How the Program Works
EH&S has three approaches to achieving respiratory protection. The first method of protection is local engineering controls such as fume hoods or local exhaust systems - the most effective and efficient means of protecting employees from on-site breathing hazards. Secondly, EH&S recommends administrative controls: these include substituting less toxic materials if possible, reassessing the task to see if exposure can be minimized or eliminated, and the possibility of job rotation to reduce the exposure of any one person to acceptable levels. Third, when the first two methods are not feasible, not yet in place, or cannot provide adequate protection, respiratory protection equipment is recommended.

Only those employees who have been designated by their supervisor, principle investigator, or EH&S as required to use respiratory protection equipment, and who have been medically approved, properly fitted, and trained are authorized to use such equipment.

A properly fitted respirator can help protect you. Face shape, facial hair, eyeglasses, missing dentures, and certain skin conditions can all affect respirator fit. Choosing a respirator that both fits properly and provides the protection required for a specific type of contaminant is essential. Each employee who is required to use respiratory protection equipment must be quantitatively fit tested before any equipment can be issued. EH&S provides fit testing and training, and maintains all records related to the program.

Procedures For Obtaining Respiratory Protection Equipment
When it is clearly impractical to remove harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases at their source and the employee may be exposed to levels at or above the Cal/OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) found in Title 8, the employee must be enrolled and participate in the Respiratory Protection Program. Respiratory protection should only be used when other control measures (i.e., engineering controls, procedures, etc.) are not feasible or adequate to reduce exposures to acceptable levels. Elements of the respirator protection program include:

• Medical History Questionnaire and Pulmonary Function Test - Upon referral from EH&S, the employee is responsible for setting an appointment with Occupational Health Services (757-3200) for a pulmonary function test. At that time the employee will be asked to fill out a Medical History Questionnaire Form. Once the employee has received clearance from Occupational Health, respirator fit testing and training will be conducted.
  
• Respiratory Protection Training - The purpose of this training is to inform the user of the limitations, use, and care of the respirator. Anyone requiring a respirator, including all single use disposable respirators must be informed of the limitations of the masks.
  
• Respirator Fit Testing - EH&S will conduct a quantitative fit test when all the above elements are met. A respirator that provides the best comfort and protection will be issued. Upon completion of these three requirements, a respirator, cartridges, respirator test report, and EH&S Inter-Office Recharge Form will be submitted.
  

• Respirator User's Responsibilities
  

  • Update your respirator qualification status annually
    
  • Reschedule for a future date if scheduled appointments cannot be made. (A No-Show fee will be charged if a written/verbal cancellation is not received 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.)
    
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instruction on use, limitations, maintenance, cleaning, and storage of the respirator.
    
  • Respirators must be returned to EH&S when employment is terminated at UC Davis or when the respirator is no longer needed.

For additional information, contact your EH&S Safety Advisor, EH&S at 530-752-1493 or ehsdesk@ucdavis.edu.

Reviewed/Revised. 01/2007
FJP