Persistence of respirator use learning.
Although retraining and repeat fit-testing are needed for respirator users, the optimal frequency is uncertain. The persistence of proper respirator donning/doffing techniques and changes in quantitative fit factor over 6 months after initial training were measured in this study. Initial training was designed for rapid rollout situations in which direct contact with well-trained occupational health professionals may be infeasible. Subjects (n = 175) were assigned randomly to use either a filtering facepiece N95 (FFR) or dual cartridge half facemask (HFM) respirator. Each was assigned randomly to one of three training methods-printed brochure, video, or computer-based training. Soon after initial training, quantitative fit and measures of proper technique were determined. These measurements were repeated 6 months later. In the six-month followup, subjects were randomized to receive either a brief reminder card or a placebo card. Total performance score, major errors, and quantitative fit all became significantly worse at 6 months. An individual's result soon after training was the most important predictor of performance 6 months later. There was a marginal not statistically significant tendency for those initially trained by video to have better protection 6 months later. The study suggests that persons who use respirators intermittently should be thoroughly retrained and reevaluated periodically. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: Additional statistical analyses.
a Community, Environment, and Policy Division, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health , University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona.
Philip
P
Harber
Jing
J
Su
Cheng Cheng
CC
Hu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D010174:Pamphlets; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D014741:Video Recording
respirator; respiratory protection; training