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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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 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.

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. Next steps Complete quiz
Arrange time to demonstrate competency with Biosecurity Officer Send to
Review NCSLPH Respiratory Protection Program at:
S:\BSL3 Biosafety Biosecurity\2017 Respiratory Protection Plan