When should N95 Swine Flu Masks or N95 Swine Flu Respirators be used?
Swine Flu Masks and Swine Flu respirators are components of a number of infection control measures intended to protect consumers, and prevent the spread of the Swine Flu.
These include general hygiene measures set out in local infection control manuals or Swine Flu policies, and in particular efficient hand hygiene before and after contact with possible or probable cases of the Swine Flu, and with the patient's environment.
Safety Gloves, safety goggles, safety visors, safety gowns and/or safety aprons are also used (see the relevant sections of the web site that deals with personal protective equipment in primary and secondary care and local Swine Flu policies).
Consumers should use N95 Swine Flu Respirators, correctly fitted, for contact with possible or probable cases of Swine Flu. A Swine Flu mask should be used only if a Swine Flu respirator is not available on the grounds that, although not recommended, it is better to wear a Swine Flu mask than no protection. Patients should use a Swine Flu mask while symptomatic whether in hospital, at home or in transit. Airplane Passengers and those consumers traveling by plane, boat, commuter train, or bus should also protect themselves from the Swine Flu Virus by wearing a N95 Swine Flu Respirator at all times.
Who should wear a Swine Flu Mask or Swine Flu Respirator?
All consumers who contact with a possible or probable case of Swine Flu should wear a respirator conforming to at least EN149:2001 FFP3. If a respirator is not immediately available, the next highest category of mask available should be worn (FFP2 (N95)). Consumers and Healthcare workers including community primary care teams, hospital clinical teams, ambulance staff, physiotherapists and other professional support staff, porters and domestic staff should all us Flu Respirators.
Hospital Patients with possible or probable Swine Flu Virus should wear a surgical face mask, if able to do so, when in close contact with uninfected persons. Wearing a Swine Flu mask or Swine Flu respirator is not a guarantee of protection against the Swine Flu Virus.
Are N95 Swine Flu masks available equivalent to FFP3?
No, N95 Swine Flu Masks are equivalent to FFP2, not FFP3. Having a supply of N95 masks in your health care facility already should not be viewed as obviating the need to obtain a supply of FFP3 face masks for use in connection with Swine Flu.
What is the correct way to use a Swine Flu Respirator?
User instructions are usually supplied with every Swine Flu Respirator order. If Swine Flu Respirators are individually packed, the instructions are on the packaging. If the Swine Flu Respirators are supplied in shelf packs, i.e. several unwrapped respirators in one box, the instructions are either on the side of the box or on a loose insert. If the contents of the shelf box are split, a photocopy of the instructions should accompany each Swine Flu Respirator.
PLEASE READ THESE SWINE FLU SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. It is also important that the Swine Flu Respirator is protected from damage during transit. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, and to do a Swine Flu Respirator fit check each time a new respirator is worn. These fit checks outlined in the user instructions vary according to the design of the Swine Flu Respirator. Fit is critically important. The Swine Flu Respirator must seal tightly to the face or air will enter from the sides. A good fit can only be achieved if the area where the respirator seals against the skin is clean-shaven. Beards, long moustaches, and stubble may cause leaks around the respirator.
If breathing becomes difficult, the Swine Flu Respirator becomes damaged or distorted or contaminated by body fluids, or if a proper face fit cannot be maintained, go to a safe area and change the Swine Flu Respirator immediately.
The Swine Flu Respirator is one component of a number of infection control precautions. These include hand hygiene, gloves, goggles, visors, gowns or gown and apron. Protective equipment should be removed in the following order: safety gown or safety apron, Swine Flu Respirator, safety goggles, followed by safety gloves or hand hygiene.
The Swine Flu Respirator should only be removed in a safe area, away from any contaminated areas. After the Swine Flu protective equipment has been successfully removed it is particularly important to ensure that hands are washed thoroughly.
Does a beard or stubble affect the performance
of a Swine Flu Respirator?
Yes. See "What is the correct way to use a Swine Flu Respirator?"
How do I ensure that the Swine Flu Respirator fits correctly?
It essential that you are familiar with the instructions that are supplied with the Swine Flu Respirator, as it will only offer protection if fitted correctly. Every user should be trained in the use, maintenance and care of the Swine Flu Respirator. The Swine Flu mask should move in and out with the breaths if it is fitted correctly and there are no air leaks from the sides.
How often should Swine Flu Respirator be changed?
Swine Flu Respirator are effective for approximately 8 hours. Swine Flu Respirator used in close contact with a possible or probable Swine Flu case should be disposed of immediately after use; they should not be re-used. They should only be removed when the wearer is in a safe area, outside any contaminated areas.
What is the correct way to use a Swine Flu Mask?
The Swine Flu Mask should fit snugly over the face, with the colored side out and the metal strip at the top. Position the strings to keep the mask firmly in place over the nose, mouth and chin. Mould the metallic strip to the bridge of the nose. Do not touch the mask again until it is removed. Consumers should discard the Swine Flu Mask as clinical waste according to local policy. Patients should place the Swine Flu Mask in a plastic bag, then into domestic waste, then wash hands. Go to a safe area and replace the Swine Flu Mask at once, if it is damaged or soiled.
Follow local infection control or Swine Flu policies, because the Swine Flu Mask is just one of several infection control precautions. Hand hygiene is particularly important after removing the Swine Flu Mask.
How often should Swine Flu Mask be changed?
Swine Flu Mask or Swine Flu Respirators used in close contact with a possible or probable Swine Flu case should be disposed of immediately after use. They should only be removed when the wearer is in a safe area, outside the patient's room.
The length of time a patient on home isolation should wear a Swine Flu Mask before changing it depends on the quality of the mask, and how much the patient is coughing. As a guide, the Swine Flu Mask should be changed after eight hours, or sooner if it becomes saturated or breathing is difficult.
How should Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators be disposed?
Consumers should dispose of Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators as clinical waste, according to local infection control policy. Patients on home isolation should place the used mask in a plastic bag, and then into domestic waste. It is important to wash hands after handling the Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators. This includes touching the Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators while it is still being worn.
Which Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators should be worn in the community/primary care?
All consumers who come into contact with a possible or probable case of Swine Flu should wear a Swine Flu Respirators conforming to at least EN149:2001 FFP3. If a respirator is not immediately available, the next highest category of mask available should be worn (FFP2 (N95)). See "Who should wear a mask or respirator?"
Where can community/primary care staff get Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators?
Sentry Safety Supply can ship your Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators the same day you place your order. Sentry Safety Supply can supply large and small orders of Swine Flu Mask and Swine Flu Respirators.
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