Is fluid resistance important?
It is up to the healthcare facility to determine the need to provide fluid resistant respirators or masks to their healthcare workers. In the U.S., OSHA has specific provisions under the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard that specifically details the appropriateness of personal protective equipment used by healthcare workers. Fluid resistance is the ability of a respirators or masks material construction to minimize fluids from traveling through the material and potentially coming in contact with the user of the facemask. Fluid resistance helps reduce exposure to blood or bodily fluids caused from splash, spray or splatter. If the mask or respirator comes in contact with blood or body fluids of a suspect or confirmed SARS patient, it is recommended the respirator be changed as soon as possible. Respirators should only be removed when the wearer is in an area that is considered free of airborne hazards, including confirmed or suspect SARS patients.
