Kes in the medical profession

Respiratory Protection Guidelines for Western Australian Healthcare Facilities: Department of Health (WA) - 11 July 2023 - relevant extract contained below

5.2.3 Respirators

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Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), rely on a close seal to the wearer’s face, while others use a hood or helmet. Some components are disposable, and some components will require cleaning and disinfection between use. Powered air purifying respirators are an alternative to Particulate Filter Respirators (PFRs). They do not provide greater protection than a correctly fitted and worn PFR. They may be considered for use from a comfort perspective when a HCW is required to remain with a patient for extended time periods, or as an alternative where a person is unable to achieve an adequate fit with available PFRs. While loose-fitting PAPRs provide the expected respiratory protection when worn over facial hair, they may not be appropriate for a HCW’s work, are expensive and complex to use.

If a PAPR is to be used the following conditions must be fulfilled:

• HSPs using PAPR must have an annual training program in place

• PAPRs must only be used by HCWs trained in their use, including donning and doffing

• PAPRs must be reprocessed after each use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and or/local guidelines

• Close-fitting PAPRs must be fit tested.

The Cleanspace HALO should be used in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Program Manual Clinical Excellence Commission guidelines.

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Facial Hair

Facial hair growth, certain hairstyles and other factors such as jewellery and adornments, makeup and creams should not be worn if they prevent an adequate seal between the wearer’s face and the sealing surface of the respirator. Facial hair, including beards, moustaches, sideburns, and stubble between the sealing surface of the respirator and the wearer’s skin will prevent a good seal. The resulting reduction in pressure in the breathing zone during inhalation may lead to leakage of the contaminant into the facepiece. HCWs with a medical or religious exemption from removing facial hair may use an approved beard cover technique (see section 5.6 Use of Beard Cover Technique).

5.6 Use of Beard Cover Technique

Studies of small numbers of individuals in the United Kingdom and New South Wales have successfully demonstrated the ability to achieve adequate fit factors for individuals covering their facial hair with an elastic band and/or disposable balaclava. This technique enables an important option for respirator use for those who must maintain facial hair for medical or religious reasons and for whom the tasks or location of their work cannot be altered. HCWs who are unable to remove facial hair due to a medical condition or religious observance can seek an exemption for the use of an approved beard cover technique when wearing a close-fitting respirator. These techniques cover the entire beard, chin, and cheeks with either an elastic band or a single-use balaclava see section 7 Beard cover techniques. The HCW shall undergo training in donning, doffing and fit checking, and fit testing using the beard cover technique. Consideration should be given to fit testing those using a beard cover technique more frequently to ensure consistency over time. Elastic bands must be cleaned/disinfected and replaced when they become wet, moist, or contaminated and every time the band is doffed or changed. Hold the elastic band at one end and wipe from top to bottom using a 2-in-1 detergent/disinfectant wipe. Balaclavas are single use only and must be disposed of after removal.