Page 18 - Occupational Health & Safety, May 2019

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
respiratory protection fit. In my experience, the Quantifit is by far the best and the most accurate. There is minimal chance for a false PASS result on the Quantifit because the air pressure inside the mask is what is being quantified. If there is a leak, it will be detect- ed. Leaks matter; even small ones! The Quantifit does not lie. Many
fire departments have been using this technology for years.
Dawn Bolstad-Johnson, MPH, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, is a Fit Test Specialist Consultant with OHD, LLLP (www.ohdusa.com) in Hoover, Ala.
NEW RESOURCE ADDRESSES RESPONDERS’ EXPOSURE RISKS
NIOSH, partnering with the Fredericksburg, Va., Police and Fire Departments and the FBI Laboratory, released a new video on March 28 meant to help first responders understand the risks of occupational exposures to illicit drugs and what they can do to protect themselves from exposure while responding to an emergency. The increase in illicit drugs, including fentanyl, and related overdoses across the United States pose an emerging threat to first responders, highlighting the necessity of providing responders with tools to protect themselves while on-duty. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services, and others who may be at risk of occupational exposure can benefit from more education and guidance.
The “Illicit Drugs, Including Fentanyl: Preventing Occupational Exposure to Emergency Responders” video begins by showing real-life footage from a body camera worn by a police officer responding to an overdose call. By using body cam- era footage and interviews with officers, the video works to reinforce the importance of following safe work practices and the necessity of proper PPE selection and use by emergency responders. Jennifer Hornsby-Myers, MS, CIH, an industrial hygienist with the NIOSH Emergency Preparedness and Response Office, said the video “was developed to educate first responders using a real-life example that should resonate with many emergency responders and gives recommendations for minimal, moderate, and high exposure situations.”
First responders can be exposed to the drugs via inhalation; mucous membrane contact through nose, eye, and mouth; ingestion; dermal; and needlestick contact. Exposures can lead to lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and the rapid onset of life-threatening respiratory depression.
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