As Kettering Health continues to monitor the OSHA guidelines, we are providing clarity to N95 testing regarding required and recommended use (see below OSHA statement).
Most employees required to wear N95 should have been fit tested earlier in the year. Those individuals will receive communication in the coming weeks with instructions around annual re-fit testing.
All other patient-facing employees who want to wear an N95 based on Incident Command’s recommendation, do not need to be medically cleared or fit tested. Those choosing to wear an N95 in recommended areas should complete the HealthStream Courses KHN N95 Donning and Doffing and KHN Update to Using and Storing a Mask (COVID-19), and then perform the fit seal check prior to wearing the N95 mask.
Guidelines and Best Practices
- Eyeglasses do not replace face shields. Face shields should be worn over regular eyeglasses for added protection.
- Masks are still required with a face shield.
- Face shields are to be used for the duration of the shift.
- Face shields are reusable and not to be discarded unless damaged.
- Face shields will be returned at the end of the shift for reuse.
- Clean your face shield using Oxivir Tb wipes or hospital-approved disinfectant spray.
- Clean your hands before and after touching your face shield.
- Clean your face shield at the beginning of every shift and anytime you put on your face shield.
- One (1) mask per caregiver per day unless replacement is needed due to visible contamination or when the mask becomes moist.
- Once you place on the mask, it can be worn in multiple patient rooms.
- Not everyone is able to wear an N95 due to medical conditions that may be made worse when breathing through a respirator.
- A fit seal check should be performed before each use (HealthStream course: KHN N95 Donning and Doffing).