Attachment A, Fit Test Record and Exercises

RS 004-1 Personal Protective Equipment

RS 004-2 Respiratory Protection Program

RS 004-3 Respirator Use Policy

Appendix A, Respirator Protection Schedule

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the Respiratory Protection Plan and to provide guidance for respirator use and upkeep. This policy, in conjunction with the Respirator Protection Schedule, will provide all employees with adequate information on when to use the respirator, proper use, and disposal/ cleaning of the respirator.

Types of Respirator
The Agency uses N95s and 1/2 faced masks for respiratory protection. These must be used as instructed and in the event of transporting a patient with an airborne communicable disease. If the Crew Chief on the ambulance suspects that any patient presents with signs and symptoms of an airborne communicable disease, then the respirator will be properly donned and worn while patient care takes place. The mask will not be removed until patient care has been transferred to the receiving facility and the crew is no longer in immediate contact with the patient.

The respirator can be worn to protect against, but is not limited to, the following:

• Tuberculosis (TB), H1N1, Annual Flu Strains, Bacterial Meningitis, COVID/SARS, and in bacteria enriched atmospheres.

After use the N95 will be disposed of via biohazard containment. The N95 does not have an expiration date, but will be assessed quarterly for degradation and damage. Damaged or degrading N95 respirators will be removed from the unit, turned into logistics, and replaced. The 1/2 Faced Mask must be used, inspected, and disposed of as instructed.

Training

Training will occur annually as outlined in the Respiratory Protection Program. Upon hiring, employees will be placed through an in-depth class on respirator operation and function. Each employee will be proficient in donning and doffing the respirator. The employee will be trained on when to use the respirator, proper use of the respirator, and how to adjust in the incident of a critical failure.

Fit Test

A Qualitative Fit testing will be conducted during New Hire Orientation and annually at the Health Fair as outlined in the Respiratory Protection Program. There will be a threshold test done, prior to the fit test, to ensure the candidate is able to taste the bitters. The test is a pass/fail test. If the employee fails the test, an alternate respirator or testing method will be discussed.

Medical and Physical Requirements

Any employee who is in a position that requires the use of a respirator is required to complete a medical health questionnaire and attend any medical visits prior to fit testing. This may occur prior to the first fit test or any fit test following based on the employees status. If any questions are answered “yes” within Part 1 Section B, then the employee may need to be seen by a Physician for medical clearance. The Physician visit will be fully paid for and the Physician will determine whether or not the employee is medically or physically cleared for respirator use.