Fit testing and medical clearance are no longer required for N-95 disposable respirators when they are used voluntarily.

This update to the voluntary use policy covers ALL voluntary use situations.

All voluntary users are still required to read and sign the The Voluntary Use of Filtering Facepieces form regardless of the reason for voluntary use, and that form should be kept on file with the department.

Additionally, voluntary users are still required to be trained on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of wearing N-95 disposable respirators, and there is an online training to meet that requirement.

Half-face and full-face respirator use still requires medical clearance, fit testing, and training regardless for both mandatory and voluntary use.

Resources

• The Respiratory Protection Manual and SafetyNet 88 have been updated to reflect these changes.
• Please reach out to Wes Frey wbfrey@ucdavis.edu with any questions you have about these changes or for any questions about the respiratory protection program.
• Wes will present this topic and be available for questions at the October 27th Department Safety Coordinator quarterly meeting - register now!