This document outlines the purpose and processes of respiratory fit testing. The purposes include providing a consistent process for respirator clearance according to OSHA standards, preventing occupational diseases, testing workers with known respiratory hazards exposures, and ensuring employees can safely and effectively wear respirators. The medical evaluation involves questionnaires and possible physical exams by an authorized healthcare provider paid for by the employer. Fit testing procedures involve initial and annual certification, including completing questionnaires and medical clearance. Spirometry may be required depending on questionnaire responses or medical history changes. The medical provider determines clearance and any limitations for respirator use.

1. By: Jasmine Davey
Safety Management
RESPIRATORY FIT TESTING
PURPOSE & PROCESSES

2. PURPOSE
• To provide a consistent process for respirator clearance for workers in
accordance with OSHA Standards
• Prevent occupational diseases
• Test workers with known exposures to respiratory hazards
• Ensures employee is safety wearing respiratory mask correctly
• Assurance that employee can endure stress of wearing respirator while
performing tasks

3. MEDICAL EVALUATION
• Who Can Perform the Medical Evaluation?
• A physician or authorized health care provider
• Who pays?
• The employer
• Types of Respirators?
• Half Face or Dusk Mask Respirator
• Full Face, hood, or SCBA respirator
• What's required?
• OSHA questionnaires
• Medical Evaluation with possible physical exam or additional testing
• When?
• Prior fit testing, use of respirator in the workplace
• A follow-up is needed if the worker's health problems are possible related to respiratory
problems due to work exposure

4. PROCEDURE
• Initial Certification (Pre-employment)
• Company Respirator Questionnaire
• Employee is to complete the OSHA Respiratory Questionnaire
• Physician will review the two Questionnaires
Clearance
-Employee can be cleared for respiratory use
No positive Questions on Employee OSHA Questionnaire

5. PROCEDURE
Clearance
• What happens if responses are positive?
• Medical Examination is needed
• Interview the employee
• Medical Records need to be reviewed
• Request Spirometry
• When is Spirometry required?
• positive answers on OSHA question
• any medical history changes (asthma or bronchitis etc.)

6. MEDICAL DETERMINATION
Respirator Medical Recommendation
• Completed by the medical provider
What is reported to the employer?
• If the employee is medically able to use a respirator
• Any Limitations
• Recommends the next evaluation

7. ANNUAL FIT TESTING & RECERTIFICATION
Frequency
Age Light to Moderate
Work
Strenuous work/
SCBA
Under 35 Every 5 Years Every 3 Years
35-45 Every 2 Years Every 18 Months
Over 45 Yearly Yearly

8. THANKS FOR LISTENING !

9. REFERENCES
• Information provided to me by my employer/department Aurora
Occupational Health Services
• Aurora Health Care’s Respiratory Policies and Procedures Information
Sheet
• Aurora Health Care’s OSHA Questionnaires Forms