Respiratory Protection Program
Preparing to Use a Respirator at the University of Minnesota
There are several steps to be completed before you may use a respirator at the University of MN. Per the Respiratory Protection Program, respiratory protection is designated by University Health and Safety as either mandatory or voluntary use, depending upon the exposure assessment and the level of hazard.
Employees that have questions about hazard evaluation and determination of the need for respiratory protection can find information for workplace respirator consultation and hazard assessments by visiting the Industrial Hygiene Respiratory Protection website.
Voluntary and Mandatory Respirator Use Requirements
Employees must complete specific requirements depending on the respirator that they wear, and whether the use of the respirator is mandatory or voluntary.
Please see the chart below for the specific requirements. Additional information about fulfilling the requirements can be found below the chart.
Employees may visit the University Health and Safety Mask Support Program for more comprehensive information about Voluntary Respirator Use.
Respirator Protection Designation |
Type of Respirator | Respirator Medical Evaluation |
Respirator Online Training | Respirator Fit Testing |
VOLUNTARY |
|
No |
Voluntary Use Respiratory Protection Training |
No |
|
Yes |
Voluntary Use Respiratory Protection Training |
No | |
REQUIRED |
|
Yes |
Respiratory Protection Training (complete annually) Contact uohs@umn.edu if your department requires in-person training |
No |
|
Yes |
Respiratory Protection Training (complete annually) Contact uohs@umn.edu if your department requires in-person training |
Yes (complete annually) |
Process for Respirator Medical Clearance
- Respiratory Medical Evaluation
Required every 2-5 years, depending on your program requirements. Please check the OH Portal to see if you are due before placing a request.Complete the Respiratory Medical Evaluation Request.
You will receive an e-mail from admin@saludsystems.com with a personalized link to complete an online Respiratory Medical Evaluation.
Instructions for filling out this form can be found by visiting the Respiratory Medical Evaluation Instructions page.
- Respirator Online Training
Follow the appropriate link in the table above to access the online training in Training Hub. - Respirator Fit Testing
Required annuallyAn employee must complete the Respiratory Medical Evaluation and the Respiratory Protection Training listed above, prior to completing Fit Testing.
Note: Respiratory Fit Testing is not required for voluntary respirator use or for employees that use PAPRs.
Twin Cities Campus
Fit Testing for N95/filtering facepiece respirators is completed at HealthPartners Occupational Medicine. Visit the Clinical Services page for more information and locations.Fit Testing for other types of respirators (non N95s) will be completed by University Health and Safety on campus. Please contact uohs@umn.edu and prepare for the following:
Contact Andy Kimball
All other Campuses
Visit the Clinical Services page for more information and locations.
For questions, contact BOHD at uohs@umn.edu or (612) 626-5008
Related Information
Looking for information on respiratory protection for lab animals? Visit the Allergen Exposure Control Program page to download the Laboratory Animal Allergens and Related Respiratory Protection document.