(A) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(b)(10) states that no one should be assigned a task requiring use of a respirator unless that person is found physically able to do the work while wearing the respirator. In addition, some regulatory standards for specific substances and occupations may also contain requirements for medical examinations. Both types of standards declare that a physician or other licensed healthcare professional should determine what health and physical conditions are pertinent and that respirator wearers' medical status should be reviewed periodically. Ideally pre-placement medical examinations should identify those persons who are physically or psychologically unfit to wear respirators. As another part of the examination, medical tests pertinent to the respiratory hazards which may be encountered should be made to obtain baseline data against which to assess physiological changes in respirator wearers. In addition, the previous medical and employment histories of the individual should be considered.
(B) It is the policy of the city that a physician or other licensed healthcare professional determines if a person should or should not wear a respirator.
(C) All city personnel who may be required to wear respirators in the course of their work responsibilities will be provided medical examinations in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134. The medical examinations will be provided free of charge to the individual and will be scheduled during the course of the work day as much as possible. Records associated with these examinations are maintained by the examiner. The Office of the Director of Administrative Services will be given the federally mandated respiratory clearance. These records are accorded the highest degree of confidentiality.
(D) Appendix A (as attached in Ord. 38-2005, passed 10-11-05) to this plan is the Mandatory Medical Evaluation Questionnaire presented in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C. This questionnaire will be given to each person being evaluated for respirator use and forwarded to the physician or other licensed healthcare professional. In some cases, after reviewing the questionnaire, the physician or other licensed healthcare professional might not require a face-to-face meeting or examination, but that decision rests with the physician or other licensed healthcare professional. If an employee desires to discuss any aspect of the medical evaluation process with the physician or other licensed healthcare professional, the employee will be allowed to do so during normal working hours as a normal course of employment. The physician or other licensed healthcare professional performing the medical evaluation also will be provided with a general description of the activities that require a respirator that the employee is likely to perform.
(E) New medical evaluations will be required of all respirator users:
(1) At intervals not to exceed two years;
(2) Whenever an employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to the ability to use a respirator;
(3) Whenever the physician or other licensed healthcare professional, program administrator, or immediate supervisor informs the employee that a reevaluation is necessary;
(4) Whenever information from the respiratory protection program indicates a need for reevaluation; and
(5) Whenever a change occurs in workplace conditions that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on the employee.
(Ord. 38-2005, passed 10-11-05)