Occupational Health

Respiratory Protection Program

Various activities in academic and staff areas create conditions for potential exposures to airborne contaminants that could result in acute or chronic occupational disease. Where feasible, Purdue University’s intention is to reduce individual exposures to these conditions as much as possible with engineering controls, substitution of less toxic materials and/or administrative controls. Where these controls are not feasible the use of respiratory protection may be the only alternative.

The Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) was developed to protect the health of faculty, staff and students. Employees or supervisors can contact EHS to schedule an exposure assessment of their work area if they are unsure of the respiratory hazards in their workplace. EHS will come to your work area to perform the assessment. Employees required to wear a N-95 respirator under the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard must participate in the Purdue RPP. Employees using a N-95 respirator when not required under the standard must document they have read and understood the information provided in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134.

How to enroll in the program:

• If you need to wear a respirator complete the Respiratory Protection Program Participation Application form and return it to EHS.
• If the need for a respirator has been determined, a Request for Occupational Services (Form 89) will be sent to you. Upon receipt of a Form 89, you shall contact the Regional Occupational Care Center to set up and appointment for medical evaluation.
• Based on the medical evaluation results, EHS will contact you to schedule a fit testing date or to discuss alternatives.

Contact

Environmental Health and Safety
researchsafety@purdue.edu
765-494-6371