Advanced Safety’s Post

Part 2/2 Despite the artifical distinction made between AEROSOL & DROPLET TRANSMISSION… coughing, sneezing, talking, simply breathing & certain medical procedures generate respiratory particles in a wide range of sizes, not just very large droplets that launch directly onto mucosal surfaces or drop to the floor Droplets up to 100μm can be inhaled into the oronasopharynx by those in the near vicinity, w/ droplets <10μm penetrating deeper into the Trachea & Lungs. Keep in mind that droplets >30μm have the ability to remain suspended in the air & begin to evaporate & become smaller immediately upon emission •Droplet inhalation is prevented by surgical masks, whereas Aerosol inhalation is prevented by an N95 respirator, as well as a Powered air purifying respirator−PAPR •Droplets landing on conjunctivae is prevented by eye protection •Droplets landing on hands & clothes (as well as transfer via fomites) is prevented by gloves & gowns knowmedicine.net

Knowing what respiratory protection is needed for the specific environment and application can be a challenging task, often confused by abbreviations and acronyms. Understanding key abbreviations is crucial for navigating respiratory protection guidelines and equipment. Here are some essential terms: • RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment): Devices like masks and respirators are designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous substances. • HM – Half Masks are a type of reusable face mask that fit over the nose and mouth but do not protect the eyes or upper part of the face. • FFM – Full Face Masks are another type of reusable mask, but offer protection to the respiratory system, nose, mouth, and eyes. They require filters, which can vary depending on the protection level needed.  • N95 respirators: Specifically for the United States, an N95 respirator is a disposable or reusable respirator that meets the NIOSH N95 standard for air filtration, filtering at least 95% of airborne particles. The edges of an N95 respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth and achieve a very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Still not sure? Contact us today for more help and guidance: https://lnkd.in/eWpqqBqV  #RPE #Workplacesafety

The more you wear N95s, the more you don't want to experience... 🔹"One size fits all" (but doesn't fit anyone without tedious fit testing) 🔹 When you get hot, it makes you hotter 🔹 Facial irritation or abrasions after prolonged use 🔹 Rebreathing carbon dioxide, leading to long-term health concerns 🔹 A "simple design" that is still complicated to use easily Unmask your respiratory protection with MAXAIR's CAPR system. You get better protection than the N95, without annoyance or risks. See our face and head cover options: https://lnkd.in/dq_ysPKy #CAPR #N95 #PPE #RepsiratoryProtection

🌟🩺 Episode 5 of My Critical Care Studies Video Series: N-95 Mask Reuse In this latest episode, I delve into a compelling study that examines the effectiveness of reusing N95 masks—an issue that became all too relevant during the pandemic. 📊😷 The results are both surprising and thought-provoking. Many of us faced the challenge of saving and reusing N95 masks due to supply shortages. I’m curious: During your shifts, how often did you have to reuse your mask? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! 👇 🔗 For more insights, grab a FREE copy of my “Critical Care Studies” presentation slides here:  https://lnkd.in/gTamVCGR #CriticalCare #N95MaskReuse #HealthcareChallenges #PandemicResponse #NursingResearch #MedicalStudies #CriticalCareStudies #HealthProfessionals #NursingCommunity #StudyInsights

We get asked this question - how do you compare masks to powered respirators? It's a good question, because they span different standards and classifications, from TM3, TH3, and FFP3. The best way to compare them is to break the protection each type gives down into a APF or Assigned Protection Factor. An APF factor measures the decrease in concentration of harmful substances inside the mask compared to outside the mask. For example, an APF factor of 10 means that no more than one tenth of the contaminants in an environment to which a worker is exposed will leak into the mask, and likewise an APF protection factor of 100 will mean only one percent will leak through the mask. We're using the UK APF factors, which are 4, 10, 20, 40 and 2000 - but other countries have their own. The table below shows how these compare - i.e. a FFP3 mask and a half face mask with P3 filters both reach a APF of 20. 💡The TH3 CleanAIR powered respiratory system reaches a APF of 40, which is a scale factor more and gives significantly better protection. Note than some powered respirators are TH2 though. For more information, check out this article! ➡️https://lnkd.in/esT8Stbq Was this helpful? Drop a comment below! 👉Get in touch with us for all your PPE needs: sales@mfsafety.co.uk +44 (0)115 9252261 #mfsafety #poweredrespiratory #cleanair #papr #healthandsafety #ppe #rpe #standards

🌟 Attention Healthcare Workers 🌟 🛡️ In light of the recent Public Health Ontario guidelines, it's clear that protecting ourselves and our patients is more crucial than ever. The updated guidelines emphasize the need for healthcare workers to use N95 respirators when dealing with suspect or confirmed measles cases: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gQjJyhru 👉 Why Choose Dentec Safety's Comfort-Air®NxMD Reusable Respirators? 🌬️ Superior Protection: These respirators meet and exceed the safety standards set by NIOSH for disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators. They ensure a fit-tested, seal-checked defense against airborne particles. 🔍 Fit-Tested & Seal-Checked: As recommended by Public Health Ontario, a proper fit and seal are vital for effective protection. Comfort-Air®NxMD respirators are designed to ensure an air-tight seal, ensuring maximum safety. ♻️ Reusable: Unlike disposable masks, our respirators are reusable. This not only makes them cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. 🛠️ Comfort and Durability: Designed for long shifts in healthcare settings, these respirators offer comfort without compromising on safety. 🚨 As the CDC recommends, healthcare personnel must use a respirator at least as protective as a fit-tested N95 respirator, regardless of presumptive immunity. 🩺 Prioritize your safety and the safety of your patients. Switch to Dentec Safety's Comfort-Air®NxMD reusable respirators – your reliable partner in healthcare protection. #HealthcareHeroes #SafetyFirst #DentecSafety #Respirators #N95 #PublicHealth #MeaslesProtection #InfectionControl #CDCGuidelines #ProtectiveGear #HealthcareSafety

RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING: Not Optional, It’s Essential ! Fit testing is critical for ensuring that respirators provide effective protection against hazardous substances. A respirator that doesn't fit properly won't protect you and could put your health at serious risk. Why is fit testing important? 1) Correct fit = effective protection. 2) Respirator brand, model, and size may vary between individuals. If you switch to a different brand, model, or size, a new fit test must be done to ensure proper sealing for your face. 3) Fit testing ensures that respirators provide the required protection by creating a proper seal against the face. It is mandatory for tight-fitting respirators, whether disposable or reusable, and must be done annually or when switching to a different brand, model, or size. Both qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods assess the respirator's effectiveness. A user seal check should also be performed every time the respirator is worn to confirm proper fit. Key facts: 1) Fit testing is mandatory before using a respirator. 2) It must be repeated annually (based on local regulatory) or if there are changes in face shape (e.g., weight loss). 3) Proper training on how to wear and use respirators is just as important as the fit test itself. Without the right technique, even a correctly fitted respirator won’t offer full protection. Your safety depends on it—always fit test your respirator! #HSE #FitTesting #RespiratorSafety #WorkplaceHealth 

Are you aware that a FFP2 disposable respirator and a half face elastomeric respirator are assigned the same protection factor? 👷♂️ That is a protection factor of up to 10. Below are the types of respirators that fall under that same level of protection. 🔹P1, P2 or P3 filter half facepiece—replaceable filter 🔹P1 or P2 disposable facepiece 🔹PAPR with a P1 filter with any head covering or facepiece Even when a P3 filter is used on a half face respirator, the higher filtration does not increase the protection factor. Credit - AS/NZS 1715:2009 Standards 📃