By: Jasmine Davey
Safety Management
RESPIRATORY FIT TESTING PURPOSE & PROCESSES
PURPOSE
• To provide a consistent process for respirator clearance for workers in
accordance with OSHA Standards
• Prevent occupational diseases
• Test workers with known exposures to respiratory hazards
• Ensures employee is safety wearing respiratory mask correctly
• Assurance that employee can endure stress of wearing respirator while
performing tasks
MEDICAL EVALUATION• Who Can Perform the Medical Evaluation?
• A physician or authorized health care provider
• Who pays?
• The employer
• Types of Respirators?
• Half Face or Dusk Mask Respirator
• Full Face, hood, or SCBA respirator
• What's required?
• OSHA questionnaires
• Medical Evaluation with possible physical exam or additional testing
• When?
• Prior fit testing, use of respirator in the workplace
• A follow-up is needed if the worker's health problems are possible related to respiratory problems due to work exposure
PROCEDURE
• Initial Certification (Pre-employment)
• Company Respirator Questionnaire
• Employee is to complete the OSHA Respiratory Questionnaire
• Physician will review the two Questionnaires
Clearance
-Employee can be cleared for respiratory use
No positive Questions on Employee OSHA Questionnaire
PROCEDURE
Clearance
• What happens if responses are positive?
• Medical Examination is needed
• Interview the employee
• Medical Records need to be reviewed
• Request Spirometry
• When is Spirometry required?
• positive answers on OSHA question
• any medical history changes (asthma or bronchitis etc.)
MEDICAL DETERMINATION
Respirator Medical Recommendation
• Completed by the medical provider
What is reported to the employer?
• If the employee is medically able to use a respirator
• Any Limitations
• Recommends the next evaluation
ANNUAL FIT TESTING & RECERTIFICATION
Frequency
Age Light to Moderate Work
Strenuous work/ SCBA
Under 35 Every 5 Years Every 3 Years
35-45 Every 2 Years Every 18 Months
Over 45 Yearly Yearly
THANKS FOR LISTENING !
REFERENCES
• Information provided to me by my employer/department Aurora Occupational Health Services
• Aurora Health Care’s Respiratory Policies and Procedures Information Sheet
• Aurora Health Care’s OSHA Questionnaires Forms