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