Recently, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has begun to strictly enforce the OSHA annual respiratory fit-testing requirement. The OSHA standard (29CFR1910.134) requires that all employers provide annual respirator training and fit-testing for employees that may be required to use a respirator. In addition, The Joint Commission requires that all hospitals adhere to applicable state and federal regulations regarding the use and training of personal protective equipment.
Most hospitals struggle to meet respirator compliance because of the logistical challenges it presents. Identifying new and high-risk personnel that require fit-testing (across all departments and shifts) and then scheduling the numerous fit-testing sessions can be an overwhelming task, particularly for larger hospitals.