Respirators offer protection from inhalation hazards that are encountered in the workplace. To protect staff, the UCSC respiratory protection program provides training and evaluation of equipment.
Entering the program requires:
- Written supervisor authorization
- Medical certification
- Fit testing and training
Medical certification is authorized by a campus physician through the Medical Questionnaire (PDF). This form is completed and submitted to the Occupational
Health Medical Center where it is evaluated.
After medical approval is obtained, EH&S will be notified and can schedule a short fit test.
Fit testing is performed by EH&S to ensure that the respirator is worn properly and will sufficiently protect the wearer. This testing involves using a machine to quantitatively measure how successfully a respirator separates the wearer’s respiratory system from the ambient air.
Types of Respirators
Respirators are provided by the staff member’s department, and come in the following types:
| N95 NIOSH certified, disposable mask filtering at least 95% of airborne particles over 0.3 micrometers in size. Note that dust masks, surgical masks, and KN95s are not included in this list since they do not provide sufficient protection by making a seal with the face of the wearer. |  |
| Half Mask Filtering Facepiece NIOSH certified, reusable mask covering the nose and mouth used with chemical cartridge filters. |  |
| Full Mask Filtering Facepiece NIOSH certified, reusable mask covering the entire face used with chemical cartridge filters. |  |
| PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) NIOSH certified, reusable headpiece/fan system used with chemical cartridge filters. |  |