Respirator Medical Evaluations

Q: Do employees need re-evaluation of medical clearance for respirator use?

A: Yes, under certain circumstances:

1910.134(e)(7) Additional medical evaluations. At a minimum, the employer shall provide additional medical evaluations that comply with the requirements of this section if:

         i. 1910.134(e)(7)(i) An employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to ability to use a respirator;

       ii. 1910.134(e)(7)(ii) A Physician or other licensed health care professional, supervisor, or the respirator program administrator informs the employer that an employee needs to be reevaluated;

      iii. 1910.134(e)(7)(iii) Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation; or

     iv.  1910.134(e)(7)(iv) A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physical work effort, protective clothing, temperature) that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an employee.