N95 Respirator Usage
1/10/22
As we prepare to begin the semester the CFAES Operations team is making available a limited number of N95 respirators for employee use. These respirators are more fitted than the traditional surgical or cloth masks that have been worn up to this point in the pandemic.
A supply of N95s will be available in:
- Columbus (Academic Programs Office, Room 100 in Agricultural Administration)
- Wooster (Facilities Operations Storeroom)
This supply is intended to bridge the gap until Departments can purchase units for their personnel. These are intended for individuals whose jobs entail frequent personnel interaction with staff, faculty or students or members of the public. This enhanced respiratory protection is not mandated but is made available to individuals as an additional safety choice based on their work.
If individuals choose to utilize an N95 respirator, we request they review the Following Respiratory Protection information
Notice of Appendix D:
Appendix D, Information for Employees using Respirators When Not
Required Under the OSHA Standard Sec. 29 CFR 1910.134, Appendix D
Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Sometimes, workers may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous substance does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, of if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard. You should do the following:
1. Read and heed all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance,cleaning and care, and warnings regarding the respirators limitations.
2. Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the contaminant of concern. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, certifies respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it will protect you.
3. Do not wear your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
4. Wear the respirator in non-hazardous areas only (voluntary respirator use is permitted in non-hazardous atmospheres only).
5. Keep track of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use someone else's respirator.
Downloadable version: Appendix D
How to wear an N-95:
