How and Why N95’s must ALWAYS be fit-tested and sealed
An N95 respirator is one of the best ways that someone can protect themselves and those around them. Even using something similar like a KN95 or any other N95 alternative can be a more effective way to protect yourself against any airborne infection. The mask mandate regarding indoor areas has now dropped around the globe in most spaces, but now something has changed for long-term care facilities and hospitals. Effective December 22, 2021, employees working around patients and residents that either have COVID-19 or might have it, must now follow specific guidelines pertaining to the protective equipment that they must wear.
Accordingly, all regulated health professionals and healthcare workers must now use “a fit-tested and seal-checked” N95 respirator along with a form of eye protection, a gown and gloves. These employees must always have access to these forms of personal protective equipment (PPE). Their place of work cannot deny them access to “a fit-tested and seal-checked” N95 respirator.
A fit-tested and seal checked” respirator is quite simply an N95 respirator that has undergone a certification process to test a particular make and model mask (ie 3M 8210, Makrite Sekura, 3M 6500 series, etc) seals properly to an individual’s face, to create a proper seal. This is done by using a mask fit test certification and validation process to determine if there is any leakage. If there is leakage, then a proper seal has not been created, and the N95 respirator, for example, is not operating at its maximum potential.
Mask fit testing can be done by using a quantitative fit test method, or by using a qualitative fit test method. An individual’s sensitivity (how well they can detect the testing agent) is determined and then the mask is fitted, and the seal is checked. It is important that a respirator that has been fit-tested only be used by the person that the test was done on, as that respirator will only create a proper seal on that individual’s face. Using an N95 respirator that has been fit-tested is the best way to wear one, and that is why it is entirely essential that health professionals and healthcare workers have access to them and wear them.
In a sector that is already suffering a shortage in staff because any more staff shortages will become very problematic, as there will not be enough people to properly run some facilities. Hopefully, with better protection from equipment, less people will get sick and have to take time away from helping the most at risk.
Mask fit testing should always be done by trained staff or by an appropriate certified mask fit testing organization. Luckily for you, at IPAC Consulting, we have trained personnel that can fit test the entire facility and make sure you have everything you need to be successful, keep infections low and avoid outbreaks!
