How often should N95 respirators be changed?
Four N95 masks should be used per employee per 8 hour work shift. An N-95 mask can be used for up to 2 or 3 hours, as long as it is remains in good condition and is not contaminated. If the respirator is damaged, soiled, or wet, or if breathing becomes difficult, you should remove the respirator, discard it properly, and replace it with a new one. To discard your N95 respirator safely, assume it is contaminated, and dispose of it in a biohazard container. Wash your hands immediately after handling a used respirator. To control costs, institutions may wish to purchase reusable respirators that can be sterilized and may be useful for the duration of an influenza epidemic. Source: CDC – NIOSH http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/stockpiling-facemasks-respirators.
