How to get a Respirator
Before you can be issued an air-filtering respirator, you must be certified by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). Follow these steps to get a respirator:
- Request a workplace evaluation
- Request a workplace evaluation from EH&S Safety & Industrial Hygiene (951) 827-2964
- The EH&S Safety & Industrial Hygiene contact will schedule an evaluation of your workplace activities to determine the most effective and efficient means of respiratory protection for you. A respirator may not be necessary.
- If respiratory protection is necessary for your work, EH&S will send you information to complete for medical approval via email.
- Apply for medical approval
- Complete the 3M Online Medical Evaluation.
- Send the completed forms in a sealed envelope to Janet Giles (951) 827-6312
- Email Beiwei Tu with your department FAU for the medical evaluation and fit test.
- The 3M Occupational Health Physician will review your forms and send medical approval or denial to the EH&S industrial hygienist.
- If you are denied medical approval to wear a respirator, the industrial hygienist will consult with you on other means of respiratory protection.
- If you are medically approved, the industrial hygienist will schedule an appointment for you to be:
- Fit tested for a face piece and filters appropriate for the kind of materials you work with
- Trained in proper use and care of your respirator
- Get fit tested and trained to use your new respirator
- Have your department's index number with you when you come to EH&S for respirator fit testing and training. The cost of the respirator and filters will be recharged to your department.
- When you satisfactorily pass the fit test, the respirator will be issued to you.
- You will then be trained on:
- Fit, usage, and care of your respirator
- Limitations of respirators
- How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of your respirator
- Regulations governing respiratory protection in the workplace
- NOTE: Men will need to be clean shaven along the perimeter of the mask in order to pass the fit test for a half-mask or full-face respirator.
- Renew your respirator certification annually. Annual certification is required. EH&S will notify you when it is time for renewal.
- What to do when you no longer need your respirator. Return unwanted respirators to the EH&S Safey & Industrial Hygiene program. Please include your name and department.
For more information, contact the Accident Prevention Manager (951) 827-2415.