All employees who are required to use respirators, or who voluntarily choose to use respirators where workplace hazards exist, must undergo a medical evaluation to determine their ability to use a respirator safely. Medical evaluations are necessary to determine if there may be a health risk from wearing a respirator due to each person's unique physical characteristics. A summary of the medical evaluation process is outlined below. For more information about the medical evaluation process, see the written WSU Respiratory Protection Program (pdf).

• Initial Respirator Use Request – The employee must first complete the Respirator Use Request Form, which will provide basic information to OEHS about your respirator use situation and the types of hazards you may encounter.
• Medical Questionnaire – Once OEHS has evaluated the hazards the employee may be exposed to and determined that engineering or work practice controls will not be sufficient or feasible, the employee will be required to complete a confidential medical questionnaire. The questionnaire will address various health conditions which may be aggravated by respirator use.
• Physician or Licensed Healthcare Professional (PLHCP) Review – A WSU approved Physician or Licensed Healthcare Professional will evaluate the information provided in the confidential medical questionnaire if a physical examination or further testing is necessary.
• Medical Clearance – The PLHCP will provide a written medical clearance or denial to OEHS and the employee. This clearance will indicate whether the employee is medically able to use a respirator and any limitations or restrictions on respirator use (e.g., type of respirator, duration of use).
• In addition, the clearance will also identify the need for follow-up medical evaluations, if needed.

Once the Respirator Use Request Form has been completed, someone from OEHS will contact you with information on how to complete the medical evaluation.