Respiratory Protection Research Articles

Construction of Half Masks for the Respiratory Tract Protection and the Speech Intelligibility Assessed from the Measured Suppression of Sound

Half masks (a.k.a. filtering facepieces, FFP) are personal protective equipment against dust in a work environment. Their filtration efficiency is legally regulated. Occupational safety and health services have not paid enough attention to speech disruption caused by FFPs, even though the latter could impair verbal communication and result in discomfort or increased risk of accidents. This study deals with the objective differences in speech suppression between masks of various construction belonging to the same filtration class, FFP2, and equipped with exhalation valves. We applied an objective method of white noise attenuation, suggested in our previous work. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the acoustic apparati are applied in the whole procedure, and no human speakers/listeners participation is required. We compared seven types of masks: three moulded, one moulded with folded elements, two folded horizontally, and one vertically. We determined attenuation caused by the masks in 1/3 octave-wide bands with centre frequency from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. All the studied FFPs attenuated sound waves in a frequency range responsible for 80–90% of the perceived speech intelligibility. The attenuations of moulded masks were ca. 3 dB higher in 1–16 kHz bands than those of folded ones. The moulded mask with foldable parts for better fitting the face suppressed the high-pitch tones considerably more than the other masks. These observations were confirmed quantitatively by the cluster analysis based on the Euclidean distances between the acoustic spectra.

Clinical Issues - August 2023.

Respiratory protection against surgical smoke from liver tissue Key words: surgical N95 respirator, surgical smoke, liver tissue, fine and ultrafine particles, particulate matter concentrations. Local exhaust ventilation and surgical smoke safety Key words: local exhaust ventilation (LEV), surgical smoke evacuation, medical-surgical suction, hierarchy of controls, engineering control. Location of endoscopy storage cabinets Key words: endoscope; sterile storage; contamination; environmental conditions; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) design parameters. Sterility of ultrasound transmission gel Key words: sterile gel, nonsterile gel, multidose container, ultrasound, outbreaks.

Evaluation of health worker acceptance and tolerance of respirators in clinical practice—An Australian perspective

One of the main infection prevention and control measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic was the focused application of respiratory protection to ensure health worker safety and the effective use of personal protective equipment. However, user acceptance of these strategies is paramount in sustainable compliance. This study explores various aspects of respirator use and provides recommendations to improve and maximize health worker safety. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between respirator (P2/N95) comfort and user experience towardrespiratory protection. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between respirator (P2/N95) comfort and user experience towardrespiratory protection. The nonexperimental cross-sectional design study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia between November and December 2022 using an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire in Microsoft Forms. Of 2,514 respondents, 65% reported to have used a respirator every working day with only a few using a respirator once weekly or less (9%). Almost all respondents had completed at least one quantitative fit test (96%) prior to the survey. Fifty-nine percent reported to have experienced discomfort from wearing a respirator and the most reported adverse effect was difficulty communicating (64%), followed by skin irritation or acne (62%) and headache (56%). Despite somewhat less favorable ratings on comfort and communication, health workers are in favor of respiratory protection. However, a focus on tolerance of respirators and strategies to address adverse effects from prolonged respirator use must be considered when implementing policies and procedures. Moreover, resources must be allocated to improve the design, breathability, and sustainability of a respirator along with education and training on how to use respiratory protection safely and effectively.

Self-reported respiratory health symptoms and respiratory protection behaviors of young adult hog producers in the United States.

In this study, we evaluated self-reported respiratory symptoms during agricultural work, respiratory protection use and experience, and perceived value of receiving respirators using Gear Up for Ag Health and Safety Program™ pre- and post-surveys from 703 to 212 young adult hog producers in the United States. To our knowledge, this is one of the most extensive survey data sets on self-reported respiratory symptoms and respiratory protection behaviors of collegiate-aged young adults working in USlivestock production. About one-third (37%) of young adult hog producers stated that they have experienced cough, shortness of breath, fever, and chills after working in dusty areas on the farm. Most (76.2%) stated that they were already "always"or "sometimes"wearing filtering facepiece (N95-style) respirators, even before participating in an outreach program. About one-third (30%) reported experience wearing a cartridge-style respirator but only 5% reported having been fit-tested for a respirator. Young adult male producers were significantly more likely to report use of both respirator types when compared to females, both before and after the program. Male producers were also more likely than females to engage in high-risk farm tasks where respirators are recommended, such as cleaning out grain bins and mixing or grinding feed. Following an educational program, males and females reported using the respirators that they received at similar rates, and 20% of overall participants purchased additional respiratory protection. The study found that young adult hog producers in postsecondary education are already wearing respirators with some frequency and at rates higher than previously reported by agricultural workers. More research is needed to make effective task-based respirator-use recommendations and investigate some significant gender differences among young adult hog producers observed in this study.

