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Fit Testing for TB (tuberculosis) and
Other
Airborne-Spread Diseases
Employees that are part of the UMHHC Respiratory Protection Program (as determined by their manager and as described in the UMHHC Infection Control Respiratory Isolation Policy, Exhibit E must be fit tested for masks to care for patients with airborne-spread diseases, such as TB (tuberculosis), SARS, smallpox, and vaccinia.
During this class, employees will be fit tested for the N-95 mask or trained in the use of the PAPR (Powered Air-Purified Respirator). The PAPR is an alternative option for staff who do not pass fit testing, or as a first option for staff who are not yet fit tested and need to care for a patient. Topics covered during training include workplace respiratory hazards, inspection of the respirator, maintenance of the respirator, proper use, and limitations of the respiratory protection device.
Important Policy Updates
(Ad Forum communication, 4/23/08)
The respiratory protection fit testing rules were revised in October 2007 and now require fit testing for the N-95 to be completed annually. Employees who were fit tested before 1 June 2007 are no longer in compliance if they continue to wear the N-95.
Employees who are no longer in compliance but must have respiratory protection before they can be fit tested can use a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) in the meantime. Employees who cannot or choose not to use the N-95 can also use the PAPR. Fit testing is not required for the PAPR; however, employees who use the device must complete the online training available through MLearning, course SAFE-10024. Employees must complete this training annually to remain compliant. PAPRs are available on the designated TB units (listed in the Respiratory Protection Policy 05-01-003 http://www.med.umich.edu/i/policies/umh/05-01-003.htm) and from Patient Equipment.
Staff due for their annual fit testing for the N-95 respirator must contact Safety Management Services at 764-4427 to schedule an appointment. Classes are offered in 30 minute increments every other Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
After 1 May 2008, staff who receive N-95 fit testing will be entered into MLearning. This will generate an automatic reminder when the annual fit test is due.
Training Requirements
N-95
Fit testing for the N-95 respirator must be done once upon hire and annually thereafter through an instructor-led course.
Fit testing for the N-95 is also required if employees have radical changes in facial structure from weight loss or gain, dental changes, facial scarring, facial surgery, or other conditions which interfere with the seal of the face piece. This requirement is in accordance with MiOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Part 451: Respiratory Protection and UMHHC Policy 05-01-003 Respiratory Protection (internal link).
PAPR
Training for the PAPR is required once upon hire through an instructor-led class and annually thereafter by watching an online video, available through MLearning, Topics covered in this training include: workplace respiratory hazards, inspection of the respirator, maintenance of the respirator, proper use, and limitations of the respiratory protection device.
If managers have questions about determining if employees should be included in the TB Respirator Program, contact Infection Control at (734) 936-6355 or email: um-ice@med.umich.edu.
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