Is everyone having to go through "annual" fit testing?

[2bTraumaRN2008]

Annual N95 fit testing ... We are being told this is mandatory per OSHA, but I can't seem to find anything on it. Just curious to see if is in fact mandatory.

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

Yup, every year we do it along with our other competencies. Reminds me of being an astronaut with the big helmet on!

[OttawaRPN]

It could be mandatory to your institution, which is enough of a reason. I work at several hospitals so the Fit testing is a pain in the behind since they are all after me for it, but I've worked around it by being tested at one hospital and providing the others with the model number and date of test. So far it's been acceptable.

[Fiona59]

My hospital does a mandatory every two years. If you've gained or lost a sizeable amount of weight they want you in sooner.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

2bTraumaRN2008 said:

Is everyone having to go through "annual" fit testing? We are being told this is mandatory per OSHA, but I can't seem to find anything on it. Just curious to see if is in fact mandatory.

In Ontario a directive for mandatory fit testing was instituted after the SARS outbreak in 2003. During the SARS outbreak, healthcare workers wore the recommended N95 masks, however they were were not fit tested beforehand and several contracted SARS and some died. Now healthcare students and all healthcare employees undergo an inital manadatory fit test and have follow up fit tests at least every two years.

dishes

[stephie_love]

I always fail this test. Apparently the bridge of my nose is very small, and the hospital only has a "regular" and "large" sized disposable N95 mask. Therefore, I have to use the old-school "beekeeper" mask should I ever have an iso patient

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

We do ours every year. Each unit/area is assigned a month in which they have to report to Occ Health for their fit test and PPD.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

We do it every 2 years. PITA but if SARS ever returns, I want to be protected!