PPE| Face Masks | Shields | N95 Respirators and Fit Testing | Respiratory Protection Program
No. 202.17 . E X E C U T I V E O R D E R . Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency . WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York; and. WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York ...
www.governor.ny.gov
 

What CDC guidance is available regarding making, using and cleaning of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19

The CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. This CDC page reviews how to make, wear and clean cloth face-coverings. Last Updated June 29/20

What is a Respiratory Protection Program?

Respirator Protection Program FAQs | NPPTL | NIOSH | CDC

This page provides information on respiratory protection programs, which are a written program required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). The program includes procedures specific to your worksite intended to prevent you from inhaling harmful contaminants in your workplace.

What guidance is available from the CDC and OSHA about workplace safety requirements related to respirators, facemask, and other PPE?

CDC Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators: COVID-19
Offers a series of strategies or options to optimize supplies of disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (commonly called “N95 respirators”) in healthcare settings when there is a limited supply.

CDC Information on Respiratory Protection Plans|Programs FAQs

NIOSH Respirator Guidance
Provides NIOSH and OSHA resources for respirator selection, videos and trusted sources for respirators. 

OSHA Respiratory Protection Page
Provides links to the Standard, guidance, and links to fit testing resources and videos. OSHA’s Respiratory Protection eTool provides basic information on respirators such as medical requirements, maintenance, and care, fit testing, written respiratory protection programs, and voluntary use of respirators, which employers may also find beneficial in training workers Includes video and transcript for fit testing and medical evaluation questionnaire.

Fit Testing

  • OSHA does not have a certification requirement for fit test training, only that the person be familiar with one of the two acceptable fit test methods as well as the limitations of the models of respirators being tested:

  • Fit test trainer requirements, according to OSHA’s Fit Testing Procedures—1910.134 App A:

    Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)          Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

    Calibrate equipment.                                       Prepare test solutions.

    Perform tests properly.                                    Calibrate equipment.

    Recognize an invalid test.                                 Perform tests properly.

    Calculate fit factors properly.                            Recognize an invalid test.

    Ensure equipment is in working order.               Ensure equipment is in working order.

3M Fit Testing Resource Page- Has resources and videos on how to conduct Fit Testing for their products.

What information is there regarding the efficacy of face shields vs facemask?  Can schools use face shields instead?

 
NYSDOH:

CDC:
CDC guidance for healthcare workers (5/5/20), It includes cleaning of face shields. 

CDC guidance for healthcare workers (5/5/20), It includes cleaning of face shields. 

Where can I find information about universal use of eye protection?

The NYSDOH Health Advisory: Univeral Use of Eye Protection dated November 24, 2020, recommends universal use of eye protection by healthcare personnel for all patient interactions, in addition to face masks, throughout New York State

Where can I find information about making masks?

Masks Now Coalition
The Masks Now Coalition website contains directions on how to make masks as well as coordinates over 3,700 volunteers who are assisting over 550 hospitals in 42 states which have made public appeals for home-sewn masks in an effort to help curb medical supply shortages they are requesting sewists to make masks and other supplies for use by patients, healthcare workers, at-risk community members, and essential workers, including postal workers, grocery store workers, manufacturing personnel, and more. 

Dr. Seema Yasmin, Stanford Univerity explains the change in recommendations regarding masks. (Wired, 4:17)

The US Surgeon General Shares How to Make A Mask From Materials in Your Home

Page updated 2/26/2021 8:24 PM