Take a deep breath – establishing respiratory protection policies and performing fit testing is easier than it seems.
Some parts of normal agricultural work can create respiratory health risks to veterinarians, veterinary staff, and their clients. Some examples could include pesticide dusts, mists, or vapors; dusty fields or lots; exposure to moldy hay, straw, and grain; potential zoonotic diseases; and many others. When possible, using safety controls such as ventilation systems, air monitoring, and respirators are key to respiratory protection in animal settings.
While it may seem daunting at first, setting up respiratory protection policies and procedures for your employees and yourself, or even helping your clients establish something, is simpler than it seems. Take for instance ensuring those wearing a respirator are properly fit tested for both comfort and expected protection. There is no certification required to perform fit testing and anyone can learn how. In fact, the supplies needed to perform fit testing can be purchased from most online stores.
To help learn how to perform fit testing the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services hosts a webpage devoted to respirators and fit testing: https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/hai-prevention/respirators-and-fit-testing respirators-and-fit-testing.
Even though page says it is for the use of healthcare facilities like nursing homes, the respiratory protection principles described are the same for any setting, including veterinary clinics and even farms. This page can teach anyone how to set up, maintain, and even fit test employees, with a section for agricultural workers recently added. Explore the website and learn more ways you can incorporate additional occupational safety considerations into your daily work for yourself, your employees, and your clients.
[Source: IVMA Update May 2024 by Andrew Hennenfent]