Originally Posted by ABN_CBT_ENGR
Originally Posted by Ws6
Actually, OSHA is fine with it failing 1 of the 3 tests during fitment.
Wow, that totally contradicts all the OSHA guidance I have been given to operate under and no plant I have been to allows for that.
Its not in CFR 1910.134 nor APP A or B nor is it referenced in the official memo from 14 March,2020 regarding temporary enforcement guidance for fit testing of N-95 series particulate masks for the duration of this "event" that I can find in my packet.
My packet even reinforces the need for removal of make-up, facial hair and facial movement tests necessary to ensure proper sealing.( that's another issue but since in reality the entire N-95 particulate mask is NOT "fit for purpose" for this particular application, proper fitting makes very little difference)
Could you please direct me to this documented exclusion so I can incorporate it?
Thanks
Gladly:
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppA
Quote
(1) The PortaCount® will automatically stop and calculate the overall fit factor for
the entire set of exercises. The overall fit factor is what counts. The Pass or Fail message will indicate whether or not the test was successful. If the test was a Pass, the fit test is over.
Red added for emphasis.
Implying that yes, you can have significant penetration of the mask during part of the protocol and still pass your annual quantified fit test, which is what happened to me.
So guess what? I just grew a beard and wear a PAPR, now, if I am truly concerned about an environment.
Originally Posted by ABN_CBT_ENGR
Originally Posted by Wolf359
Respectfully, it's the same thing. They talk about viral load. Even if it's not 100%, it might reduce the viral load that you receive so even though the effectiveness of it may be low, it's still better than nothing. If used properly. Not going to help and might make it worse if people keep touching it. Would you rather get some air in a hose that's leaking or none at all? Either way, you might be dead both ways, but at least one is better than nothing. I think you are confusing the concentration of the bio/chem agent. If you're a few feet away, the concentration might not be that high. If you're intubating a patient, they call that being near the volcano.
First, this isn't directed to you or anyone here and I'm responding basically "out there to the masses" so please don't think that. This is like watching 1984 again with the "Ministry of Truth" and me being Winston.
If this is a true bio agent ( which it is- it is a real disease) then it can pass in all ways any other viral agent can.That also means its alive and reproduces in volume as well.
Viral loading is nothing but a concentration/quantity of virus in a given media. ( body fluid, skin etc.) That's primarily a direct contact hazard not significantly different than industry BBP training and stuff and in those cases impermeable membrane PPE and a face shield is most effective.
A "particulate filter" has but one purpose- to filter particulates which are AIRBORNE. ( for example if you got a drop of "virally loaded blood" on it- it would seep through and expose you) ( the little oogies don't jump up from the fluid and get on you) There must be a lot of "truth ministers" out there hoping people don't connect the dots on that issue because they talk about "touching your face" but IF it got on your "shirt" or in your hair and you took it off- guess what, you just touched your face. ( and everywhere else and those contacts tend to migrate)
So if the "line" is that a N-95 mask is some form of "protection"( in terms of an airborne agent) then
any "compromised seal" is no seal- regardless of any attempts to minimalize it. Also since its a "particulate filter" then the filter media has to be capable of filtering the beta down to that size ( a concept that shouldn't even need to be brought up on this board specifically with all the expertise here and its entire purpose)
As far as contaminated or concentration, that's an impossibility to measure or predict other than if you get exposed to 1 or 1 million oogies- at that point your individual body characteristics and immune response takes over and theres no "number' or "concentration" threshold that will determine if an individual "gets it" whether their own body will defeat it or require additional treatment.
Along the same lines- if these "measures' are really effective against this "thing" in reducing exposures and all that then "logically' we can expect EVERY disease that spreads the same way to have a reduction because if these measures are effective against one then they have to work for all. (I notice the times I have asked that of some medical professionals they start not wanting to address that)
Again, 5% penetration of the mask is acceptable per the OSHA standards during fit testing.
Quote
(7) The test shall be terminated whenever any single peak penetration exceeds 5 percent for half masks and 1 percent for full facepiece respirators. The test subject shall be refitted and retested.
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...ost/Board/8/Number/5413495/what/showflat
If you really care, wear a PAPR. If it's just for appearances, then the minimum "standard" your organization accepts will get 'r done.