It is important to have a good seal when using a respirator. Therefore, a qualitative respirator fit test will not be performed on individuals with facial hair that interferes with the respirator. If the facial hair sits inside the respirator, and the seal is against the skin, a fit test is feasible.

Yes. Under federal law it is mandatory to complete this questionnaire as part of the medical evaluation. The form is provided by Occupational Health Services during the medical evaluation process.

Yes. Employees must be medically cleared by Occupational Health Service and fit tested by EHS before commencing use.

A respirator is a protective facepiece, hood or helmet that is designed to protect the wearer against a variety of harmful airborne agents.

Respirators should be used for protection only when engineering controls have been shown to be infeasible for the control of the hazard or during the interim period when engineering controls are being installed. When used appropriately, respirators are there to protect employees from breathing contaminated air. Some respirators (e.g. self contained breathing apparatus) will additionally supply breathing air in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Medical clearance is provided by Occupational Health Services (212-746-4370). A physician or other licensed health care professional operating within the scope of his/her practice needs to medically evaluate employees to determine under what conditions they can safely wear respirators

No, all respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to be encountered in the workplace (i.e. particulates, vapors, mists, Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, or a combination). There are different respirators based on the hazard.

All respirators must be certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When HEPA filtration is required, the appropriate class of respirator is Type 100 (N100, R100, or P100).

Fit testing is required annually to ensure a proper fit and to retrain wearers on the care and usage of respiratory protection.

A medical clearance is required for initial participation in the respiratory protection program. Follow-up annual fit testing requires answering a medical questionnaire for evaluation by a licensed medical practitioner and attendance to a scheduled fit testing session where practices are discussed in addition to a refit. If make and size changes, it will be noted on your fit test form. Contact EHS to schedule fit testing.

If there is a change in your medical condition that affects wearing a respirator, or if you develop difficulties in wearing the respirator, do not wait for your annual fit test. Notify Occupational Health Service (OHS) for a medical re-evaluation. OHS will determine if you need another medical exam.

Refer to the Respiratory Protection Program for general information concerning respirator use. Upon request, EHS is available to performs a hazard assessment of the work area (this may include personal monitoring) to determine if respiratory protection is needed.