Evaluation Results

Once the physician or health care provider has completed the evaluation, he or she must give the employer a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use a respirator. This recommendation should include at least the following details:

• Any limitations on respirator use related to the employee's health or the conditions of the worksite, including whether or not the employee can use a respirator at all
• The need for follow-up evaluations, if any
• Notification that the employee has received a copy of the physician or health care provider's recommendations

If an employee is not medically fit to use a negative pressure respirator, the employer must provide a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) instead (as long as the employee is medically fit to use a PAPR).

Evaluations must be repeated if any of the following apply:

• An employee reports any medical signs related to his or her ability to use a respirator (for instance, trouble drawing in air while using a respirator)
• A physician or health care provider notifies the employer that an employee should be reevaluated
• There is any indication during fit testing or the required respiratory program evaluation that an employee may need reevaluating
• A change in the workplace that may place more of a strain on an employee (such as increased physical work effort, a change in temperature, or protective clothing that restricts the employee's ability to move comfortably)

To learn more about Respiratory Protection visit our Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Online Training web page.