October 13, 2009
N95 Fit Testing is Mandatory!
Under an agreement between Alberta Health Services and United Nurses of Alberta the Employer is required to fit-test all Employees for N95 respirators and compliance is mandatory.
The agreement between the parties applies to all Employees covered by the UNA/HBA collective agreement (red book).
In addition to fit testing the Employer must provide annual in-service regarding N95 respirators and other personal protection devices, infection control measures and health and safety procedures to all Employee.
Compliance with the fit testing and educational program is mandatory, in accordance with Article 35.02 (a). Attendance is compulsory and Employees will be paid to attend both the fit testing and education session.
What If I Am Under A Different Collective Agreement?
All Employees in Alberta are covered by the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act and Code (2009). Section 2 of the OHS Act sets out the general legal responsibilities of Employers and Workers.
Employers Must:
Ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all workers at their worksite.
Workers Must:
Take reasonable care and co-operate with the employer to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others.
This means that all workers are required to be fit tested for N95 masks if offered, participate in and utilize any training provided, follow health and safety policy and procedures and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment required to protect yourself and your fellow workers.
If your Employer is not offering N95 fit testing, ensuring appropriate supply of N95 respirators and/or education sessions please contact your Local UNA representative or your Labour Relations Officer.
Eye Protection - Don't leave yourself exposed!
Wearing appropriate eye protection is important in ensuring you are not exposed to H1N1. N95 respirators will only protect you from exposure through the respiratory route so you also need to wear gloves, gowns and eye protection.
Nurses should be donning goggles that fit snuggly over and around the eyes. Goggles with antifog features are best as they help maintain clarity of vision (reference NIOSH PPE Use in Healthcare Settings). Disposable glasses used in the OR and/or half eye shields attached to surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection when dealing with H1N1.
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