Respirator medical evaluation

What is a respirator medical evaluation?

Respirators place additional demands on the heart, lungs and overall physical condition. This evaluation identifies any medical conditions that could make respirator use unsafe before the employee is required to wear one in the workplace.

Respirator medical evaluation requirements

Under OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), any employee required to wear a respirator as a condition of employment must have a medical evaluation before being fit-tested or required to use the respirator on the job. It must be performed by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) and repeated periodically — or sooner if the employee reports symptoms, workplace conditions change, or the PLHCP or employer decides a re-evaluation is needed.

How does the exam work?

The evaluation usually starts with a standardized medical questionnaire covering the employee’s health history, including cardiovascular, pulmonary or other conditions that could affect safe respirator use. Depending on the answers and the type of respirator, the PLHCP may recommend further evaluation such as a physical exam, pulmonary function testing or other diagnostic studies. Once complete, the PLHCP provides a written recommendation stating whether the employee is medically cleared, with any limitations.