Negative pressure mask

BASIC Instructor & Provider Course, October 2008, Sydney. Registration deadline 27th September.
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Negative pressure half-face respirator

Charles Gomersall

First posted April 24th 2006

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eg N95, N100, P100, FFP2, FFP3 respirators

Indications for use in healthcare settings

• Exposure to patients with diseases that may be transmitted by the airborne route eg TB, Avian flu

Preconditions for use

• These respirators are only effective if tight-fitting. It is therefore important that:
  • you have been formally fit tested to find a brand and model that fits you (this is different from a fit check)
  • you are clean shaven - facial hear prevents a tight seal and no negative pressure half face respirator will function properly in bearded individuals

Donning

Before touching the mask wash your hands or clean them with alcoholic disinfectant hand rub

© Sally Fong August 2005 Copyright policy

 

Pick up the respirator and hold it in your cupped hand. Bend your head forwards and hold the mask to your face. With your other hand pass first the upper and then the lower strap over your head. Adjust the edges of the mask to produce a tight seal around the mask but do not pinch the nose piece. Also, make sure you do not cross over the straps of the mask.

 © Janet Fong January 2006 Copyright policy

 

After donning the mask carry out both positive and negative pressure fit checks

Positive pressure fit check

Take a deep breath and then breath out forcefully, feeling with your hands for a leak around your mask. If there is a palpable leak readjust the mask and repeat the test

© Janet Fong January 2006 Copyright policy

Negative pressure fit check

Breath in forcefully and feel for a leak around the mask. If there is a palpable leak readjust the mask and repeat the test.

Removing

Before removing the mask wash your hands or clean them with alcoholic disinfectant hand rub

© Sally Fong August 2005 Copyright policy

Avoid touching the mask itself with your hands. Bring the lower strap over your head and then the upper strap.

© Janet Fong January 2006 Copyright policy

After removing the mask dispose of it carefully and clean your hands again.

©Charles Gomersall, September, 2008 unless otherwise stated. The author, editor and The Chinese University of Hong Kong take no responsibility for any adverse event resulting from the use of this webpage.
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