Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 N95 Respirator training Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

N95 filtering facepiece respirator Air purifying respirator certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Air-purifying respirators - respirators with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that remove specific air contaminants such as dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or fibers by passing room air through an air-purifying element Filter efficiency level of 95% or greater against particulate aerosols free of oil that are greater than 0.3 microns in size Negative Pressure - The air pressure inside an N95 is negative during inhalation compared to room air pressure outside the respirator (Does not supply air to wearer – rather air is pulled into the mask during breathing)

Requirements for n95 respirator Use Medical respiratory clearance form – must undergo respiratory medical clearance examination by medical professional Fit testing – Determines which respirator make/model/size provides the proper fit for the user; must be completed annually Training – ensures users are familiar with N95 respirators including usage and limitation; must be completed annually

Additional evaluations Medical re-evaluation is required in the following situations: Employee reports medical problems related to respirator use Health status changes occur that could alter your ability to wear a respirator Physical changes that alter respirator fit Facial or dental changes Changes in body weight more than 10-20 pounds Training may be repeated whenever use of the respirator indicates that the user has not retained the requisite understanding or skill to safety wear a respirator.

Limitations of N95 respirators Only filters particulate contaminants – does NOT protect from Chemical vapors/gasses Oxygen deficient atmospheres High risk exposures such as those created by aerosol-generating procedures without primary containment (biosafety cabinet, etc.) N95 respirators are single use and disposable as biohazardous waste

Effective use of n95 respirators Only as effective as the seal to user’s face Must wear only the make/model/size for which you are fit tested Do not wear an N95 with a beard or other facial hair which interferes with the seal of the mask to your face Conduct a seal-check every time you don an N95 respirator Leave area immediately if you experience any of the following – Never remove N95 in area of concern Respirator becomes damaged or soiled Breathing becomes difficult or you experience dizziness or skin irritation

Wearing and testing an n95respirator Visually inspect N95 to ensure nothing is damaged – straps, nose piece, etc. Click Play to watch video

Next steps Complete quiz Arrange time to demonstrate competency with Biosecurity Officer Send email to kristin.long@dhhs.nc.gov Review NCSLPH Respiratory Protection Program at: S:\BSL3 Biosafety Biosecurity\2017 Respiratory Protection Plan