Masks and face shields for use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Regulations; provision to peace officers and firemen; waiver of requirements; civil immunity for use.
1. The State Board of Health shall adopt by regulation the types of portable manual masks and face shields that are approved by the Board to assist in the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An approved mask or face shield may not weigh more than 1 pound.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, every employer shall, without charge to the peace officer or fireman, provide each peace officer, whether or not he is on duty, and each fireman who is on duty, whether paid or voluntary, with:
(a) A portable manual mask and face shield approved by the Board; and
(b) Initial training and instruction in the use of the equipment.
Ê The mask, shield and training must be provided not later than 30 days after the first day of employment. The employer shall provide refresher courses in the use of the equipment when necessary.
3. An employer may apply to the Health Division for a waiver of the requirements of subsection 2 with regard to each peace officer or fireman who, in the normal course of his employment, is not likely ever to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The application must be in writing, specify the reasons why the employee is not likely in the normal course of his employment ever to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be sworn to by the employer or his authorized representative. The Health Division shall grant or deny the waiver based on the information contained in the application.
4. A waiver granted pursuant to subsection 3 expires upon any change in the duties of the peace officer or fireman which make it likely that he will administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation at some time in the normal course of his employment. The date of the change in duties shall be deemed to be the first day of employment for purposes of subsection 2.
5. An injury or illness which results from the use of a mask or shield by a peace officer or fireman pursuant to subsection 2 may not be considered as negligence or as causation in any civil action brought against a peace officer or fireman or his employer.
6. As used in this section:
(a) “Employer” means any person who employs or provides equipment to a fireman or peace officer, including the State of Nevada and its political subdivisions.
(b) “Peace officer” means:
(1) Sheriffs of counties and of metropolitan police departments and their deputies;
(2) Personnel of the Nevada Highway Patrol when exercising the police powers specified in NRS 480.330 and 480.360; and
(3) Marshals and policemen of cities and towns.
Last modified: February 26, 2006