100 signatures reached
To: Victorian CHO Brett Sutton
Mandate N95 fit testing for health workers
N95 masks protect health care workers from respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2, but are only fully effective if fitted by a qualified technician. While this is best practice, it is not currently mandated in Victoria, leaving health care workers vulnerable to contracting COVID-19.
We, the undersigned, request Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, to require health, disability, and aged care providers to require fit testing and availability of a range of N95 mask sizes in settings where workers are at high risk of encountering the virus.
Why is this important?
Health care workers are at high occupational risk of contracting COVID-19, and are overrepresented in serious cases. Preventative measures, including provision of and education about the use of personal protective equipment, is only effective if it is fit for purpose - masks that allow unfiltered air entry and exit exposes health care workers, their colleagues, family members, and care recipients to increased risk.