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. 1 Likes
General E. Speaking, RN, RN Specializes in floor to ICU. Nov 11, 2010 Yup, every year we do it along with our other competencies. Reminds me of being an astronaut with the big helmet on! 1 Likes
OttawaRPN Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics. Has 5 years experience. Nov 11, 2010 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. 1 Likes
Fiona59 Has 18 years experience. Nov 11, 2010 My hospital does a mandatory every two years. If you've gained or lost a sizeable amount of weight they want you in sooner. 1 Likes
dishes, BSN, RN Nov 11, 2010 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 1 Likes
stephie_love Specializes in L&D. Nov 11, 2010 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 0 Likes
Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery. Nov 11, 2010 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. 1 Likes
Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN Specializes in Gerontology. Has 35 years experience. Nov 11, 2010 We do it every 2 years. PITA but if SARS ever returns, I want to be protected! 1 Likes