Whether the respiratory protection medical evaluation may consider factors beyond respirator use

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 1, 2025

Robert K. McLellan, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Professor, Active Emeritus
Geisel School of Medicine
The Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice
74 College St
Vail Building, Room 715
Hanover, NH 03755

Philip Harber, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Adjunct Professor of Public Health
University of Arizona
Professor, Emeritus
University of California, Los Angeles

Dear Drs. McLellan and Harber:

Vinyl Chloride Standard; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    89:45025-45026
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45025-45026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11173]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No.

The Vinyl Chloride Standard; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    86:17408-17410
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 62 (Friday, April 2, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17408-17410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06796]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No.

Use of Air-Purifying Respirators In Dangerous Concentrations of Gases Or Vapors

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 


January 10, 1990

Biopacks are acceptable for fire brigade use; Biopacks are acceptable as SCBA's and may be used in IDLH atmospheres.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 15, 1983

Medical evaluation requirements under the respiratory protection standard

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 5, 1998

Mr. William R. Jaggi
Trans World Airlines, Inc.
Ground Operations Center
P.O. Box 10007
St. Louis, MO 63145

Dear Mr. Jaggi:

This is in response to your letter of March 31, addressed to Ms. Bonnie Friedman, in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Office of Public Affairs. We apologize for the long delay of this response. Enforcement of this standard will begin on the compliance date, October 5, 1998.

Training and PPE requirements for hospital staff that decontaminate victims/patients.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 02, 2002

Captain Kevin J. Hayden
Acting Commanding Officer
State of New Jersey
Emergency Management Section
Department of Law and Public Safety
PO Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068

Dear Captain Hayden:

Respiratory protection requirements for hospital staff decontaminating chemically contaminated patients.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 5, 2002

Francis J. Roth, MS, CSP
Supervisor, Loss Prevention
Princeton Insurance
746 Alexander Road
Princeton, NJ 08540

Dear Mr. Roth:

Respiratory protection medical evaluations: additional evaluations; use of employee's physician; testing; medical removal; and confidentiality.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 21, 2004

Mr. Gregory Norton
3708 Lake Arrowhead Drive
Harvey, LA 70058

Dear Mr. Norton:

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Protection.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 30, 2004