OSHA Respirator Clearance & Fit Testing

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910.134, if a respirator is necessary for job performance, then departments are required to have a respiratory protection program in place.

Respirator Clearance (OSHA 1910.134)

From a medical standpoint, all respirator-wearing personnel shall have a medical evaluation, provided by the department, to determine the employee’s ability to use a respirator.  This medical evaluation should occur prior to the employee being allowed to wear a respirator. A respirator clearance only clears the employee to wear a respirator and the general type of respirator they can use.  It does not medically clear an officer for duty.

For a medical clearance, click here.

Respirator Fit Test (OSHA 1910.134(f) and 1910.134(f)(2)Mask Fit Portacount

Once cleared for respirator use, the officer is required to have a respirator fit test.  This fit test is required annually or whenever there is a change in the facepiece or there is any visual observation of changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Public Safety Medical utilizes a Portacount machine for a quantitative mask fit.

Please click here if you’d like to speak with a Public Safety Medical representative about respirator clearances.