Hi Tracy,
You may have got your questions answered already. We do in house Fit testing annually. Our occ health RN has a rotation of clinical sites she goes to. I believe it's the saccharine loose hood kit. (We got it from Mckesson.) Employees have the option of completing a declination which is good until they choose to get tested. On that point I couldn't really find any guidance. For those employees who we can't seem to find a good fit we send to an Occupational health service.
We also have CAPRs available for those who can't find a good fitting mask or who have facial hair.
Unsure about question #4.
Best,
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Rebekah Sherman
Director of Nursing
La Clinica de Valle
Medford OR
(541)221-3040
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2023 13:52
From: Tracy Colburn
Subject: Emp Fit Test/Resp Protection Program
Hello all, I'm wondering how others have chosen to adhere to OSHA respiratory regs.
- how does fit testing occur- saccharine & bitrex v. port-a-counter v. loose fitting hood with PAPR v contracting wth occ health
- who performs the fit testing if it is an in-house function
- what is the frequency of medical questionnaires ( I realize it can be a one and done AND if a status change such wgt gain or loss OR annually)
- if your org opts for a one and done AND when a status change occurs, how is the change identified/tracked
- who determines if medical clearance for fitting is granted/approved - MD APRN PA or an RN
- what is the mask of preference and why
- how is facial hair dealt with
I'd be grateful for people to share their experiences in general. This is a tough reg! Thank you kindly.
Tracy Colburn, DNP, MSN, RN
Provider Practice Support Team
207-351-3572
York Hospital
