Correct way to wear respirator head harnesses

Letters

CJEM 2004;6(1):9

To the Editor: The cover photo of CJEM's July 2003 issue showed 3 physicians who had intubated a patient at the North York General Hospital in Toronto.

My training in occupational hygiene at Mount Royal College and with the Canadian Navy gave me familiarity with respirators, and I noticed the 3 were wearing full face respirators with the head harnesses outside the hoods of their protective suits. One worker was wearing a hair net under his mask, which was visible through the visor.

Wearing respirators in this manner reduces the protection afforded. The correct way to wear the respirator head harness is under the hood of the protective suit. Hair nets are not to be worn under the respirator.

Protective equipment gives a false sense of security when worn incorrectly. The 3 workers in the picture were doing just that.

SARS is a very serious disease, and full protection is a must.

Heather Dawn Green
Peter Lougheed Centre
Calgary, Alta.