Air Pollution and Diet: Potential Interacting Exposures in Asthma.

To provide a review of emerging literature describing the impact of diet on the respiratory response to air pollution in asthma. Asthma phenotyping (observable characteristics) and endotyping (mechanistic pathways) have increased the specificity of diagnostic and treatment pathways and opened the doors to the identification of subphenotypes with enhanced susceptibility to exposures and interventions. Mechanisms underlying the airway immune response to air pollution are still being defined but include oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of adaptive and innate immune responses, with genetic susceptibility highlighted. Of these, neutrophil recruitment and activation appear prominent; however, understanding neutrophil function in response to pollutant exposures is a research gap. Diet may play a role in asthma pathogenesis and morbidity; therefore, diet modification is a potential target opportunity to protect against pollutant-induced lung injury. In particular, in vivo and in vitro data suggest the potential for diet to modify the inflammatory response in the airways, including impacts on neutrophil recruitment and function. Murine models provide compelling results in regard to the potential for dietary components (including fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids) to buffer against the inflammatory response to air pollution in the lung. Precision lifestyle approaches to asthma management and respiratory protection in the context of air pollution exposures may evolve to include diet, pending the results of further epidemiologic and causal investigation and with neutrophil recruitment and activation as a candidate mechanism.

Conducting quantitative mask fit tests: application details and affecting factors.

Respirators chosen based on their assigned protection factor (APF) enable wearers to effectively reduce particulate matter concentrations to safe levels when used correctly. As a crucial factor in achieving the intended APF, the fit test has become a necessary procedure in respiratory disease protection. This study involved 225 participants who underwent a fit test using two reusable types of half masks and two types of full masks. Condensation nuclei counting (CNC) and controlled negative pressure (CNP) were performed. The results revealed that the passing rate of full masks was higher compared to half masks. Specifically, the passing rate for the half masks and the full masks were 84.7 and 91.6%, respectively. Gender exerted a statistically significant effect on the passing rate. Nevertheless, age, educational background, and training exhibited relatively negligible effects. Certain movements, such as facing forward, were identified as key actions with strong correlation. Additionally, talking was considered a key action with a high failure rate due to instantaneous leakages. Most participants failed at the initial step of CNP, but nearly all of them passed the fit test using CNC. Therefore, putting on full masks, especially for women, provides optimal protection during work. Furthermore, attention should be given to the displacement and deformation of the respirator during the key actions. When it comes to fit test methods, CNC was found to be more practical and comprehensive compared to CNP. Moreover, additional physiological characteristics, such as double chins, could be explored as potential influential factors.

Gradient transparency of Semi-IPN PVA/PVME electrospun nanofibrous membrane for estimating the remaining life of face mask

After suffering the COVID-19 viruliferous epidemic outbreak, wearing disposable protective masks has become an effective protective measure in our daily life. However, protection effectiveness of disposable protective masks will be greatly reduced or even lost once overstep their service life span. Thus, developing a strategy that can identify the remaining service life of masks by naked eyes becomes desirable. Here, we prepared a gradient transparent membrane as a view layer of masks by electrospinning the semi-interpenetration PVA/PVME membrane (semi-IPNM) which rapid responded to the respiration moisture. Based on the Darcy law by COMSOL software, with the increasing time of respiration simulation, the transparent area diffused from center to the edge of the membrane, like a progress bar revealing the remaining life of face mask. The resultant semi-IPNM exhibited excellent flexibility, nontoxicity, high tensile strength (34.5 MPa) and reliable filtration efficiency (greater than92%) even through 6 h using. Meanwhile, the pressure drop of semi-IPNM became higher after 6 h using, which was not meet up with human needs that indicated the disposable face mask should be discarded according to WS/T 311–2009 technical specification. Therefore, a view layer of face masks built by this strategy possesses a real-time service life management and an effective respiratory protection.

Prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic-band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare workers.

To undertake a healthcare-based multimodal evaluation of the combination of filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) with the elastic-band beard cover technique, including quantitative fit test (QNFT) results, skills assessment, and usability assessment. We conducted a prospective study through the Respiratory Protection Program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from May 2022 to January 2023. Healthcare workers who required respiratory protection and could not shave for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. Online education and personal face-to-face training on the use of FFR with the elastic-band beard cover technique. Among 87 participants (median beard length 38 mm; interquartile range [IQR], 20-80), 86 (99%) passed 3 QNFTs consecutively with the elastic-band beard cover under a Trident P2 respirator and 68 (78%) passed 3 QNFTs consecutively with a 3M 1870+ Aura respirator. The first QNFT pass rate and the overall fit factors were significantly higher when using the technique than without the elastic-band beard cover. Most participants displayed a high skill level in their donning, doffing, and user seal-check techniques. Of 87 participants, 83 (95%) completed the usability assessment. The overall ease of use, comfort, and overall assessment were rated highly. The elastic-band beard cover technique can provide safe and effective respiratory protection for bearded healthcare workers. The technique was easily taught, comfortable, well tolerated and accepted by healthcare workers, potentially allowing them full participation in the workforce during pandemics with airborne transmission. We recommend further research and evaluation of this technique in a broader health workforce.

Intranasal influenza-vectored COVID-19 vaccine restrains the SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory response in hamsters

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and “anatomical escape” characteristics threaten the effectiveness of current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. There is an urgent need to understand the immunological mechanism of broad-spectrum respiratory tract protection to guide broader vaccines development. Here we investigate immune responses induced by an NS1-deleted influenza virus vectored intranasal COVID-19 vaccine (dNS1-RBD) which provides broad-spectrum protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters. Intranasal delivery of dNS1-RBD induces innate immunity, trained immunity and tissue-resident memory T cells covering the upper and lower respiratory tract. It restrains the inflammatory response by suppressing early phase viral load post SARS-CoV-2 challenge and attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine (Il6, Il1b, and Ifng) levels, thereby reducing excess immune-induced tissue injury compared with the control group. By inducing local cellular immunity and trained immunity, intranasal delivery of NS1-deleted influenza virus vectored vaccine represents a broad-spectrum COVID-19 vaccine strategy to reduce disease burden.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE ELECTRODE TYPES ON THE CARBON MONOXIDE FORMATION DURING THE WELDING PROCESS

A study on the dependence of the carbon monoxide concentration in the working area on the magnitude of the welding current and welding time while using electrodes of different types was conducted in order to choose the methods and means for the protection of welders. An analysis of the latest research and publications on air pollution in the working area by aerosols and gases generated during arc welding was performed. For the experimental determination of carbon monoxide concentrations in the welding area, an individual gas detector-analyzer was used. The research results conducted during arc welding in laboratory conditions using the full factorial planning of the FFE2 type experiment are presented. Based on the obtained regression models, graphical dependences of carbon monoxide concentration in the working area on the welding current and welding time were constructed when using the most common brands of electrodes. It was established that the largest amount of carbon monoxide is formed during welding at a current of 200 A with electrodes having a rutile-cellulose coating, in second place - with electrodes having a basic coating, and in third place - having rutile coating; after 5 minutes of welding with an electric current of 100 A, a larger amount of this gas is formed when using the electrodes having the basic coating. The obtained dependences make it possible to practically choose welding modes that ensure minimum levels of carbon monoxide emissions. A complex of modern solutions for reducing air pollution in the working area with carbon monoxide is given, which consists in the use of neutralization methods, ventilation means, and the use of appropriate means of individual respiratory protection, as well as controlling the air environment state during work.

