Goals and Objectives
When you complete this training, you will be able to:
Not all Masks are Created Equal
Using an N95 respirator correctly will reduce exposure to airborne aerosols such as viruses while performing your duties.
NIOSH* Approved
Only NIOSH-approved respirators can be used in the workplace for protection against chemicals and dust.
Single-strapped dusts masks, ’comfort’, or allergy masks are not NIOSH-approved. The NIOSH approval will be found printed directly on the mask or on the mask package or carton.
Any respirator with an “N95” designation has been approved by NIOSH using a specific respirator testing protocol.
*National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health
Why the N95?
N95 Fit Tested
Tight Fitting
N95s must be fit tested.
They are a tight-fitting respirator designed to form a seal with the face of the wearer.
They cannot be worn by individuals with beards or facial hair that compromise the seal.
Respirator Fit Testing
Before an employee uses an N95 tight-fitting respirator, s/he must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator to be used during work activities.
Fit testing ensures no contaminants leak into the face piece.
Retesting is required annually, and after significant weight loss/gain, major dental work, facial or cosmetic surgery, or scarring. These changes can all affect the shape of the face and, as a result, could affect the respirator seal.
Fit Testing is Vital
Without a tight fit, a respirator may be leaking and exposing you to contaminants without you realizing it. You may think you are protected when you are not.
Fit testing must be done before first wearing a respirator and then annually thereafter.
Beards are not allowed when wearing a respirator because they will always cause a leak around the edges. Even a day’s growth of facial hair will cause leakage. There can be no facial hair on the face where the respirator touches skin and no seal interferences.
Respirator Fit Testing
This is a Pass/Fail type test.
It relies on the wearer to identify whether they smell or taste the challenge agent.
The challenge agent may be irritant smoke, bitter or sweet tasting substances.
If the subject can taste the substance – Fails test.
If the subject cannot taste the substance – Passes test.
Medical Evaluations Required
Respirators can be hazardous to people with heart or lung problems.
Most people have no problem wearing an N95 respirator, but a medical evaluation is required before you wear one. You will be asked to complete a confidential medical questionnaire.
Medical Signs and Symptoms
The following are signs or symptoms that may prevent the use of a respirator:
Inhalation Hazards
Inhalation hazards that can occur at a workplace:
Know the inhalation hazards in your workplace for which you must wear a respirator.
The N95 reduces the amount of particulate inside the respirator to one tenth (1/10) of the concentration outside the respirator, providing it fits properly and has no holes or tears.
Where N95 Respirators Do Not Protect
Respirator Seal Check
Check and Avoid Mistakes
Inspection
Inspect your respirator routinely - before and after each use.
Filtering face-piece respirators cannot be cleaned or sanitized. Therefore, do not attempt to wash.
Discard the respirator if it is soiled, torn, cut, or creased in the face-piece-to-face sealing material.
Storage
**Remember to label your N95 with your name to avoid someone else using**
Allow it to dry or keep its storage bag open until dry.
Ensure it is easily accessible when needed.
Protect the respirator from:
Disposal
N95 respirators have a non-specific service life and can be used as long as the mask is not damaged, unhygienic (dirty), or breathing resistances are not detected. Due to COVID-19 and N95 respirator shortages, they are being reused in healthcare.
**However, if used in the presence of biological agents, infected individuals, or patients, dispose of the respirator immediately afterwards.**
Remember to be conscious to not touch the contaminated exterior of the mask. Keep your hands away from your face.
Respirator Limitations
They can be hot, uncomfortable, and make it hard to see or communicate.
They can leak, wear out, or not provide protection for the specific environmental threat in your work area.
They can restrict breathing.
Most people do not like wearing them and may remove them to talk to another worker without thinking! They are easily removed in contaminated air if you are not thinking.
N95 respirators are not suitable for heavy amounts of dust or for highly toxic dust.
Questions? Contact EHS at 644-6895.
