Principles for use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) in healthcare delivery

Please refer to WorkSafe Queensland for detailed information regarding types of respiratory protective equipment and their appropriate application.

Principles

• All PAPR used in the delivery of healthcare must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
• Follow manufacturer instructions for use at all times. Use only as directed.
• Store PAPR in accordance with manufacturer instructions including, temperature and humidity conditions.
• Before use staff must:
  • Have successfully been fit tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1715:2009.
  • Completed relevant PAPR training including assembly, use and disassembly.
  • Complete a fit check each time PAPR is worn.
• PAPRs may produce background noise. Staff should be aware that this may affect patient-staff and staff-staff communication and comfort. This should be considered a factor in the requirement for rest breaks from PPE.
• Use of PAPR in cohort situations should only be undertaken after a local risk assessment.
• Local procedures on PAPR should contain:
  • local reprocessing arrangements in accordance with manufacturer guidance .
  • procedures for soiled, contaminated or compromised devices during use.
  • Routine maintenance schedule in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Further information

• Queensland Government. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• Queensland Health Acute Respiratory Infection – Infection Prevention and Control guideline.
• National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
• Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZ)
  • AS/NZS1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
  • AS/NZS 17420.2:2021 Respiratory protective devices — Performance requirements, Part 2: Requirements for filtering RPD
  • AS/NZS ISO 16900.7:2021 Respiratory protective devices — Methods of test and test equipment, Method 7: Practical performance test methods
• Queensland Health Fit testing of particulate filter respirators in respiratory protection programs
• Queensland Health Facial hair and ensuring the adequate performance of respiratory protective equipment
• Manufacturer instructions.