An industrial hygienist from EHS will evaluate the potential hazards of the work and determine whether respiratory protection is needed. This may involve personal and area air sampling to measure exposure levels. Written Respiratory Protection Program Departments in which respirators are used are required to establish and maintain a written respiratory protection program covering all aspects of the use of respiratory protection. The written program must be reviewed and updated at least annually. When air purifying respirators are recommended, the appropriate type of filter or chemical cartridge is selected.
Departments purchase the appropriate respirator and supplies.
If the respirator is needed for a limited time or for a special project, the department may rent the appropriate equipment from EHS, upon availability. Prior to the assignment of respiratory protection, the individual must be evaluated by the Office of Occupational Medicine to determine whether he or she is able to wear a respirator. This involves the completion of a medical history questionnaire, a limited physical examination and baseline laboratory testing. This may include a pulmonary function test, a chest x-ray, an echocardiogram, a urinalysis and a complete blood count. The frequency of physical examinations and laboratory testing is at the discretion of the physician, based, in part, on age and general health.