Overview
Learn about respiratory fit testing if you are Campus Managers, Principal Investigators, Researchers and Other Campus Staff
Employees who use respirators as personal protective equipment (PPE) must meet applicable respiratory protection requirements before using a respirator for work.
Respirator certification includes medical approval from UCSF Occupational Health Services (OHS), completion of required respirator training, and fit testing by UCSF EH&S, as applicable to the respirator being used.
Before an employee uses a respirator as PPE for the first time in the workplace, EH&S must evaluate the work activity and respiratory hazards to determine the appropriate respiratory protection. To request an evaluation, submit a Respiratory Hazard Evaluation form.
Follow these steps to request a respirator:
1. Submit a Respiratory Hazard Evaluation Form to EH&S
If EH&S has not conducted an initial evaluation, please complete a Respiratory Hazard Evaluation Form. An EH&S specialist will use the Hazard Evaluation information to determine if respiratory protection is necessary for your work (A respirator may be used on a voluntary basis if an assessment determines that respiratory protection is not required).
If you intend to use respiratory protection in the workplace, you will need to apply for medical approval (see step 2). You will also be assigned a type and model of respirator deemed appropriate for your setting.
2. Apply for a Medical Clearance
Please download and complete a medical clearance form and email it to [email protected]. Be sure to add the word "Secure:" in the email subject line. Contact OHS at 415.885.7580 after 24-48 hours of submission to confirm that you are cleared for a fit-test. You need to file your clearance form only once, unless you have changes to report!
If you are denied medical clearance to wear a respirator, the EH&S specialist will consult with you on other means of respiratory protection.
If you are medically approved, please schedule fit testing and training (see step 3).
3. Get fit tested and trained to wear a respirator
Make sure to verify the brand and model of respirator that your department has access to. Upon your arrival at the testing location, tell the fit tester which respirator type and model you need to fit test for.
Before you schedule an appointment, all N95 users must complete this brief Cal/OSHA required training.
Book a fit test appointment HERE
Appointments become available 3 weeks prior to their date and time.
4. Renew your respirator fit test every year
Before you schedule an appointment, all N95 users must complete this brief Cal/OSHA required training.
Annual fit testing and training is required.
Ordering respirators
N95 respirators are widely available for purchase and EH&S encourages the campus community to procure these supplies through authorized vendors via BearBuy.