during COVID-19 - OSHA Safety and Health Topics : COVID-19 .
REUSE PPE through optimization , decontamination , and reuse procedures
Contingency – Decontamination and Storage for Crisis
• Consider decontaminating undamaged , non-visibly soiled FFRs for storage if needed later during crisis .
Crisis – Decontamination and Reuse
• Implement expanded facility-based PPE reuse policies and procedures .
• Track “ check in ” and “ check out ” of certain PPE ( e . g ., gowns , surgical masks and respirators ) designated for reuse ( disposable gloves should not be reused ). Each worker is provided specific PPE at the beginning of the shift . At the end of the shift , designated PPE is labeled , collected , cleaned , and stored for reuse .
• Implement guidance for decontamination and reuse of FFRs .
• CDC Guidance Decontamination and Reuse of FFRs
• For large-scale decontamination of N95 FFR ' s consider using the following methods :
• Industrial or facility-based vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization systems authorized by FDA .
• FDA Emergency Use Authorizations ( EUA ) for Decontamination
• OSHA Enforcement Guidance for Decontamination of FFRs
• Industrial or facility-based moist heat decontamination systems ( NOT autoclaves ) – with demonstrated safety and efficacy .
• Facility-based ultraviolet germicidal irradiation ( UVGI ) systems – with demonstrated safety and efficacy .
• For low-volume or personal decontamination of N95 FFR ' s , consider using commercially available microwavable moist heat disinfection devices following manufacturer ’ s instructions ( e . g ., do not put metal parts in microwaves ).
REPURPOSE alternate types and sources of PPE
Conventional - Use other NIOSH-approved respirators instead of N95 FFRs when respiratory protection is required . See FDA EUA for other NIOSH-approved respirators . Examples include :
• Reusable powered , air-purifying respirators ( PAPRs );
• Reusable air-purifying respirators ( elastomeric half and full facepiece respirators );
• Other classes of disposable air-purifying particulate FFRs ( e . g ., P100 ).
Contingency - Seek alternative supplies of PPE .
• Encourage community members to donate private stocks of PPE to your facility .
• Seek PPE and other equipment from healthcare coalitions , individuals , and other sources , including businesses that are not active .
• Use commercial sources of industrial disposable coveralls , face shields , goggles , shoe covers , clear facemasks for hearing impaired , etc .
Crisis
• Use N95 FFRs beyond their expiration dates if certain conditions are met .
• CDC Considerations for Release of Stockpiled N95s Beyond the Manufacturer-Designated Shelf Life .
• Use FDA authorized imported , non-NIOSH-approved disposable FFRs .
• FDA EUA for Imported , Non-NIOSH-Approved Disposable Filtering Facepiece Respirators .
• FDA EUA for Non-NIOSH-Approved Disposable Filtering Facepiece Respirators .
COMMUNICATE , COMMUNICATE , COMMUNICATE
July 13 , 2020 Update – Page 3 of 4