Respiratory Protection

Enrollment in the Respiratory Protection Program is mandatory for all employees who are required to wear respirators as part of their job duties. This includes individuals who may be exposed to:

• Dusts, fumes, mists, gases, or vapors that exceed established permissible exposure limits (PELs).
• Oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
• Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) conditions (in specific emergency response roles).
• Other airborne hazards where engineering controls are not feasible or are being implemented.
• And if you are already wearing a respirator in any capacity in your current role or job responsibilities.

Your supervisor will inform you if your job tasks necessitate participation in this program. If you believe you may need respiratory protection, please speak with your supervisor and the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department at ehsohs@colorado.edu or over the phone: 303-492-6025.

Steps to Enroll in the Respiratory Protection: The enrollment process ensures that you are properly fitted, trained, and medically cleared to use a respirator safely and effectively. Please follow these steps to enroll:

  1. Initial Assessment and Hazard Evaluation: The EHS department will assess your work environment to identify potential respiratory hazards and determine if respirator use is necessary.

• This will determine if you need a respirator.
• And the appropriate type of respirator for the hazard.

  2. Training: You will receive comprehensive training on the proper use, care, and maintenance of your assigned respirator. This training will cover topics such as:

• Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise its protective effect.
• Limitations and capabilities of the respirator.
• Proper use in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
• Procedures for maintenance and storage.
• How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.
• How to check for proper fit each time the respirator is put on.
• The requirements of this Respiratory Protection Program.

  3. Medical Evaluation: If respirator use is required, you will be scheduled for a medical evaluation. This evaluation, conducted by a licensed healthcare professional, will determine if you are medically able to wear a respirator.

• You will submit the medical clearance form to the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department at ehsohs@colorado.edu
• The form, called an Employer Service Report, contains no personal medical information.

  4. Respirator Fit Testing: Once medically cleared, you will participate in a respirator fit test. This crucial step ensures that the respirator you will be using forms a tight seal with your face, preventing the inhalation of contaminants.

  5. Program Enrollment Complete!

  6. Annual Refresher Training: Enrollment in the Respiratory Protection Program is not a one-time event. Annual requirements must be completed if you are wearing a respirator. The annual requirements to the program include:

• Completing Training Module
• Annual Fit-Testing
• Annual medical re-evaluation may be required. (If deemed necessary by the designated healthcare professional)

If you are already wearing or own a respirator for work:

• If you are wearing or own a respirator for work you must be enrolled in the workplace Respiratory Protection Program.
• Please contact the CU Boulder Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department as soon as possible.

If you are already Enrolled in the Respiratory Protection Program:

• You might need to check the status of your requirements, which may include: Training Completion Status
• Complete, update, or submit Medical Clearance
• Annual Fit-Testing Update

Please contact the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department with any questions regarding the status of your enrollment.