Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has become worse, the N95 Respirator Fit Testing has become more important. People are searching for a safe center to conduct the test.
In this blog, we will cover what you need to know about the N95 Respirator Fit Testing in Las Vegas.
Wearing masks in 2020
A few careers are dealing with hazardous fumes and gases. The workers have to wear a mask or respirator to prevent damage to the breathing system. Respirators filter the fumes and harmful gases.
As the COVID-19 pandemic became worse across the globe, wearing masks became a hot topic. At first, the experts declared that only the infected people should wear a mask. Later they announced; wearing masks, keeping social distance, and washing hands is the best way to protect yourself.
As wearing masks increased, what is the best mask against COVID-19 came.
N95 masks and the COVID-19 pandemic
The US is preparing to lift restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the WHO advice, wearing masks, keeping social distance, and practicing self-hygiene is the best way to protect yourself. We can make sure of washing hands and keeping a safe distance from others. But how do we know the mask is providing protection?
the respirator will remove 95 percent of all particles
The expert revealed that N95 and surgical-grade masks provide the best protection. The ‘N’ means not oil resistant, and ’95’ stands for removing 95% of all particles.
N95 masks provide the best protection for doctors and health care providers. It meets the OSHA’s standards requirements. It is made of special polymer fibers, which makes it special.
However, they have some limitations:
- Expensive, not anyone can afford them.
- Hard to use for the long-term.
- Limited in production and supply.
- Make breathing more difficult.
The CDC has suggested that we must keep them reserved for healthcare providers.
What is Respirator Fit Testing?
A Respirator Fit Testing examines whether a respirator on the face is working properly. If not, the breathing system of the wearer will get hurt. Some employees are dealing with hazardous material. They could breathe them while working. So they must wear a mask or respirator. The type of respirator depends on the exposure and the material they work with.
N95 Respirator Fit Testing
N95 Respirator Fit Testing is part of the Respiratory test. Health care providers must receive training and pass the test to ensure the N95 is working properly on their faces. It got regulated by OSHA. The test checks whether the mask fits well on employee’s faces. Since June 1, 2020, the annual N95 Respirator Fit Testing has become mandatory.
Why is N95 Respirator Fit Testing Necessary?
Everybody’s face is different. So is the size, make, and model of N95 masks. If a mask does not work properly and provide protection, it is more dangerous. This fact makes N95 Respirator Fit Testing necessary. Although OSHA has regulated a test before starting to work, some changes could occur. Some factors make an N95 mask not working properly:
- Growing beard
- Wearing mustache
- Having dental surgery
- Plastic surgery
- facial scarring
- Any changes in the structure of the face
- Lose or gain weight
Any changes that happen in the face could lead to the mask not working properly. The changes might happen even without noticing. It impacts the effectiveness of the N95 masks. An N95 Respirator Fit Testing is to make sure the mask is working properly by experts.
When you perform an N95 fittest, you must use the same model, size, and make of the tested model.
SNOHC team can conduct the test on N95, half-face, and full-face masks.