Search

OSHA Issues Guidance Amid N95 Respirator Shortage

Posted on 4/6/2020 by Roger Marks

Amid a shortage of N95 facepiece filtering masks In an enforcement guidance memo directed to its officers, OSHA recommends that employers facing a shortage of N95 filtering facepiece respirators, or FFRs, do the following: 
  • Reassess engineering controls, work practices, and administrative controls to decrease the need for N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs); and/or 
  • Use alternative classes of NIOSH-approved respirators that provide equal or greater protection compared to the N95
The OSHA memo goes on to say that employers may consider extended use or re-use of N95 FFRs, but only when certain conditions are met.

Finally, use of expired N95 may be permitted when unavoidable. Use of expired N95s is permitted when the employer has made a “good faith effort” to acquire respirators, monitor and prioritize N95 use according to CDC guidance, and explore other feasible alternatives. 

Read OSHA’s full guidance here.

Read more: Coronavirus: Preventing Workplace Exposure 
 

What is An "N95 Mask"?

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) designated as N95 have been evaluated, tested, and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The "95" means these respirators are shown to block 95% or more of very small test particles. Test particles used are about 0.3 microns in size. For reference, filtration size for a typical coffee filter is around 20 microns.

These filtering facepiece respirators or FFRs are tight fitting, and a seal check is required each time the respirator is donned (i.e., put on). Ideally, these respirators would be discarded after each patient encounter or contact, or when they become damaged, deformed, dirty, wet, or contaminated with blood or fluids. If the respirator no longer forms an effective seal on the face, or if breathing becomes difficult, the N95 should be discarded (ideally). 

OSHA Safety Training On Demand

Lion’s expanded OSHA safety training course catalog includes training that may be required for healthcare personnel and other employees at risk of exposure to novel coronavirus or COVID-19. Browse all OSHA safety courses at Lion.com/OSHA.
 

Tags: coronavirus, healthcare, osha, respiratory protection, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.