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Hi all, I am reaching out to ask what other Aged Care homes do around Fit TESTING.
To date we have just been fit CHECKING as we had limited variation in masks that were supplied to us from the government and all staff found out of the 2 or 3 we did get, one fitted them well. Since having to order our own now each home has worked out what the best sizes and types are and each staff member knows what fits them best, if we dont have them in stock then they request them and they are ordered. We are being asked by Work Health and Safety why are we not fit TESTING with machines to find the correct ones for staff.
Do all homes have machines to do Fit TESTING or do you just have Fit CHECKING in place?
Hi Yvonne,
There are two types of fit testing Quantitative (specialised equipment by trained persons, providers can contract these services) and Qualitative (machines providers purchase – can be influenced by the mask wearer).
Fit testing is recommended across national IPC guidelines and Safe Work guidelines.
The Aged care IPC guide addesses fit testing and fit checking on page 58: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/The-Aged-Care-Infection-Prevention-and-Control-Guide.pdf
The Australian IPC Guidelines address fit testing in Section 3.2.4
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcareSafe Work Australia provides guidance, while specific state regulators (like SafeWork NSW/QLD/WA) monitor compliance.
Consideration to: where a facility has airborne transmission infections requiring the use of N95 mask and the N95 mask is provided – the mask should be fit tested to individual staff to ensure safety.
A strong documented and evidence based performance fit checking program under a Respiratory Protection Program, could be discussed with state Work Safe.
Regards Carrie
