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Respiratory protection (specifically fit testing) was discussed in the MRO in RAC webinar today.
This is the link to the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/quality-safety-service/victorian-respiratory-protection-program
Below is the guidance for fit testing which is recommended based on a risk of exposure to airborne microorganisms:
Fit testing should be repeated at appropriate intervals (annually and no longer than 18 months), particularly for healthcare workers, including students and volunteers, identified to be working in high-risk areas, or who are required to routinely enter high risk areas, or be otherwise considered priority staff, and in line with the health services risk prioritisation framework. For healthcare workers in low-risk areas, annual fit testing may not be necessary but fit testing frequency should not exceed more than two years. However, the ability of each health service to implement repeat fit-testing annually for all healthcare workers required to wear RPE will be dependent on the size of the organisation, the risk profile of their healthcare workers and the fit testing resources available.
Further indications for repeat fit testing
In addition to repeat fit testing according to the HCW’s risk profile, all HCWs who are required to wear fitted respirators are required to be re-tested if there has been a significant change to physical appearance including:
• Significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5 per cent)
• Pregnancy
• Facial trauma / surgery
• Scarring or cosmetic surgery / cosmetic procedures such as fillers
• Extensive dental work including extractions and new dentures
