STATE OF WASHINGTONDEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICESAging
and Long-Term Support AdministrationHome and Community Services
Division
PO Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600
HCS MANAGEMENT BULLETIN
H20-109 Policy & Procedure
December 28, 2020
TO:
Home and Community Services (HCS) Division Regional
Administrators
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Regional
Administrators
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Directors
FROM:
Bea Rector, Director, Home and Community Services Division
Shannon Manion, Director, Division of Field Services,
Developmental Disabilities Administration
SUBJECT:
Health and Safety obligations for Individual Providers (IPs)
including:
· Requirements to wear a face mask while in a client’s home;
and
· N95 mask and Fit-Testing for Individual Providers (IPs)
PURPOSE:
To inform HCS/AAA/DDA staff about previous and upcoming
information provided to Individual Providers regarding safe care
practices during the COVID-19 outbreak, specifically related to
wearing face masks and about N95 mask distribution, fit-testing,
and one-time payments for IPs for fit testing when working with
clients with aerosol generating procedures.
BACKGROUND:
Individual Providers (IPs) have an obligation to perform their
duties in a manner that does not compromise the health and safety
of any DSHS client. This includes a requirement to wear a face
covering when out of their home and in their worksite, including
when in the home of a DSHS client. They must also comply with
COVID-19 work site-specific safety practices as outlined in the
Governor’s “Safe Start” Proclamation 20-25.4, the guidelines set
forth by the Washington State Department of Health and safety
guidance provided by DSHS. (See attached).
Workers caring for clients with the following Aerosol Generating
Procedures (AGP) have additional requirements for wearing
fit-tested N-95 masks.
· CPAP or BiPAP
•Nebulizer
•High flow oxygen therapy
•Respiratory therapy
•Suctioning
•Tracheostomy care
•Ventilator/Respirator
N95 masks were distributed to IPs who are caring for clients
with AGPs. Each shipment contained the following communications:
(See attached)
· Fit-Testing Locations
· CDC Fit-Testing FAQ
· Don and Doff N95
· Fit-Testing Warning
WHAT’S NEW, CHANGED, OR CLARIFIED:
Individual Providers will receive additional written safety
information and reminders regarding the requirement to wear face
coverings/personal protective equipment when they are at their
worksite.
Individual Providers caring for clients identified with Aerosol
Generating Procedures (AGP) have already received N-95 masks and
instructions for fit testing. They will receive a one-time payment
for fit-testing in January of 2021.
ALTSA and DDA will be developing a FAQ document to respond to
additional questions that have been received. In addition we will
continue to post communications when guidance from Department of
Health (DOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) are revised.
Individual Provider postcard and DOH home care guidance (see
attachments below) will be placed in the IPs contracting
packets.
ACTION:
Effective Immediately:
IP Contracting Staff:
During contracting sessions, HCS/AAA/DDA contracting staff must
remind IPs of the requirement to wear a face mask when they are in
a client’s home.
Contracting staff should remind IPs that if they are caring for
a client with AGP there is a requirement to wear an N-95 mask and
remind them of provider resources related to fit-testing and a
one-time payment for fit testing. (See attached).
Include the IP postcard and DOH home care guidance documents in
IP contracting packets.
Case Managers
If case managers receive calls or questions from clients or IPs
about face masks, including N-95 masks, provide information and
reminders that IPs are required to wear a face mask when they are
in a client’s home, and that fit tested N-95 masks must be worn by
providers caring for clients with AGP. If there are issues with
fit-testing, additional information will be provided in the FAQ
that is being developed. If alternative brand N95s are needed, the
IP may contact the Incident Management Team at one of the contacts
listed below.
Refer the client and IP to publications about these requirements
as appropriate and inform them of a one-time January payment for
fit testing.
Identification of IPs who are providing services to clients with
AGP will be done on a routine basis to identify new IPs that have
not been issued a shipment of N95s or a one-time fit testing
payment. This process will be managed at headquarters at this
time.
