Respirator Physicals

What is it?

Respirator physicals ensure employees who are exposed to respirable toxins are properly protected and help employers make informed decisions about which employees can use respirators under specific environmental conditions and physical demands.

A respirator medical evaluation can help detect if wearing a respirator will limit or interfere with breathing, vision, communication or use of other required equipment.

Who and how often:

Employers must provide respiratory protection to their employees when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee against breathing airborne containments.

Before wearing a respirator, workers must first be medically evaluated by a Physician or Licensed Health Care Provider (PLHCP). Respirator medical evaluations are required every one to two years, depending on the respirator type, job type, the employee’s health status, environmental conditions, and other regulatory requirements.

At CNS OccMed, we help ensure that companies remain in compliance with the to the OSHA respiratory protection standard, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.

What are the OSHA Regulations?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The employer shall provide respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program. The employer is responsible for ensuring that a medical evaluation is performed to ensure that using a respirator will not place a physiological burden on the employee

What do we do?

How we perform service and the steps

Our Occupational Medicine Team follows a specific process for every employee that is tested, including a respirator fit test

1. Prior to any employee evaluation, employers are required to complete an information evaluation form on each employee that specifically outlines:

The respirator type and weight to be used
Respirator use- duration and frequency
Expected work effort
Expected temperature and humidity conditions
Other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used in conjunction with the respirator

*CNS OccMed will provide this form to the employer ahead of time for completion

2. The employee will be evaluated using the mandatory OSHA “Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.”

This will be reviewed by a PLHCP
When required by the PLHCP, additional follow-up testing may include-
- A medical exam by the PLCHP
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
- EKG
- Chest X-Ray
- Blood draw
- Tuberculosis (TB) test
- Urine sample
- Audiogram

*These services can be provided by the CNS OccMed Team and most can be performed on the same day of the screening

3. When an employee is medically cleared to wear a respirator, the PLHCP clinician will provide the employee and employer with a written medical opinion for respirator use.

This will include any limitations on respirator use, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator

If an employee is not cleared for respirator use, or we become aware of potential limitations associated with a certain type of respirator, the PLHCP may request additional medical information or recommend an alternative type of respirator

4. After being medical cleared for respirator use, the employee may undergo a respirator fit test

OSHA requires a respirator medical evaluation be done before the initial respirator fit test
The respirator medical evaluation and respirator fit test must be completed before respirator use on the job

Respirator Fit Testing

Two Types:

MOBILE FRIENDLY

The mobile medical unit is deployed for this service at a worksite.

Employees will be comfortably interviewed, screened and tested in the exam rooms within the mobile unit by a PLHCP, trained nurses, medical assistants, spirometry and hearing conservation technicians.

All testing that may be required is available within the mobile unit.

Employees and employers will receive a medical clearance determination or written medical opinion at the time of their physical.

Employees will be back to work within 1-1 ½ hours.

Learn more

Develop a Medical Strategy

Our Occupational Medicine Team will develop a custom plan for your company. You may need a combination of services like physicals, COVID-19 testing, and drug testing, and you may also need these services performed on-site.

Contact our medical team to Develop your custom plan.

OSHA
Services

We offer OSHA required testing for companies that fall under these type of regulations, including hearing or audiometric testing, respirator physicals and many other OSHA required tests.

COVID-19
Services

We offer many different COVID-19 related services, including pre-shift and pre-employment screenings, rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and antibody testing. Our medical staff is among the most professional and knowledgeable in the industry.

Go Mobile with healthcare

Our on-site medical services are available in specific areas right now and is constantly expanding. Check with us to about availability of Mobile On-Site Services.

Need to Schedule an Appointment? Physicals, testing, and other medical services

What is it?