Using a respirator can place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee.
OSHA requires employers to:
- Train employees on respirator use and care
- Provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator before the employee is fit tested or is required to use the respirator in the workplace;
- Fit Test each employee with every respirator type that employee wears for work
The Work Place can help you gain and maintain OSHA compliance!
The Work Place Annual Respirator Training includes:
- Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, and maintenance can make the respirator ineffective
- What the limitations and capabilities of the selected respirator are
- How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions
- How to inspect, put on and remove, and check the seals of the respirator
- What the respirator maintenance and storage procedures are
- How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use of the respirator
- The general requirements of the Respiratory Protection standard
The Work Place medical screening evaluations will be performed in accordance with OSHA/PESH requirements using one of the following methods, as determined by your organization:
The Work Place/OSHA medical questionnaire review - The OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire is used to obtain medical information. A medical examination must be provided and will be scheduled if positive answers are given on the questionnaire, or if the health care professional determines it's necessity.
The Work Place medical screening examination* - The medical screening examinations will meet the OSHA/PESH requirements for physical examinations for respirator wearers according to the mandates of the OSHA Standard for Respiratory Protection CFR 1910.134 and the American standard for respirator wearers.
Fit Testing
- Before an employee uses any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style and size of respirator that will be used. Using a TSI PortaCount, the technician will determine the effectiveness of a respirator's seal by excluding ambient atmosphere. The test subject will be instructed to don the respirator, and to perform various movements as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134, including:
- Normal breathing while standing
- Turning head from side-to-side
- Reading
- A minimum fit factor of 100 for half-mask and 1000 for full
- A mask must be obtained for proper fit certification
(Qualitative fit testing procedures are also available)
Fit tests are preceded by a brief instructional session on proper use of the respirator as mandated in the standard. Upon successful completion of the respiratory fit test, each employee will be issued a clearance card specifying type of respirator, size of respirator fitted, and any restriction that may apply.