Medical fitness evaluation for respirator users: results of a national survey of private sector employers.
OBJECTIVE
To provide information on medical evaluation procedures for respirator use in private sector establishments.


METHODS
In 2001, data on respirator use and practices were collected in a survey of private sector establishments.


RESULTS
Of establishments where respirators were required, 46% did not evaluate employees' medical fitness. Evaluations for fitness increased with establishment size, ranging from 35% in small establishments (1-10 workers) to 95% in large establishments (>or=1000 workers). Questionnaire with a follow-up examination, as needed, was the most common method of evaluating medical fitness (48%).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that about half of all private sector establishments where respirators are required do not comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements for medical fitness evaluations. Improved awareness among employers and workers and identification of methods to increase medical evaluation practices, especially among smaller establishments, is needed.
Syamlal
Girija
G
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. gsyamlal@cdc.gov
Doney
Brent
B
Bang
Ki Moon
KM
Greskevitch
Mark
M
Groce
Dennis
D
Ganocy
Stephen
S
Hoffman
William
W
D004869:Equipment Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017149:Private Sector; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration / Q000592:standards