Medical Evaluation Procedures

The employer must find a physician or other licensed health care professional to provide the employee with a questionnaire and, if necessary, conduct a medical examination. The questionnaire consists of several questions that ask the employee about various lung and heart problems that may affect the employee's ability to wear a respirator. Certain medications can also make respirator use dangerous. If the employee answers yes to any of the questions indicating a potential risk, the employer must provide the employee with a medical examination consisting of any medical tests, consultations, or diagnostic procedures the physician or health care professional deems necessary. The questionnaire and examination must be done confidentially and during the employee's normal working hours, or at a time and place convenient for the employee. The questionnaire should be conducted in a way that ensures the employee understands all of the questions. The employee must be given an opportunity to discuss the findings of the evaluation with the physician or health care professional.

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