Medical Clearance must be current and on file with employer
The OSHA Respiratory Protection standard, in 29 CFR 1910.134(e), or the parallel State Plan standards, require employers to obtain, in writing, a medical opinion regarding an employee’s ability to wear a respirator. The regulatory requirement applies regardless of whether other medical evaluations are needed under the HAZWOPER standard.
It also applies to all types of respirators (including hooded powered airpurifying respirators [PAPRs]), with the exception of filtering facepiece respirators (“dust masks”) used by employees on a voluntary basis (i.e., when the employer has determined that a health risk does not exist, but the employee nevertheless wishes to wear a respirator). An additional medical evaluation is required by paragraph 1910.134(e)(7) under certain circumstances. For example, an employee’s ability to safely wear a respirator must be reevaluated when an increase in the employee’s physical activities or the weight of the protective clothing would place an added burden on the employee.
Paragraph (e) of the respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134(e)) requires employees to be medically evaluated prior to being fit-tested and their initial use of a respirator. A medical evaluation must be performed on every employee required to use a respirator, regardless of the duration and frequency of respirator use.
By registering for this course, you are attesting that you comply with necessary laws and policies regarding medical clearance while wearing paprs and Level C PPE.
If you have any questions about this, please consult your system policies and your Occupational Health office.