Description: If an N95 respirator mask is required by and provided by an employer, the employer is required to provide a fit test. If an N95 respirator mask is requested by an employee, or an employee provides their own N95 respirator mask, the employer is not required to provide a fit test. To find the best fit, Cal OSHA suggests trying different sizes of N95 masks. More info at the following links, including info about fit test requirements. Appendix A to Section 5144: Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory) - https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5144a.html N95 Mask Commonly Asked Questions - https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/N95-mask-questions.html. Below are excerpts to answer questions about fit tests. See bold underlined sections noted by 211.Q: Is an employer required to provide N95 masks to workersA: The employer must first determine whether respirator use is voluntary or required. Employers are required to provide respiratory protection if the working conditions include harmful exposures. Along with providing the respirators, the employer must have a written respiratory protection program that addresses: proper selection of respiratory equipment; employee training; medical evaluation of an employee's ability to wear a respirator; ensuring proper fit of the respirators; and proper respirator use, storage, and cleaning. The employer must also follow all other applicable requirements in section 5144 (https://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5144.html)Q: Can an employer distribute N95 masks to workersA: Where respirator use is voluntary, the employer may provide respirators at the workers' request, or permit workers to use their own respirators. In this situation, employers are not required to have a written respiratory protection program or medically evaluate and fit test workers. However, the employer must ensure that the workers' use of a respirator will not create a hazard. The employer must also provide respirator users with the information contained in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 5144, Appendix D (https://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5144d.html), and must follow all other requirements in section 5144, subsection (c)(2).Q: Can workers bring in their own N95 masksA: Where respirator use is voluntary, the employer may permit workers to use their own respirators or provide respirators at the workers' request. In this situation, employers are not required to have a written respiratory protection program or medically evaluate and fit test workers. However, the employer must ensure that the workers' use of a respirator will not create a hazard. The employer must also provide respirator users with the information contained in California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 5144, Appendix D, and must follow all other requirements in section 5144, subsection (c)(2).Questions Call the Cal OSHA Consultation Unit at 916-263-0704.
Get Live Help!