Respirators - Voluntary Use

### **Respirators: Voluntary Use Guidelines**

When employees choose to wear respirators voluntarily, employers must still ensure their safety and compliance with **Occupational Health and Safety regulations** (e.g., OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 in the U.S.). This applies when respirator use is **not required** by the employer or law but is requested by employees for added protection.

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### **Key Points of Voluntary Respirator Use**

1. **Definition of Voluntary Use**
- Voluntary use occurs when a respirator is worn **by choice**, not because the job or environment requires it.
- Examples include:
- Wearing an **N95 respirator** in areas with minimal dust.
- Using respirators for personal comfort against nuisance odors or non-hazardous materials.

2. **Employer Responsibilities**
Even if respirator use is voluntary, employers must:
- **Evaluate the workplace** to confirm respirator use is not mandatory.
- Provide employees with specific **information** about voluntary respirator use.
- Ensure respirators are used in a way that does **not pose a health hazard**.

3. **Mandatory Employee Notification**
Employers must provide workers with the following OSHA-approved **information sheet**:

**"Appendix D: Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard"**

Key points include:
- Respirators can help protect against certain contaminants but must be used properly.
- Employees must keep respirators clean, properly stored, and maintained.
- Respirators can **strain breathing**—consult a doctor if you have medical concerns.

4. **No Medical Evaluation or Fit Testing Required**
- For voluntary use of **filtering facepiece respirators** (e.g., N95 masks), employers are **not required** to conduct medical evaluations or fit testing.
- However, if tight-fitting respirators (e.g., half-face or full-face respirators) are voluntarily worn, employers may need to address basic care and proper use.

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### **Proper Respirator Use for Voluntary Users**

- **Choose the Right Respirator**: Ensure the respirator is appropriate for the hazard (e.g., nuisance dust).
- **Keep It Clean**: Regularly clean reusable respirators using mild soap and water.
- **Store Properly**: Keep respirators in a clean, dry location to avoid contamination.
- **Inspect Before Use**: Check for damage, cracks, or worn parts before putting on a respirator.
- **Don’t Share**: Each employee should have their own respirator to prevent cross-contamination.

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### **When Employers Must Require Respirators**
Voluntary use is different from **required use**. Employers must require respirators when:
- Airborne contaminants **exceed permissible exposure limits (PELs)**.
- Employees are exposed to known hazards like toxic chemicals, asbestos, or silica dust.
- Emergency situations arise where respiratory protection is essential.

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### **Benefits of Voluntary Use**
- Reduces worker discomfort in environments with dust, odors, or allergens.
- Empowers employees to take personal protective measures.
- Promotes awareness and preparedness for workplace safety.

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Would you like assistance developing a **voluntary use policy**, creating an **Appendix D handout**, or providing **respirator maintenance guidance**? Let me know!