We prefer PAPRS, but use N95’s as well. We are a medium risk hospital for TB and an Ebola treatment facility. We have 200+ PAPRS and find that a full blown N95 respirator fit program done correctly per OSHA is costly and time consuming.
You may try looking at the employee non productive time it takes to get fit tested to bolster your case.
Kathy Maher RN MSN, Manager
Employee Health Services UW Medicine Harborview Medical Center
325 9th Ave MS 359855
Seattle WA 98104
Ph: 206-744-3081 Fax: 206-744-4886 Cell: 206-484-9128
Employee Health Services
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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Hodnett,Dewayne
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2017 3:11 PM
To: 'MCOH/EH'
Cc: Epps, Nancy
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] PAPR use for staff with beards
Hi Nancy,
I also use the PAPR’s for those employees with beards and facial hair..
Dewayne
From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Epps, Nancy via MCOH-EH
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2017 2:46 PM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Cc: Epps, Nancy <nepps@tgh.org>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] PAPR use for staff with beards
Our facility utilizes N95 masks for Airborne Isolation, but with the increase in the number of staff with beards, we are finding it difficult to accommodate the staff and allow them NOT to go into Airborne Isolation rooms. I’m having difficulty getting funding for the necessary number of PAPRs approved.
Which facilities are utilizing PAPRs for their staff unable to fit the N95???
I would like to show our management team that there ARE facilities that utilize the PAPR successfully!
Please reply back with the name of your facility if you are utilizing PAPRs for your TB rooms.
Thank you for your help.
Nancy Epps RN BSN
Clinician, Employee Health Services
Tampa General Hospital
Phone: (813) 844-8003
Email: nepps@tgh.org