Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Clinical description

Respirators are the last line of defence against TB infection. Unfortunately, even the combination with administrative and environmental controls can never provide 100% safety. Respirators are recommended for health care workers when caring for patients with presumptive or confirmed infectious TB. Respiratory protection is particularly needed during the performance of specific aerosol-generating procedures, to supply the desired level of safety. The main limitation of respirators is that they may not be practical to always wear, and they are often not used when unsuspected (untreated) TB patients are being seen.

Personal protective equipment is aimed at reducing the risk of inhaling infectious MTB- containing particles. Respiratory protection controls refer to the selection, fit testing, training and use of respirators. Respirators protect HCW from inhaling MTB. Supervisors should reinforce compliance with their correct use and should ensure that they are always available, as per TB-IPC facility assessment and plan.( refer to SOP on use of respirator use in the annex )

12 Types of propeller fans include ceiling fans, small fans that sit on a desk or other furniture, fans that stand on the floor, mounted fans on walls, industrial exhaust fans in a window or wall.

National Tuberculosis Control Programme 65