RELATED REFERENCES:
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Individual Providers (IPs) Guidance for Providing Safe Care During
the COVID-19 Outbreak
https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Homecare%20Worker%20Guidelines.pdf
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/HomeHealthAide_Guidance.pdf
ATTACHMENT(S):
CONTACT(S):
Dawn Williams, Incident Management Team (IMT)
[email protected]
Hannah Thompson, Incident Management Team (IMT)
[email protected]
Rachelle Ames, Care Management Unit Manager, HCS
(360)725-2353
[email protected]
Stacy Graff, Individual Provider and Administrative Hearing
Program Manager, HCS
(360) 725-2533
[email protected]
Jaime Bond, State Plan Services Unit Manager
Phone: 360-407-1567
[email protected]
Melissa Randles, Individual Provider Program Manager
Phone: 360-407-1515
[email protected]
Cloth_Face_Coverin
g_Insert_Flyer.pdf
YOUR ACTIONS MATTER
The fight against COVID-19 isn’t over yet. You are required to
wear surgical masks at work. Keep wearing your mask and practicing
social distancing in your personal life. We know that combating the
Coronavirus isn’t always convenient, but together we can Stop the
Spread.
Thank You for Being a Caregiver
WEAR BECAUSE YOU CARE
Masks are Required PPE is FREE Home is Safest
You’re required to wear at least a surgical
mask anytime you’re working with a client or in a client’s
home.
You can request free PPE at anytime by visiting
www.research.net/r/
RequestPPE
Home is still the safest place to be.
Limit possible exposure by staying home
when not at work.
Wear a mask | Keep your distance | Wash your hands
Cloth_Face_Coverin
g_Sticker_4x3.33.pdf
IMPORTANT
Help Stop the Spread.Wear these cloth face coverings when
you’re not at work to help protect yourself and others from
COVID-19.
Surgical Masks are Required at WorkSurgical masks must be worn
when
working with a client.
Postcard_IP_12.03.2
020_DRAFT.pdf
Masks Are Required: Protect Yourself and Others
Wear the Right Mask for the Task
Personal lifeWear in public and
anytime you’re around people you
don’t live with.
Wear to workWear for activities like
shopping, cooking meals, housekeeping
and laundry for your client.
Wear to workWear for hands-on client personal care when your
client is
not sick.
Wear to workWear when your client is sick and for
aerosolizing
procedures.
Cloth Face Covering
*Optional Additional Protection
Wear a face shield or goggles with your mask
Surgical Mask*Cloth Face CoveringN95 Respirator
+ Face Shield
MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT WORK
Masks and Face Shields Delivery - Coming Soon
PPE is FREE
Masks are required anytime you’re working with a client or in a
client’s home.Visit https://bit.ly/390gR0G to read the complete
guidance.
We’re sending a shipment of cloth face coverings, surgical masks
and face shields to you soon! Check your mail for the delivery.
Order free PPE anytime by visiting the website at
www.research.net/r/RequestPPE
Blake Office Park4500 10th Ave SELacey, WA 98503
20201105 Fit Testing
Locations IP.docx
This guide was developed for informational purposes during the
COVID-19 pandemic. DSHS offers no recommendation or endorsement for
any listed location. Employers should independently research fit
testing services. Employers must independently verify that any fit
testing satisfies WAC 296-842-22010.