Расчетная оценка эффективности технических решений по естественному проветриванию обычных лестничных клеток при пожаре в жилых зданиях

Introduction. Natural ventilation of ordinary staircases in case of fire is provided for by the provisions of regulatory documents in the field of fire safety and plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of people. This article analyzes the effectiveness of ventilation of staircases through window openings in the outer walls, as well as through the openings of exits to the roof. The purpose of this article is to develop criteria and mathematical relationships for evaluating the effectiveness of technical solutions for ventilation of staircases, as well as their approbation for residential buildings of various heights. Methods. Mathematical methods are used to predict the concentration of combustion products on different floors of stairwells, depending on the area of open window openings and the possibility of opening roof access hatches, as well as an analytical method for evaluating the effectiveness of technical solutions for ventilation of stairwells. Resu lts. Theoretical provisions have been developed to assess the effect of the area of open window openings and roof hatches on the natural ventilation of ordinary staircases in sectional-type residential buildings with exits from apartments to staircases, and calculations have been made to evaluate the effectiveness of these solutions in buildings of various heights. Conclusions. Based on the research, criteria and mathematical ratios have been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of various technical solutions for the natural ventilation of ordinary staircases. At the same time, the effectiveness of these solutions is determined by the possibility of rescuing people from the apartments of the corresponding floor without the involvement of a significant number of firefighters and without the use of personal respiratory and eye protection equipment.

Pass rates of four P2/N95 respirators or filtering facepiece respirators in Australian healthcare providers: A prospective observational study.

P2/N95 respirators or filtering facepiece respirators may not have the same pass rate on quantitative fit testing. The aim of this study was to investigate the pass rate of four commonly used filtering facepiece respirators in Australian healthcare providers. The secondary objectives included assessing the ease of donning, doffing and comfort of wearing these four filtering facepiece respirators for more than 30 minutes. A multivariable analysis was also conducted to assess if certain variables (e.g. age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, facial width and length) were associated with passing or failing fit testing. We conducted a prospective observational study of 150 hospital staff who presented for fit testing in a metropolitan hospital in Victoria, Australia. The order of the four filtering facepiece respirators being tested was randomised. A Cochran's Q test was used to test the global null hypothesis that all four filtering facepiece respirators being tested have the same pass rate. A difference in pass rate was found between the four filtering facepiece respirators that were tested (P < 0.001). The 3M™ Aura 1870+ (3M Australia Pty Ltd, North Ryde, NSW) had the highest pass rate (83%) followed by the 3M™ 1860 (3M Australia Pty Ltd, North Ryde, NSW) (61%), BSN ProShield™ N95 (BSN Medical, Mulgrave, Victoria) (55%) and the BYD DE2322 N95 (BYD Care, Los Angeles, CA, USA) (44%). There was also a difference in the ease of donning, doffing and comfort. Therefore, healthcare facilities that perform fit testing should take these factors into consideration when designing an effective respiratory protection programme.

Effects of the Use of N95 Masks on the Vital Signs of Healthy Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

The N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FR) is the most commonly recommended respiratory protection used in healthcare settings. However, concerns have been raised about its use because it can increase respiratory resistance and dead space. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of wearing N95 masks on the vital signs, i.e., oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and respiratory rate, of the participant health workers. Our secondary objective was to assess the subjective feeling of discomfort when wearing N95 masks. The study participants were healthy healthcare workers taking care of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected pediatric cases who did at least six hours of continuous shift duty in the pediatric COVID-19 ward at a tertiary care hospital in the eastern part of India. They were evaluated for vital signs at various time intervals while wearing N95 masks. Subjective discomfort at any point in time was also noted. We found a significant variation in the mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) reduction across the four different points. The pair-wise comparison showed a small but significant decrease in the mean SpO2 of 98.3% (1.1)at six hoursas compared with a mean SpO2 of 98.7% (0.9) at three hours. Similarly, a significant increase was noted for a mean HR of 84.7bpm (11.2) at six hours compared with a baseline of 82.3bpm (9.2) and 83.2bpm (8.8) at three hours. The continuous use of an N95 mask leads to a mild increase in respiratory rate. However, heart rate and oxygen saturation vary significantly at different points in time after N95 mask use.

General Critical Care, Temperature Control, and End-of-Life Decision Making in Patients Resuscitated from Cardiac Arrest.

Cardiac arrest affects millions of people per year worldwide. Although advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intensive care have improved outcomes over time, neurologic impairment and multiple organ dysfunction continue to be associated with a high mortality rate. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the post-resuscitation disease are complex, and a coordinated, evidence-based approach to post-resuscitation care has significant potential to improve survival. Critical care management of patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest focuses on the identification and treatment of the underlying cause(s), hemodynamic and respiratory support, organ protection, and active temperature control. This review provides a state-of-the-art appraisal of critical care management of the post-cardiac arrest patient.

