FUNCTION:  Surveillance, Prevention, Control of Infection

 

TITLE:  Hepa Filter Mask - Fit Test

_________________________________________________________________

PURPOSE:

 

To fit test the Health Care Particulate Respiratory N95/Hepa filter mask.

 

POLICY:

 

The Health Care Particulate masks/Hepa filter masks should be test fitted on

an annual basis according to OSHA standards.

 

PROCEDURE:

 

1.   Preparation:

     a.   Attach hood to collar by placing draw string between flanges on

          collar.  Tighten draw string and tie with square knot or bow.

     b.   Pour a small amount (1 tsp.) of the Sensitivity Test Solution #1

          into the nebulizer labeled #1 Sensitivity Test Solution.

     c.   Pour the same amount of Fit Test Solution #2 into the second

          nebulizer labeled #2 Fit Test Solution.

 

2.   Sensitivity Test:

     This test is done to assure that the person being fit tested can detect

     the taste of the test solution at very low levels.  The Sensitivity Test

     Solution is a very dilute version of the Fit Test Solution.  The test

     subject should not eat, drink, or chew gum for 15 minutes before the

     test.

     a.   Have the test subject put on the hood and collar assembly without a

          respirator.

     b.   Position the hood assembly forward so that there is about six inches

          between the subject's face and the hood window.

     c.   Instruct the test subject to breath through the mouth.

     d.   Using Nebulizer #1 with the Sensitivity Test Solution, inject the

          aerosol into the hood through the hole in the hood window.  Inject

          10 squeezes of the bulb, fully on each squeeze.

     e.   Ask the test subject if she/he can detect the sweet taste of the

          solution.  If tasted, note the number of squeezes and proceed to the

          Fit Test.

     f.   If not tasted, inject an additional ten squeezes of the aerosol into

          the hood.  Repeat with ten more squeezes if necessary.  Note the

          number of squeezes required to produce a taste response.

     g.   If 30 squeezes are inadequate, the test is ended and another type of

          fit test must be used.

     h.   Remove the test hood and give the subject a few minutes to clear the

          taste from the mouth.

 

3.   Fit Test:

     a.   Have the test subject put on and fit check the respirator per the

          instructions provided with the respirator.

     b.   Have the subject put on and position the test hood as before and

          breathe through the mouth.

     c.   Using the Nebulizer #2 with the Fit Test Solution, inject the fit

          test aerosol using the same number of squeezes used as required in

          the Sensitivity Test.

     d.   To maintain an adequate concentration of aerosol during this test,

          one-half the number is injected every 30 seconds.

     e.   After the initial aerosol is injected, ask the test subject to

          perform the following exercises for 60 seconds each:

          1.   Normal breathing

          2.   Deep breathing - breaths should be deep and regular

          3.   Turning head side-to-side.  Movement should be completed with

               one turn about every second.

          4.   Nodding head up-and-down.  Movement should be completed and

               made about one per second.

          5.   Talking - ask the subject to read a paragraph of the "Rainbow

               Passage" aloud and slowly.

          6.   Normal breathing.

     f.   The test is terminated at any time the sweet taste of the aerosol is

          detected by the subject because this indicates an inadequate fit. 

          (Before retesting, wait 15 minutes and perform the fit test again.)

     g.   If the entire test is completed without the subject detecting the

          sweet taste of the aerosol, the test is successful and the

          respirator fit is deemed adequate.