N 95 Masks and Fit testing – TempStars

One of the most asked about personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements has been about the N 95 masks, more so about fit testing, how and where to do this. A good starting point is deciding first which mask is required for the procedure. An excellent guide is provided here as a quick reference.

More about N 95 masks:

N 95 FAQs: Safety Services Manitoba has provided a great resource for frequently asked questions regarding N 95 masks.

To review: https://safetyservicesmanitoba.ca/occupational-safety-training/hearing-and-respirator-fit-testing/respirator-fit-testing/respirator-fit-testing-faqs/

N95 Fit Testing requirements: To have an N 95 mask fitted there are specific requirements.

To review: https://www.safetyfirsttraining.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Fit-Testing-Info.pdf

N 95 Donning and fit testing: When donning an N 95 and doing fit testing, 3M Health Care has put together this YouTube video.

To review: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Self+fit+testing+for+N95&docid=608043806918772542&mid=E70D41EE30952DDB5E6CE70D41EE30952DDB5E6C&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

N 95 user seal check: It is important to ensure that your N 95 is properly sealed each time. This following link shows you how to perform a user seal check with an N 95.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Self+fit+testing+for+N95+video&docid=608033499004996468&mid=E6D0D54602E7933F3F22E6D0D54602E7933F3F22&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Counterfeit masks/respirators are an increasing problem. For information on verifying the authenticity of a mask, see https:/www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html

One of the most asked about personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements has been about the N95 masks, more so about fit testing, how and where to do this. A good starting point is deciding first which mask is required for the procedure. An excellent guide is provided here as a quick reference.

Extended Use and Reuse of N95 Disposable Respirator

• Updated Protocol: Please keep your used N95 disposable respirator in a vented container, do not discard.

• Mark the mask with a Sharpie to identify the owner.

• Currently research is underway to see if single-use disposable N95 disposable respirators can be reprocessed/ reused to extend their use. Do not wear makeup with these N95 Disposable Respirators. If you do wear makeup, they can not be reprocessed/ reused.

• Given the shortage of N95 disposable respirators many health care providers are wearing an N95 disposable respirator and covering it with an ASTM Level 2 mask and face shield to prevent droplets and or splatter on the N95 disposable respirator. With this technique, the N95 disposable respirator may be used for multiple patients during one operative day.

CDC-Operational Considerations for Personal Protective Equipment in the Context of Global Supply Shortages for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: non-US Healthcare Settings

link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/emergency-considerations-ppe.html

CDC - Recommended Guidance for Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare Settings

link: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html