What factors should be considered during a medical evaluation for respirator use?
A medical evaluation is required to determine an employee's ability to use a respirator. Factors to consider include the individual's health status and medical history, specifically any history of respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, or impaired sensory function, all of which could be aggravated by respirator use. The evaluation should also consider the type of respirator, its weight and breathing resistance, work effort required, other PPE used, and temperature/humidity extremes that might be encountered. The employer must provide a follow-up medical examination for an employee who gives a positive response to any question among questions 1 through 8 in Section 2, Part A of Appendix C or whose initial medical examination demonstrates the need for a follow-up.