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Are surgical masks respirators?

April 26, 2017Human Masks monkeypox orthopoxvirus outbreak prairie respirators surgical wisconsin illinois indiana

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Are surgical masks respirators?

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Surgical masks are not designed for use as particulate respirators and do not provide as much protection as an N-95 respirator. Surgical masks will provide barrier protection against droplets, but most surgical masks do not effectively filter small particles from air and do not prevent leakage around the edge of the mask when the user inhales. How should respirators be used in the veterinary setting? Veterinary facilities are workplaces, and the principles for safe and effective use of respirators are the same as in any workplace. A respirator will work only if it is used correctly. Thus, the key elements for respiratory protection are fit-testing and training of each worker in the use, maintenance, and care of the respirator. NIOSH considers each of the nine types of disposable particulate respirators to have similar fit characteristics. Therefore, when a worker is using a respirator, having a NIOSH-approved respirator that fits well is much more important than whether the respirator