N-95 Respirator Medical Clearance and Fit Testing
While OSHA may have issued guidance temporarily suspending requirements for annual fit testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, initial medical evaluation and fit testing are required.
Employers are also responsible for OSHA requirements including a respiratory protection policy and employee training. Medical evaluation must be completed prior to fit testing.
Employees must be evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare professional (PLHCP). The medical evaluation begins with the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, which is designed to identify general medical conditions that could place a worker at risk of serious medical consequences, if a respirator is used.
An employee’s responses to the medical questionnaire are confidential and may not be shared the employer.
A Workplace Health PLHCP will review each questionnaire to determine if the employee is fit to wear a respirator, based on the information provided, or if a medical exam, testing or other follow up is needed.
Workplace Health offers the following services:
- Review of the OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire
- Respirator clearance exams
- Respirator fit testing
- Spirometry availability may be limited during the COVID-19 pandemic based on recommendations from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Please call (207) 621-7566 to discuss your respiratory protection program needs.
