Do you need a medical evaluation to use a respirator?

Do you need a medical evaluation to use a respirator?

Medical Evaluations for Respirator Usage People with underlying medical conditions may put themselves at risk if they work while wearing one. So the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires medical evaluation before any employee can even be fit-tested for — let alone wear — a respirator.

What is OSHA respirator medical evaluation?

A respirator medical evaluation is a health assessment that determines if an employee is medically fit to wear a respirator on the job.

How often are medical evaluations required for respirators?

How often should recertification be performed? Some recommendations: <35 years of age, every 4-5 years. 35-45 years of age, every 2 years>

Is a medical evaluation required for N95 respirators?

Response: The new respiratory protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, states, “The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine that the employee’s ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace.” Employees that use any respirators including …

What part of the OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire is mandatory?

Section 1. (Mandatory) Every employee who has been selected to use any type of respirator (please print) must provide the following information. Check the type of respirator you will use (you can check more than one category): a N, R, or P disposable respirator (filter-mask, non-cartridge type only).

How long is a respirator fit test good for?

one year
The fit test is valid for one year unless there are any major changes to the face of the user. This may include major dental work, facial scarring, a visible change in weight or facial surgery.

Can you smell through a respirator?

The NIOSH-approved N95 respirators must pass the filter performance tests listed in the NIOSH’s regulations. Smell is quite another matter. Smell detects molecules via our olfactory receptors. Sulfur with an approximate molecule diameter of 0.0004 μm is detectable by smell and could certainly pass through an N95 mask.

Can I wear a respirator at work?

The use of respirators is not regarded as mandatory unless required under the standard and/or the employer requires that employees wear respirators regardless of the exposure assessment results.

What is OSHA Appendix C?

Appendix C to § 1910.134: OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (Mandatory) To the employer: Answers to questions in Section 1, and to question 9 in Section 2 of part A, do not require a medical examination.