with altered enforcement include postponing annual staff fit testing , 4 the use of respirators beyond the manufacturer ’ s recommended shelf life , 5 extended use and limited reuse , the utilization of respirators from other countries not approved by NIOSH , 6 and decontamination for reuse . 7
Under the Biden administration , employers should expect increased enforcement by OSHA . Effective March 12 , 2021 , OSHA is now implementing a National Emphasis Program to ensure that employees in high-hazard industries are protected from SARS-CoV-2 transmission . 8 The new directive emphasizes more resources to provide on-site workplace inspections , targeting healthcare settings such as hospitals , nursing homes and assisted living , and emergency response settings . In order to be prepared , review or create your worksite-specific RPP ,
update and edit old procedures , and ensure staff are educated in proper respirator use to ensure employee safety .
If you are in a long-term care setting and would like to learn more , visit ECRI for a comprehensive learning module that provides an in-depth foundation on establishing and sustaining your own RPP .
Hillary Hei , MPH , CIC , LSSGB , is an infection preventionist with ECRI , an independent , nonprofit organization improving the safety , quality , and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings worldwide .
References :
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