N95 Respirator Reuse Via UVGI Decontamination Protocol.pdf

Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to address critical shortages of PPE, this method leverages existing evidence demonstrating UVGI's effectiveness against human pathogens, including coronaviruses.

Key Points:

Rationale: The global COVID-19 pandemic created a severe shortage of N95 FFRs, prompting the need for alternative decontamination strategies to extend available supplies.
Method: The process involves placing used N95 FFRs in brown bags and exposing them to UVGI irradiation at specific doses (60 mJ/cm2 or 300 mJ/cm2) within a dedicated UVGI room.
Roles:
Healthcare Professional (HCP): Responsible for proper donning, doffing, and handling of N95 FFRs throughout the process.
UVGI Associate: Handles bagging, transport, and decontamination of respirators in the UVGI room.
Process Flow:

1. Respirator Collection: HCP deposit used N95 FFRs in brown bags in a soiled utility room.
2. Hand Hygiene: HCP perform hand hygiene before and after handling respirators.
3. Transport: UVGI Associate transports bags to the UVGI room using a cart.
4. UVGI Decontamination: Respirators are placed in white bags, marked with owner names, and exposed to UVGI irradiation for the required dose.
5. Post-Decontamination Handling: After decontamination, respirators are carefully repackaged into clean white bags, stapled shut, and placed into totes for pickup by designated staff.

Safety Precautions:

Do not block UVGI arc from reaching respirators.
Turn off lights and close door during decontamination cycle.
Follow proper PPE protocols when handling decontaminated respirators.

Important Considerations:

This method is intended for surface decontamination only; it does not replace proper cleaning and disinfection of respirator storage areas and handling equipment.
Validating the effectiveness of this process against specific pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, is crucial before widespread implementation.
Organizations considering UVGI decontamination should thoroughly evaluate their procedures and consult relevant guidelines from regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA.