This proposed change would only impact filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).
OSHA is proposing an update to the Respiratory Protection Standard to amend the medical evaluation requirements specified in paragraph (e) where an employee is required to wear either a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) or loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) and seeks comment on all aspects of this proposal. Using a respirator may place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job, and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee. OSHA has preliminarily determined this burden differs based on the type of respirator worn and therefore proposes an amendment to the medical evaluation requirements of the standard for FFRs and loose-fitting PAPRs.