Face Masks and Respirators

Avian Flu Clinical Overview EN 149:2001 P1, P2, P3 respirators Hospital Preparedness Checklist Kimberly-Clark N-95 Respirators Kimberly-Clark PPE Solutions NEW N-95 Respirator Singles Individually Wrapped Pandemic Preparedness Guide PPE Demand Analysis Tool Sample Report Respiratory Etiquette Poster Respiratory Hygiene Station Solution

Guidance on the use of respirators and face masks continues to be updated. Click here for the most current recommendations from CDC:

1. (NIOSH)-certified respirators (N-95 or higher) are recommended for use during activities that have a high likelihood of generating infectious respiratory aerosols,[c] including the following high-risk situations:

. Aerosol-generating procedures
. Resuscitation of a patient
. Providing direct care for patients with confirmed or suspected pandemic
  influenza-associated pneumonia

In the event of actual or anticipated shortages of N-95 respirators:
. Other NIOSH-certified N-, R-, or P-class respirators should be considered in lieu of
  the N-95 respirator.
. If re-useable elastomeric respirators are used, these respirators must be
  decontaminated according to the manufacturer's instructions after each use.
. Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) may be considered for certain workers
  and tasks

2. Use of N-95 respirators for other direct care activities involving patients with confirmed or suspected pandemic influenza is also prudent. Hospital planners should take this into consideration during planning and preparation in their facilities when ordering supplies. In addition, several measures can be employed to minimize the number of personnel required to come in contact with suspected or confirmed pandemic influenza patients, thereby reducing worker exposure and minimizing the demand for respirators.
   

   . If supplies of N-95 (or higher) respirators are not available, surgical masks can provide benefits against large droplet exposure, and should be worn for all health care activities for patients with confirmed or suspected pandemic-influenza.

   Respirator use should be in the context of a complete respiratory protection program in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Detailed information on respiratory protection programs, including fit test procedures, can be accessed at OSHA's Respiratory Protection eTool
   
   Respiratory Protection Programs and Respirator Fit Testing

   When respirator use is necessary, OSHA requires that healthcare facilities have a Written Respiratory Protection Program in place that includes information on how to:

   • Identify respiratory hazards
   • Select the correct respirator
   • Ensure employees are medically able to wear respirators
   • Fit test each employee
   • Train employees on proper respirator use
   • Conduct regular program evaluations
   • Comply with recordkeeping requirements
   
   Kimberly-Clark can provide hospitals with a guide to establishing a comprehensive Respiratory Protection Program. This tool will guide you in the creation of a Written Respiratory Protection Program for your facility, in accordance with OSHA requirements. It provides program checklists, a written program template, and the associated forms and documents necessary to comply with OSHA regulations. Also included are respirator user training and fit test training videos.
   
   In addition, complete fit testing kits for N95 respirators are available to assist you in meeting requirements for fit testing any employee that wears a respirator. Please contact your Kimberly-Clark sales representative for additional information on these resources. For instructions on fit testing and tips for completing fit testing, click on the links below.
   
   Qualitative Fit Test Instructions
   
   Qualitative Fit Testing Tips