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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-ppe-respirator-medical-eval

What must happen before a worker is fit tested or required to wear a respirator?

A medical evaluation to check they can safely use one.

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  1. A medical evaluation ✔
  2. A written exam on chemistry
  3. A driver's license check

Why: Breathing through a respirator puts extra strain on the body. A doctor or other licensed health care professional must evaluate the worker first, often with a questionnaire.

Huh, didn't know that: Any workplace where respirators are necessary needs a written respiratory protection program.

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References

Answer: A medical evaluation. Breathing through a respirator puts extra strain on the body. A doctor or other licensed health care professional must evaluate the worker first, often with a questionnaire.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory protection (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.134
    provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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