Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

5.0

• Clients on oxygen therapy must be changed to nasal prongs and have a surgical mask over the top of the nasal prongs when leaving a confined room (if medical condition allows) • Visitor PPE requirements should be the same as staff for all precaution types. Masks • Must meet the TGA standards ((https://www.tga.gov.au/) 38 for clinical use in Australia • Consult the ARTG (https://www.tga.gov.au/australian-register-therapeutic-goods) 39 for approved masks and review the relevant AS/NZ Respiratory Protection Standards (e.g., 1715 and 1716) ( https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/sa-snz/ publicsafety/sf-010) 43 • Surgical masks o Surgical masks are loose-fitting and are designed to provide a barrier to mucous membranes (i.e. mouth and nose) o Correctly positioned, the efficiency of the mask is not reduced if there is an opening at the sides o Fit testing is not required o If ear-loops are too loose, cross the elastic over once before securing behind the ear (see picture below)

• N95/P2 Respirators o Firm-fitting and are designed to prevent aerosols from reaching the mouth and nose. o Fit testing of the specific respirator used should be undertaken. o Fit checking is required every time a respirator is worn. • Clear masks (complete or partial) o If a clear mask is used for clinical reasons (e.g., to aid communication), it must adhere to the relevant standards (Australian or international) and be approved by the TGA (https://www.tga.gov.au/) 38 to ensure the mask demonstrates adequate safety, quality and performance for clinical purposes. Check with local Health Department for advice from Infection Prevention and Control staff. Cloth masks o Speech pathologists should not use a cloth mask in the clinical or practice setting. Cloth masks do not meet the mandated standards stipulated by the TGA (https://www.tga.gov.au/). 38 •

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020