California requires annual or is changes noted below: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/HCResp-CARPPGuide.pdf     see p 25: “The fit test must be repeated annually and whenever there are any changes such as weight gain or weight loss that would alter the fit of the facepiece. The fit test must always be completed if there are potential changes in fit, or if requested by the employee.”

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Our Mission: Healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence.

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including
any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended
recipients and may contain confidential and/or legally
privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message. Any
unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is
prohibited. Thank you.