Respiratory Protection

All employees needing respiratory protection must be enrolled in the U-M Respiratory Protection Program. Respirators are provided by EHS to eligible:

• Faculty
• Staff
• Teaching Assistants
• U-M-paid Graduate Research Assistants
• U-M paid Work Study Students

Medical Surveillance

Individuals needing a respirator must first undergo a medical evaluation. Using a respirator may place a physiological burden, psychological burden¸ or both on faculty, staff, or students that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the individual. Individuals needing a respirator must complete and submit the Medical Surveillance Request Form to be scheduled for medical evaluation.

Fit Testing and Training

Individuals that obtain medical clearance to wear a respirator will be scheduled for a fit test and training session at EHS.  Users will be given the opportunity to select their respirator and be fit tested to ensure proper fit for the best protection.  Training on the proper use, storage, maintenance and limitations will be provided.  Required users of respiratory protection must be fit tested and trained annually. Users of tight-fitting respirators must be clean shaven while wearing the respirator

Safety Glasses with Respirators

Sight-impaired respiratory protection users must be fitted with prescription glass inserts for use inside full-facepiece respirators.  Individuals will be provided with safety prescription eyewear through the University Prescription Eyewear Program.  Refer to the document Obtaining Prescription Safety Glasses.