Facility design and worker justice: COVID-19 transmission in meatpacking plants.

Meatpacking plants were major sources of COVID-19 outbreaks, posing unprecedented risks to employees, family members, and local communities. The effect on food availability during outbreaks was immediate and staggering: within 2 months, the price of beef increased by almost 7% with documented evidence of significant meat shortages. Meatpacking plant designs, in general, optimize on production; this design approach constrains the ability to enhance worker respiratory protection without reducing output. Using agent-based modeling, we simulate the spread of COVID-19 within a typical meatpacking plant design under varying levels of mitigation measures, including combinations of social distancing and masking interventions. Simulations show an average infection rate of close to 99% with no mitigation, 99% with the policies that UScompanies ultimately adopted, 81% infected with the combination of surgical masks and distancing policies, and 71% infected with N95 masks and distancing. Estimated infection rates were high, reflecting the duration and exertion of the processing activities and lack of fresh airflow in an enclosed space. Our results are consistent with anecdotal findings in a recent congressional report, and are much higher than USindustry has reported. Our results suggest current processing plant designs made rapid transmission of the virus during the pandemic's early days almost inevitable, and implemented worker protections during COVID-19 did not significantly affect the spread of the virus. We argue current federal policies and regulations are insufficient to ensure the health and safety of workers, creating a justice issue, and jeopardizing food availability in a future pandemic.

Exposure Levels of Airborne Fungi, Bacteria, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Cotton Farms during Cotton Harvesting and Evaluations of N95 Respirators against These Bioaerosols.

The USA is the third-leading cotton-producing country worldwide and cotton farming is common in the state of Georgia. Cotton harvest can be a significant contributor to airborne microbial exposures to farmers and nearby rural communities. The use of respirators or masks is one of the viable options for reducing organic dust and bioaerosol exposures among farmers. Unfortunately, the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR Part 1910.134) does not apply to agricultural workplaces and the filtration efficiency of N95 respirators was never field-tested against airborne microorganisms and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during cotton harvesting. This study addressed these two information gaps. Airborne culturable microorganisms were sampled using an SAS Super 100 Air Sampler in three cotton farms during cotton harvesting, and colonies were counted and converted to airborne concentrations. Genomic DNA was extracted from air samples using a PowerSoil® DNA Isolation Kit. A series of comparative critical threshold (2-ΔΔCT) real-time PCR was used to quantify targeted bacterial (16S rRNA) genes and major ARGs. Two N95 facepiece respirator models (cup-shaped and pleated) were evaluated for their protection against culturable bacteria and fungi, total microbial load in terms of surface ATP levels, and ARGs using a field experimental setup. Overall, culturable microbial exposure levels ranged between 103 and 104 CFU/m3 during cotton harvesting, which was lower when compared with bioaerosol loads reported earlier during other types of grain harvesting. The findings suggested that cotton harvesting works can release antibiotic resistance genes in farm air and the highest abundance was observed for phenicol. Field experimental data suggested that tested N95 respirators did not provide desirable >95% protections against culturable microorganisms, the total microbial load, and ARGs during cotton harvesting.

Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate occupational exposure data in industry (1998-2020): A descriptive summary from an industrial hygiene perspective.

This paper provides an overview of airborne methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) concentrations in workplaces across North America and Europe. A total of 7649 samples were collected between 1998 and 2020 by producers of MDI during product stewardship activities at customer sites, primarily using validated OSHA or ISO sampling and analysis techniques. As would be expected from the low vapor pressure of MDI, 80% of the concentrations were less than 0.01mg/m3 (1 ppb) and 93% were less than 0.05mg/m3 (5 ppb). Respiratory protection is an integral part of Industrial Hygiene practices; therefore, its use was studied and summarized. While covering a variety of MDI applications, a large number of samples was obtained from composite wood manufacturing facilities, offering specific insight into potential exposures associated with different process sections and job types in this industry sector. Given the potential presence in industrial processes of MDI-containing dust or aerosols, future work should place increased emphasis on also investigating dermal exposure. The data reported in this paper provide valuable information for product stewardship and industrial hygiene purposes throughout the MDI-processing industry.

