T.O.C.

OBTAINING A RESPIRATOR - MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRES
AND EVALUATIONS

Step #1 Medical Questionnaire consisting of, at a minimum, a medical history equivalent to that included within Appendix C to Section 1910.134 shall be completed by those individuals working in environments identified as requiring use of a respirator
Step #2 The following information must be provided to the PLHCP in addition to that provided by the questionnaire, if not on questionnaire, before the PLHCP makes a recommendation concerning an employee's ability to use a respirator:
  • The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the employee;
  • The duration and frequency of respirator use;
  • The expected physical work effort (i.e., light, medium or heavy)
  • Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn; and
  • Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered.
Step #3 Obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP. The recommendation shall be based on the information provided by the questionnaire, physical examination and results of the pulmonary function test (PFT). (NOTE: Physical examinations and PFTs shall be performed on individuals required to wear cartridge respirators or SCBAs) The written recommendation should provide only the following information:
  • Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of the employee, or relating to the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator;
  • The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and
  • A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the PLHCP's written recommendation.
Step #4 Return to your department supervisor and present the written physicians opinion. The departmental administering person or "trainer" shall either issue or contact the Program Coordinators at EHSO for fit testing for the respiratory protection assigned. Should the department administrator or "trainer" perform fit testing protocol and issue respiratory protection a copy of the fit test evaluation and physicians written opinion shall be forwarded to the Program Administrator/Coordinators at EHSO for tracking and review.