Introduction to the course
Healthcare workers are constantly exposed to various occupational respiratory hazards that may have lasting effects even after exposure ceases. This, may derive in work-related diseases which can lead to a lifetime of lung problems if not properly prevented and, ultimately, treated. The use of masks and respirators reduces the spread of the infection and though their use is recommended and, sometimes, mandatory, it should be accompanied by a training program to decrease the risk of infection.

Purpose
The aim is to provide health teams with tools and information that will help them avoid respiratory hazards and risks.

Objectives
1. Raise awareness on the importance of respiratory protection and the need to and benefits of receiving training on it.
2. Identify respiratory hazards in the workplace.
3. Describe respiratory protection options in healthcare facilities.
4. Recognize different types of respirators.
5. Analyze how to fit a respirator, and the steps you should follow to keep yourself safe.

People this course is intended for
This training course is aimed at all health workers in general.

Minimum hours required
An estimated 3 hours are required to complete this training course.

How to take the course
The course is available at PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health (VCPH).
Since this is a self-paced course, participants can choose when to do it and at what pace. Approximately 30 minutes are required per module, depending on the participant’s previous knowledge of the topic.

Skills you can develop
This course will allow you to develop skills related to identifying respiratory hazards and applying the correct measures to avoid certain contaminants and recognizing the need for a risk assessment program.

Course structure

• Introduction
• M1: Respiratory Hazards in the Health Setting
• M2: Respiratory Protection
• M3: Developing a Respiratory Protection Program
• M4: Fit-Testing and Respirator Use

Assessment
Evaluation and certificate After finishing the four modules, participants must take a final test of 12 multiple-choice questions. The final test is designed to offer participants multiple opportunities to answer correctly until they reach the 70% minimum necessary score. In order to obtain the certificate, participants must meet the following requirements:

• Successful completion of the exercises.
• A passing mark in the final test.

Participants who meet these requirements and complete the quality survey in the Virtual Campus for Public Health (VCPH) may download their certificate of completion issued by the Pan American Health Organization.