the exhalation port?

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John G. Stebbins, CSP, CIH -- L&I -- DOSH -- (206)515-2870

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net> On Behalf Of Abhijay Karandikar via MCOH-EH
Sent: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 2:00 PM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Cc: Abhijay Karandikar <dr_abhik at yahoo.com>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Mask/eyewear fatigue


External Email
Hi,

We are seeing a good amount of mask/eye protection fatigue among our employees/staff. Some of this is related to fogging of eyewear and some of it is related to comfort issues from wearing PPE for long hours/having to change them frequently based on entry/exit into rooms. I am anticipating that a few, if not most of you, are versed with this issue at this stage of the pandemic. I have suggested a few easy solutions to our leadership that we will oversee implementation of. However, I am reaching out to see if there is any particular PPE/equipment that you use at your facilities or can recommend to deal with these issues.

On a similar note, the ENVO respirators appear to be a popular choice; however, they are not suitable for us in healthcare due to the exhalation port. They do now provide valve plugs and a separate headgear which is valveless. Can anyone share any pearls of wisdom regarding their use?

Thanks!
Abhijay

Abhijay P. Karandikar, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Chief, Section of Occupational Medicine & Employee Health
Reading Hospital/Tower Health
West Reading, PA
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