Before ever putting a respirator on, OSHA requires (and it makes good sense) to ensure users are physically capable of wearing a respirator. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 states: “The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace.” It goes on to say, “Employees that use any respirators including respirators such as air supplied positive pressure face masks or hoods must have a medical evaluation before use.”

One must also ensure that the respirator fits the wearer. A respirator that does not fit properly simply gives the false impression of protection and may be more dangerous than no respirator at all. There are specific fit test protocols that are accepted by OSHA. The following is an excerpt from an OSHA compliance directive:

1. Respirators must be fit-tested.
2. A “test atmosphere” must be applied to assess the quality of fit.
3. The fit-test must be applied to each and every employee required to wear a respirator.
4. The fit-testing requirement applies to all negative pressure respirators including SINGLE-USE RESPIRATORS.
    

The bottom line is no one may use a respirator unless they are first provided a medical evaluation and tested to ensure the respirator provided will actually fit to provide protection.

From: A Breath of Fresh Air by The Safety Guys