Page 24
disposable masks. Clean hands after removing the mask. Do not fold the mask or put it in a pocket for later use. MASK TYPE SITUATION AND RATIONALE Procedure mask Protection for minimal exposure to infectious droplets. Used for short duration tasks and those that do not involve exposure to blood/body fluids. Fluid Resistant Mask Protection for heavy exposure to infectious droplets or blood/body fluids. Surgical Mask Protection for exposure to infectious droplets or blood/body fluids and for longer duration tasks. Page 24 Respirators N95 respirators prevent inhalation of small particles that may contain infectious agents transmitted via the airborne route and must: • filter 95% of particles of diameter 0.3 microns or larger with less than 10% leak (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2014) • provide a tight facial seal with less than 10% leak. (PIDAC, 2012, p. 38). • entering the client/patient/resident’s room or transporting patient/clients who are on Airborne Precautions (e.g., Active TB) • performing aerosol-generating procedures such as sputum induction and bronchoscopy. Non-immune staff is required to enter the room of a client/patient/resident with measles or varicella (PIDAC, 2012b, p. 38). Directed by the medical officer of health (e.g., Novel Respiratory Illnesses) (PIDAC, 2015b) N95 Infection Prevention and Control CBPG www.crto.on.ca In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recommends the use of a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator and AIIR for MERS-CoV. This advice differs from guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada. (PIDAC, 2016, p. 6) DO DON’T Undergo regular fit testing as part of an approved fit-testing program. NEVER put an N95 respirator on a patient/client (patient/clients should wear a surgical/procedure mask when outside their room) Performing a seal check each time an N95 respirator is used. Do not use N95 respirator ifseal check fails. Remove the N95 respirator correctly and discard on removal into an appropriate receptacle. Do not use N95 respirator if wet or soiled. Page 25 www.crto.on.ca Infection Prevention and Control CBPG Fit Testing for N95 Respirators Fit Testing involves the evaluation of the fit of a specific respirator on an individual with respects to: • make; • model; and • size This procedure is to be done periodically, at least every two years and whenever there is a change in respirator face piece or the user’s physical condition which could affect the respirator fit (e.g. significant weight change, facial structure change due to injury or major dental work) (PIDAC, 2012b, p. 47) Performing a Seal Check for an N95 Respirator A Seal Check (also referred to as a ‘fit-check’) must be performed each time an N95 respirator is worn to ensure adequate respiratory protection. Scenario You are unable to pass a seal check with an N95 mask prior to entering an airborne isolation room. What do you do? You should notify your supervisor that you cannot provide care and ensure that you are mask fit tested as soon as possible. Professional Accountabilities: Members are required to know what size and manufacturer of N95 respirator is appropriate for them and adhere to their employer’s requirement for mask fit testing. Positive Pressure Seal Check: 1. Apply mask as per instructions 2. Cover exhalation valve or cup hands around the sides of the mask 3. Exhale gently into the mask – you should feel no leaks around the mask edge and the mask should rise/lift gently from your face Negative Pressure Seal Check: 1. Apply mask as per instructions 2. Cover exhalation valve or cup hands around the sides of the mask 3. Gently inhale for 5 seconds – themask should collapse slightly onto yourface without any inward leakage of air around the edges ofthemask RE S O U RCE Putting On & Taking Off PPE (PIDAC, 2012b, pp. 70 & 71) Page 26 Eye Protection Infection Prevention and Control CBPG www.crto.on.ca DO DON’T Eye protection must be removed immediately after the task for which it was used and discarded into waste or placed in an appropriate receptacle for cleaning. Prescription eye glasses are not acceptable as eye protection. Reusable eye protection must be sentto a central area forreprocessing after use. EYE PROTECTION TYPE SITUATION