Respirator Use in Health Care Workplaces
Health care workers in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and physician offices can be exposed to serious infectious diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, measles and meningitis. Staff in health care workplaces must be trained and equipped to protect themselves and prevent the spread of these diseases. Our health care community must also be prepared to protect workers whenever a novel pathogen emerges, such as the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Respiratory protection is one important component of an effective infection control program. Respirators for protection against infectious diseases must be used effectively and in compliance with the Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection and Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) Standards. OHB has worked with the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, hospitals and other health care partners to help implement effective infection control and respiratory protection programs to protect both workers and the public.
Publications & Reports
Respirator Program Toolkit for Hospitals Guide and resources for effective respirator use
Hospital Respirator Use During H1N1 Journal article abstract
Related Links & Resources
Respiratory protection resources - general
Respiratory protection resources - health care
Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standards
Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus
Respiratory protection in the workplace
Related Health Information
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Influenza (Flu)
Measles
Meningococcal Disease
Tuberculosis (TB)
Varicella (Chickenpox)