ADAMSASOTINBENTON
Confluence Health
(509) 764-6400
840 E Hill Ave
Moses Lake, WA
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
CHELANCLALLAMCLARK
Confluence Health
(509) 436-4009
317 N. Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801
The Doctors Clinic
(360) 782-3300
9621 Ridgetop Blvd NW,
Silverdale, WA 98363
Performance Occ. Health
(360) 334-7001
11109 NE 14th St, STE A
Vancouver, WA 98684
COLUMBIACOWLITZDOUGLAS
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
Performance Occ. Health
(360) 524-3929
1118 14th Avenue,
Longview WA 98632
Confluence Health
(509) 436-4009
317 N. Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801
FERRYFRANKLINGARFIELD
North Valley Hospital
509-486-3110
22 W. First St
Tonasket, WA 98855
Confluence Health
(509) 826-1800
916 Koala Dr
Omak, WA 98841
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
FERRYFRANKLINGARFIELD
North Valley Hospital
509-486-3110
22 W. First St
Tonasket, WA 98855
Confluence Health
(509) 826-1800
916 Koala Dr
Omak, WA 98841
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occ. Health
(509) 546-2222
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
GRANTGRAYS HARBORISLAND
Confluence Health
(509) 764-6400
840 E Hill Ave
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Concentra Urgent Care
(360) 455-1350
3928 Pacific Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Central Welding Supply
(360) 651-2307
13300 38th Avenue NE
Marysville, WA 98271
Concentra Urgent Care
(425) 259-0300
3726 Broadway, STE 101
Everett, WA 98201
JEFFERSONKINGKITSAP
The Doctors Clinic
(360) 782-3300
9621 Ridgetop Blvd NW,
Silverdale, WA 98363
Central Welding Supply
(425) 228-2218
15700 Nelson Road South
Tukwila WA 98188
Concentra Urgent Care
(206) 624-3651
3223 1st Ave S. STE C
Seattle WA 98134
The Doctors Clinic
(360) 782-3300
9621 Ridgetop Blvd NW,
Silverdale, WA 98363
KITTITASKLICKITATLEWIS
Confluence Health
(509) 436-4009
317 N. Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801
KVH Workplace Health
(509) 933-8830
702 E Mountain View Ave
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Yakima Worker Care
(509) 575-2949
409 12th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98902
Concentra Urgent Care
(360) 455-1350
3928 Pacific Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
LINCOLNMASONOKANOGAN
Concentra Urgent Care
(509) 747-0770
2005 E. 29th Ave
Spokane, WA 99203
Concentra Urgent Care
(360) 455-1350
3928 Pacific Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
North Valley Hospital
509-486-3110
22 W. First St
Tonasket, WA 98855
Confluence Health, Omak Clinic
(509) 826-1800
916 Koala Dr
Omak, WA 98841
PACIFICPEND OREILLEPIERCE
Performance Occ. Health
(360) 524-3929
1118 14th Avenue,
Longview WA 98632
Concentra Urgent Care
(509) 747-0770
2005 E. 29th Ave
Spokane, WA 999203
Occupational Medicine Clinic
(253) 922-9570
4703 Pacific Hwy E STE A
Tacoma, WA 98424
Concentra Urgent Care
(253) 475-5908
2624 South 38th St. STE C
Tacoma, WA 98409
SAN JUANSKAGITSKAMANIA
Central Welding Supply
(360) 651-2307
13300 38th Avenue Northeast
Marysville, WA 98271
Care Medical Group
(360) 734-4300
4043 Northwest Ave
Bellingham WA 98226
Central Welding Supply
(360) 651-2307
13300 38th Avenue NE
Marysville, WA 98271
Concentra Urgent Care
(425) 259-0300
3726 Broadway, STE 101
Everett, WA 98201
Performance Occ. Health
(360) 334-7001
11109 NE 14th St, STE A
Vancouver, WA 98684
SNOHOMISHSPOKANESTEVENS
Central Welding Supply
(360) 651-2307
13300 38th Avenue Northeast
Marysville, WA 98271
Concentra Urgent Care
(425) 259-0300
3726 Broadway STE 101
Everett, WA 98201
Concentra Urgent Care
(509) 747-0770
2005 E. 29th Ave
Spokane, WA 999203
Providence Occupational Med
(509) 944-8907
16528 E Desmet Ct STE 1600
Spokane WA 99216
Concentra Urgent Care
(509) 747-0770
2005 E. 29th Ave
Spokane, WA 999203
THURSTONWAHKIAKUMWALLA WALLA
Concentra Urgent Care
(360) 455-1350
3928 Pacific Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Performance Occ. Health
(360) 524-3929
1118 14th Avenue,
Longview WA 98632
Columbia Safety
(509) 820-3883
418 N Kellogg St, STE D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lourdes Occupational Health
(509) 724-4300
9915 Sandifur Pkwy
Pasco, WA 99301
WHATCOMWHITMANYAKIMA
Care Medical Group
(360) 724-4300
4043 Northwest Ave
Bellingham WA 98226
Concentra Urgent Care
(509) 747-0770
2005 E. 29th Ave
Spokane, WA 999203
Yakima Worker Care
(509) 575-2949
409 12th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98902
We invite additional suggestions to [email protected]
IP PPE Letter_5
(n95).doc
STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICESAging and Long-Term
Support Administration
Home and Community Services Division
PO Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600
November 12, 2020
Payment for Fit Testing and Free PPE from DSHS
Dear Individual Provider,
The purpose of this mailing is to:
1) Remind you that you may request free personal protective
equipment (PPE) from DSHS. It is important to wear PPE when
providing personal care services to your client(s). Instructions
for ordering PPE are found below.
