Respiratory Protection
This page provides essential information on the university’s Respiratory Protection Program, designed to protect individuals from workplace respiratory hazards. Learn about equipment selection, fit testing, maintenance, and compliance requirements to ensure health, safety, and regulatory adherence.
Steps to Follow Before Using a Respirator
- Conduct a Hazard Assessment : supervisor and respirator user evaluate workplace hazards to determine if respiratory protection is necessary.
- Submit the Respirator Request Form: The supervisor submits a Respirator Request Form to EHS to select the appropriate respirator for the identified hazards.
- Complete the Fit Test Questionnaire: The user fills out a Fit Test Questionnaire to confirm medical fitness and identify any factors affecting respirator fit. Once completed send the questionnaire to EHS.
- Schedule a Fit Test: if you are cleared to wear a respirator contact EHS to schedule a fit test.
- Begin Using the Respirator: once the fit test is successfully completed, the respirator can be issued and used in the designated work environment.
- Remember: the fit test is valid only for two years. After two years, you must be recertified to continue wearing a respirator.
FAQ
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Respiratory hazards include airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapors, gases, or biological agents that can cause harm if inhaled. These hazards may lead to acute or chronic health issues.
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Your supervisor should conduct a hazard assessment to determine if a respirator is required. If engineering or administrative controls are insufficient to mitigate exposure risks, respiratory protection may be necessary.
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A fit test ensures that the respirator forms a proper seal on your face, providing adequate protection against identified hazards. It is a regulatory requirement and must be completed before using the respirator.
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No, fit testing is required every two years to ensure continued compliance, proper fit, and effective use of the respirator.
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No, using a respirator without a fit test is not allowed. A fit test is mandatory to ensure the respirator forms a proper seal on your face, providing adequate protection against workplace hazards. Using an untested respirator may compromise your safety and is not compliant with regulations.
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No, you must wear a respirator that is specifically selected based on the hazard assessment conducted by your supervisor and approved by the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office. The respirator must also pass a fit test to ensure it provides adequate protection. Using an unapproved or improperly fitted respirator may put your health at risk and violate safety regulations.
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Depending on the hazard assessment, respirators may include N95 filtering facepieces, half-face or full-face respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), or supplied-air systems.
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If you cannot pass a fit test, alternative respirators or protective measures will be considered. Consult with the EHS Office for further guidance.
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Contact the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office for assistance with questions about respiratory hazards, respirators, or the Respiratory Protection Program.
Resources
Types of Respiratory Protection
3M 1870+ N95 disposable respirator technical datasheet
3M 6000 series reusable half-face respirator technical datasheet