Respiratory Protection
Employee protection from occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fumes, sprays, mists, fogs, smokes, vapors, gases, or radioactive material is best achieved by prevention of atmospheric contamination through the use of engineering control measures, e.g., enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials. Respiratory Protection may be necessary during the interim for installation of engineering controls, when engineering controls are not feasible or during emergency situations. The reliability of any respirator is dependent on proper selection, training, medical screening, and respirator maintenance. Therefore, University employees must obtain all respiratory devices through OSEH. Filtering facepieces, i.e., “Dust Masks”, used for nuisance dust activities can be obtained through OSEH or purchased through the M-marketsite website.
All University employees that utilize respiratory protection are covered under the University of Michigan Respiratory Protection Program. University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) – Hospital employees are also covered by this Guideline, except for the use of N95 dust mask respirators for protection against infectious diseases. This type of respirator use is covered under UMHS’ Respiratory Protection Program.
Respiratory protection is only available through OSEH for individuals on the University payroll, e.g., Faculty, Staff, Teaching Assistants, University-paid graduate research assistants, University paid Work Study Students, and Contract Laborers (painters) hired by the Plant Operations – Paint Shop.
Please contact OSEH at 734-647-1142 if you have any questions or concerns regarding Respiratory Protection.
Additional Links
- Medical Surveillance Request Form - Submit this form to be scheduled for medical evaluation. Using a respirator may place a physiological and/or psychological 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.
- Information for Voluntary Users of Respirators - Required information for users of filtering facepieces (dust masks).
- Procedures for Obtaining Prescription Safety Glasses - Sight-impaired users must be fitted with prescription glass inserts for use inside full-facepiece respirators. Employees will be provided with safety prescription eyewear through the University Prescription Eyewear Program.
