Respiratory Protection & Fit-Testing

Anyone requiring the use of Respiratory Protection must be trained annually in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

• Complete your annual Respiratory Protection training via myLearning. In addition, please watch the attached videos below.
  If you have taken the Required Annual Education Topics for Clinicians, you have met the annual training requirement for respiratory protection and use of the PAPR.

The HSE Fit-Test Team will accommodate units or large groups of staff who need to be fit-tested by performing on location fit-testing.  Please call 410-955-5918 to schedule a session.

Before fit-test session, please remind your staff to:

• Complete online training. (Unless they have completed Required Annual Education Topics for Clinicians)
• Must not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, etc for 15 minutes prior to being fit-tested
• Pregnant women will not be fit-tested.  It is recommended that pregnant women avoid airborne isolation rooms. If they must enter, they should rely on a PAPR for respiratory protection.  They should be fit-tested when returning to their normal weight after pregnancy.
• Men must be clean shaven the day of the fit-test and not have any facial hair that interferes with the seal of the respirator
• Men who usually sport beards should rely on the PAPR for respiratory protection

If you would like to become a fit-test champion and conduct fit-testing for your unit or in case of pandemic, please sign up for Respiratory Protection – Train the Trainer (Instructor Led).

Champions:

Please forward the completed Fit-Test Evaluation Forms to the Respiratory Protection Program Manager.

Fit-Test Management System (FTMS):

Fit-Test Management System (FTMS)

Fit-Test Department Report Tool

Note: Please keep in mind that your staff employee fit-test may not be available immediately due synchronization issues and turnaround time for updating the web reports.

Anyone who may encounter patients under airborne isolation but do not frequently have direct contact should rely on PAPRs for respiratory protection.

If you use a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for respiratory protection, please complete the above training and watch your designated PAPR training video.

• 3M PAPR
• OTOS PAPR

Pros

• 99.97% Filter Efficiency
• User friendly
• Reusable
• One size fits all
• No fit-test required
• Accommodates people with facial anomalies and men with facial hair
• Built in splash protection

Cons

• Must decontaminate between uses
• Noise from motor can inhibit communication
• Less patient friendly, possibly intimidating
• Requires maintenance and proper storage to ensure correct performance
• Cumbersome

Request PAPRs

To request new or additional PAPRs, contact HSE at: 410-955-5918 and/or [email protected]. 

• Please specify how many PAPRs you would like
• HSE will provide: PAPR base unit, hose/breathing tube, battery, charger
• You will need to order headpieces from Central Stores at 5-3700
• Every staff member who uses a PAPR should have their own headpiece
• When not in use, the PAPRs should be stored in a clean, dry secure area.  The batteries should be removed from the base units and put back on the charger when not in use
• If you no longer need the PAPRs. Contact HSE for pick-up
• HSE is not on campus 24/7.  If you need a PAPR after hours or on weekends, please borrow one from a nearby unit.  HSE will provide you with your own PAPRs when we are on site.

Watch the PAPR training video.

Anyone who regularly has direct contact with patients under airborne isolation should be fit-tested for an N95 respirator.

Wearing an N95 for respiratory protection requires annual fit-testing to ensure the N95 respirator is forming an adequate seal with your face.

Check when you or your unit was last fit-tested using the Fit-Test Department Report tool.  
You can order N95s from central stores (5-8357) using the following SAP numbers:

N95s come in boxes of 20 and should be stored in a place that is cool, dry, accessible, and known by staff.

• 3M 1860 – 4725
• 3M 1860S – 4743
• Prestige Ameritech – 261840
• Prestige Ameritech S – 261841

Pros

• 95% filter efficiency
• Lightweight
• Quick to don and doff
• No maintenance required
• No decontamination required (disposable)

Cons

• Requires annual fit-testing
• Places added physiological stress on user
• Prone to user-error, user must select proper respirator and properly don
• Requires men to be clean shaven
• Requires additional fit-test when changes occur to employees physical condition: facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, pregnancy, obvious change in body weight, etc.