What PPE is mandatory for airborne precautions?

What PPE is mandatory for airborne precautions?

• A. N-95 mask
• B. Surgical mask
• C. Goggles
• D. Gloves

Answer: (A)

For airborne precautions, protecting the inhaled air is essential because tiny particles can stay suspended and be inhaled. An N-95 respirator is designed to seal to the face and filter at least 95% of airborne particles, providing the level of protection needed for airborne pathogens. Surgical masks are loose-fitting and do not seal or filter small aerosols well enough, so they don’t meet airborne protection standards. Goggles protect the eyes from splashes but don’t prevent inhalation of airborne particles, and gloves protect the hands but don’t address inhalation risk. Therefore, the mandatory PPE for airborne precautions is a properly fitted N-95 respirator (or higher-level respirator).

For airborne precautions, protecting the inhaled air is essential because tiny particles can stay suspended and be inhaled. An N-95 respirator is designed to seal to the face and filter at least 95% of airborne particles, providing the level of protection needed for airborne pathogens. Surgical masks are loose-fitting and do not seal or filter small aerosols well enough, so they don’t meet airborne protection standards. Goggles protect the eyes from splashes but don’t prevent inhalation of airborne particles, and gloves protect the hands but don’t address inhalation risk. Therefore, the mandatory PPE for airborne precautions is a properly fitted N-95 respirator (or higher-level respirator).