OSHA ‘Mini RPP’
Under the June 10 update to the COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency
Temporary Standard (ETS), OSHA established a relaxed versionof the Respiratory Protection Program (RPP), known as the mini RPP,
to provide for the use of respirators in a quick, but safe, manner during
the healthcare emergency. Healthcare employers may use the mini RPP requirementsin specific instances outlined in the ETS. Use this flow chart to determine which protocol
is applicable to your work situation.

Are workers generally exposed to suspected/confirmed sources ofCOVID-19 or are respirators only used for enhanced worker protection?

Exposed to suspected/confirmed
sources of COVID-19

Respirators only used for enhanced
worker protection

Subject to full RPP requirements

May use mini RPP requirements*

Full RPP required elements:• Medical evaluations required• Fit-testing required• Written RPP protocol required• User seal checks must be
performed• Respirator use training required

Mini RPP required elements:• User seal checks must beperformed• Respirator use training required

What is a seal check?
Seal checks are a quick way for workers to ensure their respirators
fit correctly and are properly sealed. NIOSH and OSHA
have additional information on how to perform thesechecks. Seal checks are not a substitute for fit testing.

*Mini RPP not needed for practices that have implemented a full RPP.

How do I develop awritten RPP protocol?
Don’t start from scratch. Customize the AAOMS Sample Respiratory
Protection Program to meet compliance requirements.

What if my employees
provide their own respirators?
Employees may provide their own respirators, but OSHA requires
employers to provide the following notice:

OSHA-mandated Respirator Notice
Respirators can be an effective method of protection against COVID-19 hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use isencouraged to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers even in circumstances that do not require a respirator
to be used. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. If
your employer allows you to provide and use your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator
itself does not present a hazard. You should do the following:
1. Read and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and care, and warnings regarding
the respirator’s limitations.
2. Keep track of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use someone else’s respirator.
3. Do not wear your respirator where other workplace hazards (e.g., chemical exposures) require use of a respirator. In suchcases, your employer must provide you with a respirator that is used in accordance with OSHA’s respiratory protection standard(29 CFR part 1910.134). For more information about using a respirator, see OSHA’s respiratory protection safety and health
topics page OSHA.gov/respiratory-protection.

These standards are only temporary, and OSHA must
permanently adopt or rescind within six months ofpublication. Visit OSHA.gov/coronavirus/ets andcheck AAOMS.org frequently for updates.

The information provided in this document is intended for educational
purposes only. In no event shall AAOMS be liable for any decision madeor action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information
contained in this resource. For practice, financial, accounting, legal orother professional advice, professional advisers should be consulted.

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