2) You will soon receive an advance payment for N95 respirator
fit testing. You should wear N95 masks when assisting your client
with aerosolizing procedures, such as: nebulizers, high flow oxygen
or ventilators. N95 masks must be fit tested to work properly.
$103 Payment for Fit Testing
You will soon receive a $103 payment from DSHS. This payment
will cover the cost of fit-testing the N95 respirators included in
this mailing.
Fit testing is extremely important. N95 masks do not work if
they do not fit. Please seek fit testing now so that you are safe
when you wear N95.
Please reserve this money for fit testing and follow these
instructions.
How to find a fit-tester:
a) Refer to the included list of fit-testing providers. OR
b) Search Google for “respirator fit testing” in your area
After your fit-testing appointment:
a) If the respirators do not fit, immediately notify
[email protected].
Billing instructions
Before the payment arrives, you will be mailed an authorization
letter from IPOne. The letter will include the newly-authorized
service code SA603 “IP Reimbursement” – this is the authorization
notice for your fit test payment.
The letter will state that the person you serve owes you $0.00
in Client Responsibility for service code SA603, but they still may
owe Client Responsibility for regular personal care services.
If you or the person you serve have questions about Client
Responsibility, please contact their case manager.
Free PPE from DSHS
PPE protects you and the person you serve. Follow these steps to
receive free PPE.
You may order once per month – please wait 28 days between
orders.
If your client develops symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive,
order immediately and the monthly limit will be waived.
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly. It is essential to follow
infection control guidance to protect yourself and others. Wearing
PPE is important and masks are required.
TO REQUEST PPE:
· If you have access to the internet:
· Go to https://www.research.net/r/RequestPPE and carefully
complete the form with accurate information. If you have a
question, contact [email protected].
· If you don’t have access to the internet:
· If you are serving a client through Aging and Long Term
Support Administration or an Area Agency on Aging, use the table on
the next page to find the PPE contact in your local area. Call or
email and your contact will help you order PPE. If you are serving
a Developmental Disability client, contact Barb Uehara at
[email protected] or (360) 407-1593.
Please direct questions to your local PPE contact. The SEIU
Member Resource Center is also available to assist with questions
at [email protected] or (866) 371-3200.
Counties
Email
Phone
Name
Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Pacific County
[email protected]
360-379-4421
Heaven Gregg
Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom
[email protected]
360-746-7415
Snohomish
[email protected]
425-388-7368
Shari Sinnett-Kelly
King
[email protected]
206-573-4617
Tara Shively
King
[email protected]
206-399-8635
Abin Mohamed
King
[email protected]
206-390-9466
Caroline Bacon
Pierce
[email protected]
253-798-4363
Tiffany Conaway
Pierce
[email protected]
253-798-4390
Jennifer Long
Lewis, Mason, Thurston
[email protected]
888-545-0910
Manfay Chan
Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum
[email protected]
888-637-6060
Lisa Sadoski
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan
[email protected]
800-572-4459 x 404
Darla Bedard
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan
[email protected]
509-886-0700 x 209
Christine Johnson
Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin
[email protected]
1-855-567-0252
Columbia, Walla Walla, Garfield, Asotin
[email protected]
1-855-567-0252
Yakama Reservation
[email protected]
509-865-7164
Anita Nez
Yakama Reservation
[email protected]
Launa Ambrose
Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman
[email protected]
509-458-2509
Jenn Lourdeau
Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman
[email protected]
Kristi Eppinger
Colville Reservation
[email protected]
888-881-7684
Larry Robinette
Colville Reservation
[email protected]
Laura Pakootas
Kitsap
[email protected]
800-562-6418
Lisa Williams
Kitsap
[email protected]
Matthew Harnack
Kitsap
[email protected]
Gena Pereira
CDC Fit-Testing
FAQ.pdf
Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about
Respiratory Protection
Fit Testing Over 3 million United States employees, in
approximately 1.3 mil-lion workplaces, are required to wear
respiratory protection. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.134) requires an annual
respirator fit test to confirm the fit of any respirator that forms
a tight seal on the wearer’s face before it is used in the
workplace. This ensures that users are receiving the expected level
of protection by minimizing any contaminant leakage into the
facepiece. The following are some frequently asked questions about
respiratory protection and fit testing.
