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Hi All,
I am looking for 2023/24 information regarding Fit testing, to clarify if it is recommended or mandatory for the Residential Aged Care sector.
Does anyone have recent (i.e. 2024 or late 2023) professional information from an accredited organisation or government department?
Kind Regards
Tanya McPharlane
Quality & Compliance Manager
Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care
235 Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza, Vic. 3930
T: 03 8001 8000
M: 0459 635 694
Hi Tanya,
Whilst nothing says “mandatory”, the language is pretty strong. I have put in link for all the documents referenced.
victorian-respiratory-protection-program-guidelines.docx (live.com)
1.2 Scope All Victorian health services where health care workers including volunteers and students on clinical placement, have the potential to be exposed to respiratory hazards are required to establish and maintain an RPP. (respiratory protection program)
National strengthened aged care standards:
5.2.2 The provider implements processes to minimise and manage infection when providing clinical care that include but are not limited to: a) performing clean procedures and aseptic techniques
b) using, managing and reviewing invasive devices including urinary catheters
c) minimising the transmission of infections and complications from infections.
Facility operators should ensure staff wearing surgical masks and respirator masks, do so in line with departmental guidance available at Personal protective equipment (PPE) <https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines/personal-protective-equipment-ppe> and ensure there is adequate signage and staff training regarding mask usage.Personal protective equipment (PPE) | health.vic.gov.au
Respiratory protection programs (RPP)
Respiratory protection programs implement strategies designed to protect workers from workplace respiratory hazards, including COVID-19. All Victorian health services where health care workers, including volunteers and students on clinical placement, have the potential to be exposed to respiratory hazards are required to establish and maintain an RPP. See Victorian Respiratory Protection Program.
Employers are responsible for:
completing a risk assessment that identifies staff who require P2/N95 respirators ensuring users of respirators undergo AS/NZS 1715:2009 approved fit-testing. Either qualitative or quantitative methods are valid and appropriate providing education and training on the safe and appropriate use of selected PPE.
management-of-acute-respiratory-infection-outbreaks-including-covid-19-v3.1_0.docx (live.com) – Vic RAC outbreak guidelines
Implement IPC
measures A number of key measures should be employed during a COVID-19 exposure or outbreak in an RCF, including: • standard precautions: – hand hygiene – use of PPE – respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette – cleaning shared equipment – routine environmental cleaning. • transmission/airborne based precautions: – N95/P2 respiratory protection – single room isolation – dedicated equipment where possible – physical distancing should be maintained where feasible – cohorting/zoning of staff and residents where possible – ventilation/air handling
Actions Instructions – increased cleaning of frequently touched surfaces – minimising the movement of visitors into and within the facility – taking a risk-based approach to minimise risk related to admissions and transfers – displaying appropriate signage. • All staff working in RCFs should have good understanding of IPC measures required throughout a COVID-19 exposure or outbreak at their workplace. • See the following resource for further information: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines <https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines>.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly Barton
Infection Prevention & Control Officer – Myrtleford
RN BHSc.Nursing, M.Infection Control, Grad Cert.Advanced Acute Care, Nurse Immuniser, Cert IV T&A
03 5751 9364 | 0467 275 451
kelly.barton@alpinehealth.org.au
http://www.alpinehealth.org.au
