756 Respiratory Protection

Medical Evaluations and Fit Testing

The employer must identify a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) to perform medical evaluations using a medical questionnaire or an initial medical examination that obtains the same information as the medical questionnaire.

The medical evaluation must obtain the information requested by the Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire in 1910.134, Sections 1 and 2, Part A of Appendix C.

Follow-up Medical Examination

The employer must ensure that a follow-up medical examination is provided for an employee who gives a positive response (yes) to any question among questions 1 through 8 in Section 2 of the questionnaire or whose initial medical examination demonstrates the need for a follow-up medical examination. Here are the topics that are covered in the first 8 questions in the questionnaire:

1. smoking
2. conditions such as seizures, diabetes, allergies, claustrophobia, etc.
3. pulmonary or lung problems such as asbestosis, asthma, silicosis, etc.
4. symptoms of pulmonary or lung illness such as shortness of breath, coughing, etc.
5. cardiovascular or heart problems such as heart attack, angina, high blood pressure, etc.
6. cardiovascular or heart symptoms such as pain, tightness, irregular heartbeat, etc.
7. taking medication for lung problems, heart trouble, blood pressure, seizures, etc.
8. prior problems using respirators like eye irritation, allergies, anxiety, fatigue, etc.

The follow-up medical examination must include any medical tests, consultations, or diagnostic procedures that the PLHCP deems necessary to make a final determination.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.