FAQ on Respirator Use During a Flu Pandemic

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges (for example H1N1) for which there is little or no immunity in the human population; begins to cause serious illness; and then spreads easily person-to-person.  Listed below are a few answers to common question we have received during the most recent H1N1 pandemic flu regarding respirator use.

1. Once worn in the presence of an infectious person, the respirator or mask should be considered potentially contaminated with infectious material, and touching the outside of the device should be avoided. You should remove and discard the respirator as soon as possible, followed by proper hand hygiene.
2. If an insufficient supply of respirators occurs during a pandemic, you may need to consider reuse as long as the device has not been obviously soiled or damaged (e.g., creased or torn), and it retains its ability to function properly.
3. Although some disposable respirators look similar to surgical masks, it is important that you understand the significant functional differences between disposable respirators and surgical masks.
   1. Surgical masks are not approved to prevent inhalation of airborne contaminants.
   2. Surgical masks are not considered adequate respiratory protection for airborne transmission of pandemic influenza.
   3. Surgical masks are also used as a physical barrier to protect the user from hazards such as splashes of blood or bodily fluids.
   4. When both fluid protection (e.g., blood splashes) and respiratory protection are needed, a “surgical N95″ respirator can be used. This type of respirator/mask is approved by FDA and certified by NIOSH.

OSHA and the CDC  have websites that provide complete information on this topic.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 7:45 am and is filed under Safety Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.