What is a Respirator Fit Test?A fit test is conducted to verify
that a respirator is both comfortable and correctly fits the user.
Fit test methods are classified as either qualitative or
quantitative. A qualitative fit test is a pass/fail test that
relies on the individual’s sensory detection of a test agent, such
as taste, smell, or involuntary cough (a reaction to irritant
smoke*). A quantitative fit test uses an instrument to numerically
measure the effectiveness of the respirator.
The benefits of a fit test include better protection for the
employee and verification that the employee is wearing a
correctly-fitting model and size of respirator.1 Higher than
expected levels of exposure to a con-taminant may occur if the
respirator has a poor face seal against the user’s skin, which can
result in leakage.
How Often Must Fit Testing Be Conducted?In addition to fit
testing upon initially selecting a model of respirator, OSHA
requires that fit testing be con-ducted annually, and repeated
“whenever an employee reports, or the employer or the physician or
other li-censed health care professional makes visual observations
of changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect
respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic
surgery, or an obvious change in body weight).” 2
The appropriate length of time between respirator fit tests has
been a point of debate and discussion for many years due to its use
of workplace time and resources, especially in reference to the
commonly-used filtering facepiece respirator (FFR).3 In response to
these concerns, NIOSH completed a study that confirmed the
ne-cessity of the current OSHA respirator fit testing requirement,
both annually and when physical changes have occurred.2
http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/01/05/fit-testing/
Once I am Fit Tested, Can I use any Brand/Make/Model Respirator
as Long as it is the Same Size?A successful fit test only qualifies
an employee to use the specific brand/make/model and size of
respirator that he or she wore during that test. Respirator sizing
is not standardized across models or brands. For example, a medium
in one model may not offer the same fit as a different
manufacturer’s medium model.
Can I Have Facial Hair and still be Fit Tested to Wear a
Tight-Fitting Respirator?The OSHA respirator standard prohibits
tight-fitting respirators to be worn by workers who have facial
hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and
the face of the wearer. Facial hair that lies along the seal-ing
area of a respirator, such as beards, sideburns, or some mustaches,
will interfere with respirators that rely on a
tight facepiece seal to achieve maximum protection.
Research tells us that the presence of facial hair under the
sealing surface causes 20 to 1000 times more leakage compared to
clean-shaven individuals.4 Gases, vapors, and particles in the air
will take the path of least resistance and bypass the part of the
respirator that captures or filters hazards out. A common
misconcep-tion is that human hair can act as a crude filter to
capture any particles that are in the airstream between the sealing
surface and the user’s skin. However, while hu-man hair appears to
be very thin to the naked eye, hair is much larger in size than the
particles inhaled. Facial hair is not dense enough and the
individual hairs are too large to capture particles like an air
filter does; nor will a beard trap gases and vapors like the carbon
bed in a respirator cartridge. Therefore, the vast majority of
particles, gases, and vapors follow the air stream right through
the facial hair and into respiratory tract of the wearer. In fact,
some studies have shown that even a day or two of stubble can begin
to reduce protection.
This document is in the public domainand may be freely copied or
reprinted.DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2018129DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 2018-129
To receive NIOSH documents or more information about
occupational safety and health topics, please contact
NIOSH:Telephone: 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636) TTY:
1–888–232–6348 CDC INFO: www.cdc.gov/info or visit the NIOSH Web
site at www.cdc.gov/NIOSH. For a monthly update on news at NIOSH,
subscribe to NIOSH eNews by visiting www.cdc.gov/niosh/eNews.
