STUDENT CLINICAL PLACEMENT N95 MASK FIT TEST
If you are a student about to embark on your first clinical placement, you will know that amongst many other prerequisites that are required to make you eligible for clinical placement such as an up to date first aid certificate, vaccinations, police and working with children check. Your N95 face mask fit test is also one of these requirements, and it’s important that you choose a reputable team to help you as you embark on this exciting part of your education and professional journey.
N95 MASKS IN HEALTHCARE
Whilst COVID-19 highlighted the importance of wearing our N95 mask, it seems to have stolen the spotlight with a common misconception that our N95 masks were only required during the pandemic and are now no longer needed as mask mandates lift. This is not the case.
Hospitals and private healthcare facilities have always worn N95/P2 masks. You will find Hospitals most commonly use their masks in the Emergency Department, ICU, and the Respiratory Ward. Your mask aids in situations where there is a risk of infectious airborne viruses and/or diseases and worn as per standard for transmission-based precautions.
UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD I BE REQUIRED TO WEAR AN N95?
There are many infectious diseases that healthcare workers encounter on a regular basis. When treating infectious patients, your mask and other PPE is you last line of defence for when you are required to come into contact with and care for these patients. It’s the prime reason why you need to have an N95 mask fit test prior to beginning a clinical placement. is an essential part of your armour when it comes to staying safe in your new workplace, and we need to be certain that you not only have the appropriate equipment but that it fits you correctly, and that you are confident in your ability to put it on, and check that it is appropriately fitted
Some of the most common infectious diseases are listed below:
Tuberculosis
Measles
Varicella
Influenzas A or B
Pneumonia
ARI (acute respiratory infection)
Gastro
ARIs are a major burden on the healthcare system. This is the most common cause of illness at all ages and is a leading cause of death in young children from the age of 5 years and under globally. An ARI consists of upper respiratory tract infections including rhinopharyngitis and sinusitis, and more severe in lower respiratory tract infections (LTRs) such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
N95 Mask Use During Aerosol Generating Procedures
N95 masks are also worn when conducting aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). N95 masks are specifically required during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) to provide effective protection against airborne pathogens. These procedures include activities such as intubation, suctioning, nebuliser treatments, and certain dental treatments, where the risk of aerosol transmission is heightened. These are all tasks you may potentially need to undertake while on clinical placement.
For example, in healthcare settings, when a patient is undergoing intubation, healthcare workers wear N95 masks to shield themselves from respiratory droplets that could be expelled into the air. Similarly, during procedures like dental cleanings, where water sprays can create aerosols, dental professionals also don N95 masks to minimise their exposure.
Wearing N95 masks during AGPs is crucial not only for the safety of healthcare providers but also for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in clinical environments. Training sessions are often conducted to ensure that staff are properly fitted for their N95 masks, understand when to wear them, and are aware of the protocols for donning and doffing these masks to maintain infection control practices effectively.
WHY IS FIT TESTING SO IMPORTANT?
Because our N95 masks can only provide their full intended protection when worn correctly in line with manufacturers' recommendations and properly fitted to our face, N95 mask fit testing is the only way to properly check that when we have done the above, a seal is achieved and maintained during basic human movement deeming it suitable for work.
The quality of fit (seal to wearer's face/absence of leak) is largely dependent on the shape and size of the respirator in relation to the wearer's facial characteristics and dimensions as we are all unique.
From an ongoing standpoint, our masks rely on us, the wearer, to properly wear our masks how we passed our fit test to ensure they continue to provide the same level of protection each time a risk warrants the use of it. Understanding how to perform a fit check is an essential part of this process and will become a routine of your daily work life during clinical placement and beyond.
WHY AM I REQUIRED TO BE MASK FIT TESTED?
Having a valid mask fit test ensures hospitals that in such an event there was another outbreak of an airborne virus/disease, all healthcare workers would be up to date with the mask that is best suited to them, that they have been adequately trained in the correct donning and doffing (in line with infection prevention and control measures) of their mask and how to 'fit check' themselves to ensure their mask is being worn correctly in line with how they would have passed their mask fit test.
Without training on how to properly wear your mask coupled with an N95 mask fit test, there would be no way of knowing if the masks you are being supplied provides adequate protection in situations that warrant the use of your mask.
Fit testing also provides an opportunity to ensure that healthcare workers are properly trained in the correct usage of the respirator, which improves protection in routine clinical practice. The Australian AS/NZS1715:2009 Standards recommends annual fit testing. many organisations and healthcare facilities align with better practices when a set enforcing compliance.
Having noticed the multiple alternative benefits to fit testing staff, it has become the new normal for best respiratory protection for anyone who is, or may be required to wear a mask in a clinical setting, such as those on clinical placement.
ANNUAL RE-TESTING
The Australian AS/NZS1715:2009 Standards recommends annual mask fit testing. many organisations and healthcare facilities align with better practices when a set enforcing compliance. Having noticed the multiple alternative benefits to fit testing staff, it has become the new normal for best respiratory protection for anyone who is or may be required to wear a mask in a clinical setting.
Fit testing is conducted annually to ensure the same fit can be achieved in the respirator passed and deemed suitable 12 months ago as wearers may gain or lose weight, break a nose or have a broken nose fixed, have facial work done (surgery, fillers etc,) or undergone major dental work. Annual fit testing is a great opportunity to assess the user's ability to correctly don and doff their mask and form an adequate seal in order to achieve a pass on their own with minimal to no guidance.
If you require a mask fit test you can book here.
Fit Test Australia can assist with all your student clinical placement N95 mask fit testing needs, you can email our friendly team at info@fta.net.au or call Michal - 0403 065 064 or Rebekah - 0407 487 422. We conduct mask fit testing in Victoria and New South Wales.
Your health and safety is our priority
Call: 0403 064 064
Email: info@fta.net.au
FTA fit test Melbourne Victoria and Sydney NSW
Comments