Respirator Protection Manual

10 Respiratory Protection Program B. Medical Evaluation A medical evaluation is required by OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) for employees who wear respirators. OSHA requires that the medical evaluation consist of, at minimum, completion of the Medical Questionnaire for Respiratory Protective Equipment by the employee and review of the questionnaire by a licensed health care professional. This medical review assures that employees are physically able to wear a respirator. As a result, any Iowa State University (ISU) employee requiring a respirator must participate in the Occupational Medicine Program and receive medical approval from the Occupational Medicine Physician prior to respirator use.* Participation in the Occupational Medicine Program requires completion of a Hazard Inventory form. The form must be completed by new employees who are exposed to hazards as part of their assigned job duties or current employees who have had changes to their hazards or personnel information. EH&S will use this information to determine the need for enrollment in the ISUOccupational Medicine Program. If it is determined that the individual’s workplace hazards require medical monitoring or training, the individual will receive a notice from the ISU Occupational Medicine Program with further instructions. If the individual’s workplace hazards do not require any follow-up, they will not receive further communication. Medical Review Frequency Following National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines, medical evaluations for respirator users at ISU will be conducted using the following schedule: AGE MEDICAL REVIEW FREQUENCY Less than 35 years Every 5 years after baseline 35-44 years Every 2 years after baseline 45 years or older Every year after baseline Annual medical reviews are required for all SCBA respirator users. More frequent medical reviews may be required in special cases as determined by the Occupational Medicine physician. *An exception is voluntary dusk mask users.