Key Terms

Aerosol refers to liquid or solid particles that are suspended in a mass of air.

Aerosol transmissible disease (ATD) refers to diseases or pathogens that are transmitted by droplets or particles that are suspended in the air.

Airborne infection isolation (>AII) refers to the measures used to control the transmission of ATDs. Airborne infection isolation is used when patients are suspected of being or known to be infected with certain airborne diseases.

Airborne infectious disease (>AirID) refers to aerosol transmitted diseases for which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommend airborne infection isolation, as listed in the Cal/OSHA ATD standard (Title 8 CCR Section 5199).

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) is the government agency that protects workers and the public from safety hazards.

Exposure incidents are events in which workers or other personnel are exposed to airborne chemical hazards or ATDs and for which respiratory protections is recommended.

Facility refers to the buildings, containers, or equipment that contain a process.

Fit testing is the process used to ensure that a respirator provides full protection from airborne hazards by being properly fit to the face of the person wearing the respirator.

High hazard procedures are procedures during which the worker performing the procedure is highly likely to be exposed to ATD pathogens.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) refers to the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent worker injury and illness.

Pathogens are disease-causing particles, such as bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to any clothing or equipment that is worn or used by people to protect them from hazards to their health or wellbeing.

Respiratory protection refers to equipment and methods used to safeguard the human respiratory system, which comprises the airway, the lungs, and the muscles of respiration. The purpose of the respiratory system is to carry air between the lungs and the atmosphere surrounding the body.

Surge procedures are the processes that healthcare facilities implement when there is an increased volume of patients who require a specialized medical service, procedure, equipment, or other resource. Surge plans are required to ensure that healthcare processes run smoothly during public health emergencies, such as during a flood or pandemic.

Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can spread between animals and humans (for example, Ebola virus disease and salmonellosis). This common type of disease may be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Diseases caused by insects are also zoonoses.

To learn more about Healthcare Respiratory Protection visit our Cal/OSHA Healthcare Respiratory Protection Safety Online Training web page.