Q: HOW
long can I use my respirator before I must discard it?A:
In the health-care setting the filter material used in respirators may remain functional for weeks to months. Respirators with replaceable filters are reusable, and a respirator classified as disposable may be reused by the same health-care worker as long as it remains functional.Before each use, the outside of the filter material should be inspected. If the filter material is physically damaged or soiled, the filter should be changed (in the case of respirators with replaceable filters) or the respirator discarded (in the case of disposable respirators). Your employer should develop standard operating procedures for storing, reusing, and disposing of respirators that have been designated as disposable and for disposing of replaceable filter elements.
Q: HOW
do I store my respirator?A:
Respirators should be labeled for each worker and stored so that physical damage to the respirator is avoided. A good method is to place them in individual storage bins. Respirators may also be stored on pegs outside the TB isolation room door. Keep in mind that respirator facepieces will become distorted and the straps will lose their elasticity if hung on a peg for a long period of time. Check for these problems before each use.Storing the respirator in a plastic sealable bag after use is not considered a good practice. The respirator may be damp after use and sealing prevents drying and encourages microbial growth. If plastic bags are used, respirators should be allowed to dry before storage. A bad practice is storing respirators in "fanny packs." Respirators can be crushed during work activities, such as lifting patients.
Q: HOW
do I disinfect my respirator?A:
Disposable respirators cannot be disinfected. Therefore, they can only be assigned for use to a single individual. Instead, each respirator should be examined between each use. A respirator should be discarded if it is crushed or visibly soiled (such as after performing a procedure where spattering has taken place).Reusable respirators should be disinfected according to guidelines provided by the manufacturer. The infection control committee at your facility may have more stringent requirements in certain situations and these requirements should be followed.
Q:
I find my respirator is hot and uncomfortable to wear. WHAT can I do?A:
Respirators used for protection from TB should not cause undue discomfort. If you experience excessive problems, ask your respirator program administrator about alternative respirators. In some situations where prolonged respirator use is anticipated, the use of powered air-purifying respirators may be considered.Q:
I find it difficult to talk with the patient or my coworkers when wearing my respirator. WHAT can I do?A:
Some respirators may interfere with speech more than others. Ask your program administrator if there are alternatives.Q:
I have a very small face and had trouble being fit tested for a respirator. WHAT can I do?A:
Some manufacturers have up to three different sizes. Respirators may also vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. You may be able to get a better fit by trying a respirator made by another manufacturer. In some cases, the use of powered air-purifying respirators may be appropriate. Your employer must help you find a suitable respirator.Q:
I have a beard or moustache. IS my respirator still effective?A:
Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of the respirator, such as beards, sideburns, moustaches, or even a few days growth of stubble interferes with the fit of the respirator to your face and allows TB bacteria into your breathing air, and greatly reduces protection. Respirators that do not rely on a tight face seal, such as loose-fitting PAPRs, may offer better protection.Q:
I get a rash when I wear my disposable HEPA respirator with a latex seal. HOW can I prevent this?A:
You might have an allergy or sensitivity to the latex or its additives used in the manufacture of some respirators. Changing to a respirator using a silicone-based compound for the face seal, or a respirator that doesn't have a face seal (like a hooded PAPR) may solve the problem. Your employer should help you find a respirator that does not cause this problem.Q: WHAT
kind of respirator should I wear during operative procedures on patients with known or suspected tuberculosis?A:
Respirators with exhalation valves and positive-pressure respirators do not protect the sterile field; therefore, a respirator that does not have a valve should be used, or alternative procedures should be developed.Q:
My respirator became dislodged while I was caring for a disoriented patient who is potentially contagious for tuberculosis. WHAT should I do?A:
Reposition your respirator as soon as possible. If you think you were exposed to contagious TB, you should report this exposure to your employee health personnel, who will decide what follow-up is required.Advance to "Appendix I: Other Sources of Information"
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