Standard Precautions Introduction Transmission-Based Precautions Hand Hygiene Barrier Protection   Gloves   Gowns   Protective Eyewear   Face Shields   Masks Respirators Sharps Disposal Patient Placement Patient Transport Food and Nutrition Lab Specimens Housekeeping Medical Waste Patient/Visitor Exposures Linen/Laundry Services Medical Emergencies Select Chapter: Chapters Standard Airborne Droplet Contact Disease List Occ. Exposure TB Prevention Sterilization IC Guidelines Reportable Dis. General Info Search Manual: Yale New Haven Hospital QISS GB 325 New Haven, CT 06504 USA Dr. Jeff Topal 688-4634

Respirators Respirators are masks specifically designed to filter small particles spread by the airborne route. Current OSHA standards as developed by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health) require that respirators used for Airborne Precautions for supected/confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis minimally filter 95% of 0.3µm sized particles. The two respirators which meet these requirements are: the N-95 respirator and HEPA respirator. All personnel who care for a patient with suspected/confirmed pulmonary TB must wear an N-95/HEPA respirator upon entering the room of such a patient. Personnel using a N-95/HEPA respirator must be fit-tested before using either respirator. If one has been previously fit-tested for a HEPA respirator, one must be fit-tested again before using a N-95 respirator. Fit-testing can be arranged through YNHH Occupational Health Services (8-2462). Last modified: September 30, 2002. Copyright ©2001 Yale New Haven Hospital, Quality Improvement Support Services. All rights reserved. Comments or suggestions to the site editor. Home URL: http://www.ynhh.org