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