REA - Services - Respirator Fit-Testing

June 2003 - Ontario Edition

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THE SPOTLIGHT
In response to the current efforts for infection control, both Health Canada and the Centre for Disease

Control in the U.S. are recommending that health care workers wear proper respiratory protection when working with patients where SARS is of concern.
Both organizations indicate that a disposable N95 mask or equivalent is sufficient for routine airborne isolation precautions. N95 masks have a filter efficiency of 95% or greater against particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. The “N” notation indicates that it is not resistant to oil. For a higher level of respiratory protection, some health care workers may need to wear a non-disposable half-face negative air purifying respirator (NAPR) fitted with P95, P99, or P100 filters (indicating 95%, 99%, or 100% filter efficiency in an oil environment).
To be effective, respiratory protection should be properly fitted to the individual’s face and fit-checked each time a mask is donned. A good-fitting mask should have a snug seal on the face, especially around the nose and chin area. Materials placed under the masks and facial hair may interfere with the seal of the mask and cause gaps for air to enter unfiltered. Masks should also be comfortable and not cause any additional problems for the user.
Common issues encountered with poor fitting respirators include gaps around the bride of the nose, gaps around the bottom of the mask, and masks that are too large for the face. Mild irritation around the seal of the mask may be relieved by using barrier creams or similar prior to donning the mask.
Disposable masks and filters are effective over several shifts and can be re-used as long as they are stored in a clean, dry location (usually a labelled bag). However, masks and filters should be disposed when they become heavily soiled, loaded, wet or if internal company procedures indicate otherwise (eg. infection control procedures).
If you have any concerns about wearing or choosing the proper respiratory protection, contact your Occupational Health and Safety team or contact us at 1-888-732-4347.

TRAINING COURSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Joint Health & Safety Committee Part 2 Certification – Health Care
Due to the ongoing health emergency, JHSC Part 2 Health Care courses have been suspended until further notice. Participants requiring Part 2 certification in this field can still register with us and we will contact you when courses resume.
NEW: Respiratory Protection: Selection, Use and Care, a new course that REA will be offering starting July. Knowing the fundamentals of airborne hazards is instrumental in choosing the appropriate respirator to ensure that workers are protected. Learn this and other necessary information to enhance the functioning of your respiratory protection programs. Look for the ad in the July edition of EHS Headlines.
NEW: Infection Prevention in Health Care Construction and Maintenance
Starting in June, REA will be offering a new course, Infection Prevention in Health Care Construction and Maintenance. During facility renovation and reconstruction, poor airborne and waterborne microbe containment can lead to increased infection risk to patients and workers in the area.
For more information contact: Joanna Szymandera

UPCOMING COURSES

Joint Health & Safety Committee Basic Certification:
July 15 & 16, 2003 – Toronto
July 16 & 17, 2003 – Hamilton
Aug. 6 & 7, 2003 – Ottawa
Aug. 13 & 14, 2003 – Toronto
Aug. 26 & 27, 2003 – London

Joint Health & Safety Committee Part 2 Certification – Health Care:
*suspended until further notice – see sidebar for more information

Joint Health & Safety Committee Part 2 Certification – Office:
July 10, 2003 – London
July 30, 2003 – Toronto
Aug. 19, 2003 – Ottawa

Joint Health & Safety Committee Part 2 Certification – Industrial:
July 29 & 30, 2003 – Hamilton
Sept. 9 & 10, 2003 – Toronto

Contractor & Project Safety Management:
Sept. 24 & 25, 2003 – Hamilton
Nov. 6 & 7, 2003- Kingston

OHS for Managers & Supervisors – the "Competent Person" Course:
August 20 & 21, 2003 – Toronto
Sept. 17 & 18, 2003 – Ottawa

Environmental Protection Regulations in Ontario:
July 8, 2003 – Toronto

Industrial Ergonomics for Safety and Performance
July 11, 2003 – Ottawa
Aug. 14, 2003 – Hamilton
Oct. 1, 2003 – London

Mould: Identification and Control in Facilities:
July 18, 2003 – Toronto
Sept. 26, 2003 - Toronto

Pre-start Health & Safety Review:
July 9, 2003 – Ottawa
Aug. 12, 2003 – Hamilton
Sept. 29, 2003 – London

Machine & Process Safeguarding:
July 10, 2003 – Ottawa
Aug. 13, 2003 – Hamilton
Sept. 30, 2003 – London

Workplace Chemical Safety Regulations in Ontario:
Aug. 7, 2003 – Toronto

Canada Labour Code, Part II – OHS for Managers & Supervisors:
Oct. 17, 2003 – Ottawa
Nov. 20, 2003 – Toronto
Dec. 11, 2003 – Ottawa (en français)

Canada Labour Code, Part II – Work Place & Policy Health and Safety Committees:
July 24 & 25, 2003 – Ottawa
Aug. 28 & 29, 2003 – Toronto

OHSAS 18001 – OHS Management System Awareness Course:
July 9, 2003 – Toronto

OHSAS 18001 – OHS Management System Implementation Course:
July 22 – 24, 2003 – Toronto

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