References1. Duling MG, Lawrence RB, Slaven JE, Coffey CC
[2007]. Simulated workpalce protection factors for half-facepiece
respiratory protective devices. J Occup Environ Hyg.
4(6):420-431.2. OSHA [1998]. Respiratory Protection. 29 CFR
1910.134. Final rule. Fed Regist 63:1152-1300. 3. Zhuang Z, Bergman
MS, Brochu E, Palmiero AJ, Niezgoda G, He X, Roberge RJ, Shaffer RE
[2016]. Temporal changes in filtering-facepiece respirator fit. J
Occup Environ Hyg. 13(4), pp.265-274.4. Stobbe TJ, daRoza RA,
Watkins MA [1988]. Facial hair and respirator fit: a review of the
literature. Am. Ind Hyg Assoc J. 49(4):199-204.Photos courtesy of
NIOSH and Shutterstock
Incorrect respirator use due to beard and strap placement
Do Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) Require Fit
Testing? The answer to this question depends on the type of
facepiece that the respirator has. Any facepieces that form a tight
seal to the wearer’s face, e.g., half-masks and full facepieces,
must be fit tested. Loose-fitting PAPRs, in which the hood or
helmet is designed to form only a partial seal with the wearer’s
face or hoods which seal loosely around the wearer’s neck or
shoulders, do not require fit testing.
Where can I Find More Information? This information and more is
available on the NIOSH Respirator Trusted-Source webpage.
*NIOSH does not endorse or recommend the use of the irritant
smoke fit test. NIOSH, in its formal comments to OSHA on the
proposed revision of 29 CFR 1910, 1915, and 1926, strongly
recommended against the use of this fit test method because of the
health risk associated with exposure to the irritant smoke. That
recommendation was primarily based on studies conducted as part of
a NIOSH HHE (HETA 93-040-2315) and described in Appendix A of the
NIOSH comments to OSHA dated May 15, 1995 (docket H-049)
https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2018129
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/respsource.html
don-doff-n95.pdf
How to Properly Put on and Take off a Disposable Respirator
WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY BEFORE PUTTING ON AND TAKING OFF THE
RESPIRATOR.
If you have used a respirator before that fit you, use the same
make, model and size.
Inspect the respirator for damage. If your respirator appears
damaged, DO NOT USE IT. Replace it with a new one.
Do not allow facial hair, hair, jewelry, glasses, clothing, or
anything else to prevent proper placement or come between your face
and the respirator.
Follow the instructions that come with your respirator.1
Employers must comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection
Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134 if respirators are used by employees
performing work-related duties.
1 Manufacturer instructions for many NIOSH approved disposable
respirators can be found at
www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/
2 According to the manufacturer’s recommendations
For more information call 1-800-CDC-INFO or go to
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/
Position the respirator in your hands with the nose piece at
your fingertips.
Place both hands over the respirator, take a quick breath in to
check whether the respirator seals tightly to the face.
DO NOT TOUCH the front of the respirator! It may be
contaminated!
Cup the respirator in your hand allowing the headbands to hang
below your hand. Hold the respirator under your chin with the
nosepiece up.
Place both hands completely over the respirator and exhale. If
you feel leakage, there is not a proper seal.
Remove by pulling the bottom strap over back of head, followed
by the top strap, without touching the respirator.
The top strap (on single or double strap respirators) goes over
and rests at the top back of your head. The bottom strap is
positioned around the neck and below the ears. Do not crisscross
straps.
If air leaks around the nose, readjust the nosepiece as
described. If air leaks at the mask edges, re-adjust the straps
along the sides of your head until a proper seal is achieved.
Discard in waste container. WASH YOUR HANDS!
Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the metal
nose clip (if present). Slide fingertips down both sides of the
metal strip to mold the nose area to the shape of your nose.
If you cannot achieve a proper seal due to air leakage, ask for
help or try a different size or model.
Putting On The Respirator
Checking Your Seal2
Removing Your Respirator
CS 207843DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-133