Medical Evaluations And Fit Tests For Respirators

OSHA requires that in any workplace, is necessary to protect the health of the

employee, or in any workplace where respirators are required by an employer, the
employer must establish and implement a written respiratory protection program. 
Medical evaluation and fit test for respirators are part of this program

Medical evaluations are required for handlers who must use a respirator. These are
confidential between the employee and the medical professional. Additionally, the
medical evaluation must be completed at no cost to the employee and during normal
working hours or at a time convenient to the handler

The medical evaluation is a questionnaire located in Appendix C of the OSHA

respiratory protection standard that the employee completes. A physician or licensed
health care professional (PLHCP) must review it to assess whether:

 A follow-up exam with a physician is required for that worker.

 The worker is cleared for respirator use with no restrictions.

 The worker is cleared with restrictions. That may mean they can’t use a negative
pressure respirator on the job but could consider a positive pressure respirator
instead.

 The worker isn’t cleared for any respirator usage.

There are two types of respirator fit tests: quantitative and qualitative. Cuantitative fit
testing uses a special instrument to monitor the levels of a contaminant inside and
outside the facepiece of a respirator. A score is given dependent on the amount of
contaminant found in the facepiece. This score determines how well the facepiece
seals and if it may be utilized by the handler. This method of fit testing requires
special equipment and trained personnel, but is more accurate than qualitative fit
testing. Qualitative fit testing uses the handler's sense of smell to determine if they
can detect certain substances while wearing the respirator. If they detect odor the
facepiece does not seal properly and they must find a different respirator. This type
of testing can be done by anyone which means employers may purchase their own
kits for use.