Respirator Clearance

OSHA regulations require that prior to initial use of a respirator, an employer must select a physician or other licensed healthcare provider to certify that an employee is medically cleared to use a respirator. This is often a four-step process, depending on the preferences of the licensed healthcare provider. The forms mentioned below are available in the standard PDF form set.

1. The employee completes a mandatory questionnaire for respirator use. Store the completed questionnaire on paper in the employee’s medical record folder, or scan and attach it to the electronic medical record with the Attach File choice. If the patient completes the PDF on a computer, the Attach File choice is not needed since the order with the completed PDF attached becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record.
2. A medical professional reviews the mandatory questionnaire, examines the employee, may order a pulmonary function test or other tests as necessary, and may conduct a qualitative fit test. If data from prior PFTs are available in SYSTOC, the report for the current PFT results can show the trend over time to assist in detecting any gradual loss of pulmonary function.
3. The medical professional completes the Respiratory Clearance Evaluation form. The result of this exam is entered in Lab Test/Misc. Store the completed form in the employee’s medical record folder or electronically as described in step 1.
4. A certificate of clearance to wear a respirator is issued. After steps 1-3 are complete, print the Respirator Medical Clearance report to obtain the certificate. If you used a PDF for step 3, printing this report will probably not be necessary, as the certificate will be part of the PDF.

Medical re-evaluations are required if the employee reports signs or symptoms that are relevant to the employee’s ability to use a respirator, or when a licensed healthcare provider, supervisor, or respirator program administrator informs the employer that the employee needs to be re-evaluated. A re-evaluation is also required if there is a change in the workplace that may substantially increase the physiological burden on workers with respirators. The employer must have written procedures covering the required use of respirators, selection of respirators, fit testing, maintenance and cleaning of respirators, employee respirator training, and medical evaluation. The employer must also periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the company respirator program.