Every year, OSHA reports on the most commonly cited standards and the respiratory protection standard continues to be on the top 10 list. The most common issues cited include providing medical evaluations, a written respirator program, and voluntary use of respirators.

If your organization requires employees to wear respirators you need to have a written respiratory protection program in place. The next step and one of the most important parts of your program is to make sure each employee can safely wear a respirator. This is accomplished with an individual medical evaluation. Initial medical evaluations need to be completed prior to fit testing. Before you arrange for the medical evaluations, you’ll need the following:

• The type and weight of the respirator to be worn by each employee in your program;
• How long and how often the respirator will be worn;
• How hard the work will be and how much effort will be involved;
• Other protective clothing or equipment will be worn during respirator use;
• Temperature and humidity extremes at work; along with
• A copy of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard and your employer's written respiratory protection program.

Medical evaluations can be conducted by a physician or licensed health care professional (PLHCP) and uses the medical questionnaire in Appendix C of the respiratory protection standard. The evaluation can be conducted in a variety of ways including via mail, online or in person at a clinic.  Of note, some substance specific OSHA standards like the asbestos standard requires a more in-depth medical evaluation that cannot be accomplished by filling out the questionnaire alone.

The PLHCP provides a written recommendation whether or not the individual can safely wear the designated respirator and if a follow-up evaluation is needed.   An employee needs to be medically re-evaluated if they show signs or symptoms that are related to their ability to wear a respirator or if there is a change in the workplace conditions affecting the employees.  In addition, the PLHCP may prescribe annual tests to make sure employees can safety wear a respirator.

Resources

OSHA Video

OSHA Respiratory Protection Topic Page