With the advent of a novel H1N1 influenza outbreak in spring 2009 and the expectation of a second wave during the 2009–2010 flu season, there has been considerable interest in the use of surgical masks (facemasks) and respirators as infection control measures. Although their appearance is often similar, respirators are designed and engineered for distinctly different functions than surgical masks. The amount of exposure reduction offered by respirators and surgical masks differs. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of a NIOSH-certified N95 or better respirator for the protection of healthcare workers who come in direct contact with patients with H1N1.
Selected Category: Personal protective equipment
N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks
Categories: Health care, Personal protective equipment, Respiratory health
October 14th, 2009 5:00 pm ET - Lisa Brosseau, ScD, and Roland Berry Ann
Improved Criteria for Emergency Medical Protective Clothing
Categories: Emergency response, Personal protective equipment
January 20th, 2009 8:27 am ET - Administrator
It is estimated there are over 1 million firefighters and an additional 500,000 Emergency Medical Technicians and other first responders engaged in emergency medical service (EMS) operations. These EMS responders routinely are exposed to a wide range of hazards, including blood borne pathogens that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Requirements for emergency medical personal protective clothing and equipment have been established in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard number 1999, Protective Clothing for Emergency Medicals Operations.
The “No Fit Test” Respirator Research Workshop
Categories: Personal protective equipment, Respiratory health
August 4th, 2008 9:47 am ET - Ed Fries and Ron Shaffer, PhD
The number and quality of responses to previous NIOSH Science Blog posts on Frequency of Respirator Fit Testing and Influenza Pandemic and the Protection of Healthcare Workers with Personal Protective Equipment was so encouraging and informative that we decided to utilize the blog again as we continue to address the issue of respirator fit testing. To further the discussion, NIOSH is hosting the “No Fit Test” Respirator Research Workshop on November 6, 2008. The workshop aims to examine how the latest material technology (shape-changing polymers, adhesives, etc.) may be leveraged to improve current and future respirator designs including the long-term possibility of moving away from current fit-testing requirements, while preserving user protection. We would like your input as we finalize the workshop agenda.
Frequency of Respirator Fit Testing
Categories: Personal protective equipment
April 21st, 2008 9:10 am ET - Administrator
Over three million American workers are required to wear respirators to protect themselves from hazards in their workplace. Since the fit of the respirator to the user’s face affects the protection provided by the respirator, occupational safety and health professionals recommend fit assessment during the initial selection of a respirator model and at some periodicity as part of a respiratory protection program. In 1998, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted new requirements for occupational respiratory protection programs requiring respirator users to receive training and pass a fit test before using a respirator, and annually thereafter (29 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1910.134), based on current ANSI standards and public comments citing workplace experience.
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