Unit 7.2. Respirator fit testing

TB Infection Control Training for Managers

at National and Subnational Level

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Objectives of the Unit

After this unit, the participant will:

• Be able to correctly put on (don) a disposable N95, FFP2 or FFP3 respirator

• Be able to perform a qualitative fit test on a subject

• Undergo a qualitative fit test to select an appropriate respirator for him or herself (if desired)

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Outline

• Practice donning a respirator

• How to perform a qualitative fit test on a subject

• Practice qualitative fit testing

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Personal protective equipmentRespirator vs Mask

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Find centre of nose piece and bend gently

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Open the respirator

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Place straps on back of hand

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Place respirator on face

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Pull top strap over head

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Place top strap on crown of head

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Pull lower strap over head

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Place bottom strap at base of head

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Mould to the shape of your nose

Right way Wrong way

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User seal check

Cover respirator with both hands

1. Exhale sharply• Should feel positive pressure inside respirator• If leakage, adjust, retest

2. Inhale deeply• Negative pressure should make respirator cling to face• If leakage, adjust, retest

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Qualitative fit test procedure

Subjects should not eat, drink (except water) or chew gum for 15 minutes before the fit test

Steps:• Sensitivity test• Challenge exercises• Document results

Materials needed: test kit, range of respirator models and sizes, watch, pen, paper

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Sensitivity test

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Sensitivity Test Solution

• Inject 10 squeezes of Sensitivity Test Solution• If detected, and proceed to Challenge

Exercises• If not tasted, inject an additional 10 squeezes.

Repeat with 10 more if necessary. • Record the number of squeezes needed (10,

20 or 30).• Remove hood, and give the the subject a few

minutes to clear the taste from his/her mouth

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Challenge exercises

Have subject: • Don respirator• Perform a user seal check• Wear respirator at least 5 minutes

before testing begins

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Fit Test Solution

• Inject 10, 20, or 30 squeezes of Fit Test Solution (same number required in the Sensitivity Test)

• Continue injecting half the number (5, 10 or 15) every 30 seconds during the challenge exercises

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Challenge exercises

1. Normal breathing2. Deep breathing3. Move head side-to-side4. Move head up and down5. Talk non-stop6. Jogging in place7. Normal breathing

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1. Normal breathing

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2. Deep breathing

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3. Move head side-to-side

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4. Move head up-and-down

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5. Talk non-stop

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6. Jogging or walking in place

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7. Normal breathing

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If the subject detects the taste….

• Terminate the test, because this indicates an inadequate fit

• Wait 15 minutes and perform the test again

• A second failure may indicate that a different size or model respirator is needed

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If you did not taste the test solution, smile… you passed!

Document results