Respiratory PPE should be considered when respiratory hazards (e.g., infectious aerosols or droplets) and there are limited or no containment options or other engineering controls, such as the availability and use of a biological safety cabinet (BSC).
A respirator is a protective device that protects the wearer from exposure to hazardous atmospheres, including airborne particles such as dust, bacteria, viruses, etc. It will fit tightly to the face.
There are several types, models, and manufacturers of tight-fitting respirators. In a clinical lab setting, the typical types of respirators used are N95, KN95, P100, or PAPRs (powered air purifying respirators), with N95s being the most commonly used type.
The decision on whether to use a disposable face mask or a respirator (e.g., N95) will depend on the laboratory site-specific and activity-specific risk assessment and the hazards that may be present.
Suppose your lab requires a respirator (e.g., N95) for work. According to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration), you must pass a medical evaluation first, and the user must be fit-tested on an annual basis with the type of respirator that will be worn.
A required respiratory protection program will include:
- Respiratory hazard evaluation
- Medical evaluation and clearance
- Fit testing
- Respiratory protection plan and policies
- Training