Nurses' Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices Regarding the Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Background: Nurses are at high risk of several respiratory hazards comprising respiratory pathogens. So, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) are vital to protect nurses from novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. Purpose: The current study aimed to examine the knowledge level, practice and perceptions among nurses in a specialized cancer center using RPE. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The data was collected from 387 nurses working at a specialized cancer center as a convenience sampling technique. Results: An overall number of 387 staff nurses participated in the study. The majority of nurses had moderate knowledge levels, where the mean total score of nurses' knowledge was 12.98, with a range between 4 and 20. Also, the majority of nurses had good perceptions regarding the use of RPE (Total mean= 30.44, SD= 3.62). Regarding practice, most of the nurses wash their hands after contact with the outer surface of the respirator (F= 357, 92.2%). Conclusion: The good nurses' knowledge and perceptions regarding RPE's use were sufficient to provide an adequate practice level. However, implementing the RPE policy in hospitals could be useful to enhance the nurses' and other healthcare workers' knowledge, perceptions and practice regarding RPE. Implications for Nursing: Good practices are a crucial element in respiratory safety and nurses' protection against their place of work respiratory hazards. Keywords: 2019-nCoV, Nurses, Knowledge, Perceptions, Practice, Respiratory protective equipment

Composition and Activity of Copper-Palladium Catalyst on Carbon Fiber Material for Air Purification from Carbon Monoxide

A set of research methods (X-ray phase, desorption, kinetic) was used to determine the state of the basic components K2PdCl4 and Cu(NO3)2 in the catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide by oxygen. It was found that the palladium (II) and copper (II) initial compounds under the action of carbon fiber carrier change their state. Palladium is reduced to X-ray amorphous Pd0, and copper (II) is in the form of a crystalline phase Cu2(OH)3Cl. It was found that the catalyst exhibits protective properties within the initial concentrations of carbon monoxide  300 mg/m3 and an effective contact time of 0.45 s and can be used in human respiratory protection.

Oregon Project Firstline: A needs assessment of healthcare personnel infection prevention knowledge and training preferences

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) competency is critical for healthcare personnel (HCP) and patient safety. In collaboration with the CDC new national IPC training collaborative called Project Firstline, the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Program established a state-level program in 2021. The goal of Oregon Project Firstline is to provide relevant, accessible, and engaging IPC training materials for our state’s HCP. We assessed the IPC learning needs of Oregon’s healthcare workforce, and to understand the preferred methods and formats of training across the various HCP roles. Methods: OHA’s HAI program recruited HCP by distributing electronic surveys through multiple healthcare, regulatory, and public health partners’ email listservs and HCP-targeted newsletters. Survey responses were recorded from September 23 to December 10, 2021. The HAI program assessed respondents’ IPC knowledge, online and in-person job training preferences, frequently used training devices, and trusted sources for IPC information. An individual’s understanding of an IPC topic was categorized based on their self-assessed confidence in their knowledge and ability to teach the topic to others. In total, 6,382 surveyed responses were analyzed. Results: The average understanding among HCP was lowest in IPC topics relating to triage and isolation of contagious patients and fit testing of respiratory protection devices. For these topics, 3,208 HCP (66.21%) and 3,657 HCP (75.48%) HCP, respectively, did not understand the topic well enough to teach others (Fig. 1). The highest number of HCP (n = 2,512, 39.36%) requested additional training in methods on how to educate others about IPC topics (ie, “train the trainer”). Surveyed respondents most frequently used personal computers for job trainings in both work and at-home settings (n = 4,603, 72.12%) and 3,437 HCP (53.85%) were open to either in-person or remote formats for job education. The CDC and OHA were the most frequented and trusted IPC sources among surveyed HCP: 4,124 HCP (64.62%) and 3,584 HCP (56.16%), respectively. Conclusions: IPC is a critical topic in HCP training across all healthcare facility types and employee roles. Effective educational planning includes understanding the learners’ knowledge needs and preferred methods of learning. Our learning needs assessment identified important IPC knowledge gaps and will help ensure that our training courses will be offered in effective educational formats for Oregon’s diverse HCP. Future training will include appropriate triage of potentially infectious patients, respiratory fit testing, and general IPC “train the trainer” sessions. Additionally, we will offer both in-person and remote options.Disclosures: None