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S Step 5 Provide Trainingtep 5 Provide Training

to the respirator program. The risk assessment
Respirator Training Program should define facility areas requiring the use of res-
Respirator Training Program
pirators and the level of protection required. For ex-
Introduction
Introduction ample: normal operations might require only
disposable N95 respirators. Higher-risk areas, such
Equally important to selecting the appropriate as autopsy rooms, could require a higher level of
respirator is using the selected device properly. protection such as full facepiece negative-pressure
Proper use can be achieved by carefully training respirators, PAPRs, or half-mask positive-pressure
both supervisors and workers in selection, use, airline respirators.
and maintenance of respirators.
Also, advise the trainees that risk assessment will
be done periodically. CDC recommends that risk
Who Should Receive Respirator Training
assessment be conducted at least yearly in the mini-
Provide the supervisor, the person issuing the respira- mal-risk, very-low-risk, and low-risk areas; every
tors, and the respirator user with adequate training 6-12 months for intermediate-risk areas; and every
by qualified persons to ensure that the respirator is 3 months in high risk areas. The workers should
used correctly (see Respirator Program Administration also be trained to recognize signs and symbols used
in the Introduction). to show that respirators are required in an area.

The supervisor is defined as the person who over- 3. Explain the reason for using respirators. For
sees one or more workers who need to wear respi- example, the respirator needs to be used to
rators. The supervisors must be in close contact minimize exposure to the hazards in the workplace
with the workers to ensure that the workers are (in this case, TB).
wearing respirators when necessary and that they
are being worn properly. The training provided Some individuals (e.g., those that are immuno-
should emphasize that health and safety is an im- compromised are at higher risk for TB (see
portant part of the management function. It is rec- appendix F). These individuals need to understand
ommended that the proper use of respirators should the risk and the need to wear their respirator.
also be included in the supervisor's and worker's
annual evaluation. 4. Describe existing engineering controls. Engineer-
ing controls are methods used to prevent the spread
and reduce the concentration of infectious droplet
Who Should Conduct This Training
nuclei. Examples are ventilation controls (e.g.,
The training must be given by a qualified person— negative-pressure isolation rooms) and laboratory
usually the Respirator Program Administrator. As an hoods. Because engineering controls may not en-
alternative, the Administrator can have someone tirely eliminate the TB hazard, the respirator
trained to do the job or hire a consultant. See Respi- wearer must be trained to know when to wear a
rator Program Administration in the Introduction for respirator.
more information about respiratory protection
training. 5. Explain the reason for selecting a particular res-
pirator for a given hazard (see Step 2). In most cases,

What Should the Training Include the N95 disposable respirator will be selected. This
NIOSH-certified respirator meets minimum CDC
1. Describe the nature, extent, and specific hazards criteria for respiratory protection in TB areas.
of TB in your health care facility (See Appendix F). For high-risk areas, more protective respirators
may be needed (e.g., full facepiece respirators
2. Explain the risk assessment and its relationship with PAPRs and positive-pressure airline respi-

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