Sunday, March 05, 2006

Masks and protective clothing

This is just a beginning look at mask considerations. It is hard to get around the hype and advertisements in order to find some solid suggestions or an explanation of what to consider when ordering masks. This is the best I have found so far. It is from 3M.

It is clear also that people who work with birds will also wear a lot of protective clothing and this may be disposable too. That seems very different from people who are trying to keep from getting the evolved flu germs from peple on the street.

On the other hand, I have been reading that we once the bug is here in our birds we are more likely to get it from wild ducks or geese than domestic birds and it can come through exposure to feces. Here on the lake that will be an issue for us. The geese and gulls leave a lot behind on the shore here and on the floating raft.


KEY POINTS: disposable must be disposed so I guess the cheaper the better.
surgical masks are not bird flu masks nor are masks designed to keep germs from reaching others the same as those designed to prevent them from reaching you.
fitting is recommended.
I may have to shave off this beard unless I can find a mask that fits in the middle secion tightly.
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DETAILS:


What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for those who are involved with disease control and eradication activities?

According to CDC and WHO, US NIOSH certified N-95, European CE certified EN143 P2 / EN149 FFP2, or comparable national/regional particulate respirators should be worn by workers who eradicate infected poultry. Higher level particulate respirators may also be used. Disposable gloves, protective clothing, shoe covers or boots, and safety goggles should also be worn by eradication workers. Disposable PPE should be properly discarded, and non-disposable PPE should be cleaned and disinfected. Hand hygiene measures should be performed after removal of PPE.
What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for health care workers who are exposed to patients with known or suspected avian influenza?

The CDC and WHO recommend the use of PPE to help prevent direct contact with the influenza virus. PPE that may be used includes gloves, masks, gowns, eye protection and for certain procedures US NIOSH certified N-95, European CE certified EN143P2 / EN149 FFP2, or comparable national/regional particulate respirators. Higher level particulate respirators may also be used. Disposable PPE should be properly discarded, and non-disposable PPE should be cleaned and disinfected. Hand hygiene measures should be performed after removal of PPE. CDC and WHO websites should be consulted for the most current information.


Should avian influenza patients wear a surgical mask?

Persons suspected of having avian influenza should be separated from others and asked to wear a surgical mask. If a surgical mask is not available, tissues should be provided and patients should be asked to cover their mouth and nose when coughing.
How do I clean my respirator after use?

Disposable respirators should not be cleaned; dispose of the respirator immediately after use according to facility policy. Reusable respirators may be disinfected using a mild bleach and water solution (0.1% sodium hypochlorite).


Can disposable respirators be shared between people?

No. Disposable respirators should never be shared.
Can respirators protect you from biological agents such as Bacteria or Viruses?

Respirators are designed to reduce exposures of the wearer to airborne hazards. Biological agents, such as viruses, are particles and can be filtered by particulate filters with the same efficiency as non-biological particles having the same physical characteristics (size, shape, etc.). However, unlike most industrial particles there are no exposure limits established for biological agents. Therefore, while respirators will help reduce exposure to avian influenza viruses, there is no guarantee that the user will not contract avian flu. Respirators may help reduce exposures to airborne biological contaminants, but they don't eliminate the risk of exposure, infection, illness, or death.
What is the difference between a government-certified respirator and a surgical mask?

Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles. The primary purpose of a surgical facemask is to help prevent biological particles from being expelled by the wearer into the environment. Some surgical masks are also designed to be fluid resistant to splash and splatter of blood and other infectious materials. Surgical facemasks are not necessarily designed to seal tightly to the face and therefore air leakage around the edges is likely. However, some respirators are designed to have the characteristics of both an approved respirator and a surgical mask.

How important is respirator fit?

Fit is very important. If a respirator does not seal properly to the face, airborne hazards can penetrate or enter underneath the face piece seal and into the breathing zone. It is very important to always follow the donning instructions and do a user seal-check or fit-check before entering the contaminated environment. Some countries, such as the US and UK, also require fit testing. A good fit can only be obtained if the face is clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against the face. Beards, long mustaches, and stubble may interfere with a good seal and cause leaks into the respirator. Many medical facemasks, not approved as respirators, do not seal tightly to the face allowing airborne hazards to enter the breathing zone. Even those medical facemasks that appear to seal tightly to the face have not been designed to protect the wearer from airborne hazards. Therefore, they should not be considered an equivalent substitute for government-approved respirators.

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