N95 User Considerations:
N95’s are regularly worn in the workplace and lately are being used in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OSHA defines a filtering facepiece respirator in 29 CFR 1910.134(b) as "a negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium." By this definition, an N95 is an air-purifying negative pressure respirator equipped with an N95 filter. When used in the workplace, N95 respirators may be used in two circumstances:
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Voluntary Use |
Non-Voluntary Use |
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Exposure assessment shows respiratory protection is not required. |
Respiratory protection is required when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer. |
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Complete the Voluntary Use Authorization Form |
Annual Medical Evaluation by physician certified in Occupational Medicine |
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Medical Evaluation and fit test not required |
Annual Fit Test, performed by Auburn RMS |
A medical evaluation is required for non-voluntary use of a respirator, as wearing one may place a burden on the user’s health. Though voluntary use of an N95 respirator does not require a professional medical evaluation, exercise caution when considering utilizing an N95 if you experience any of the following medical conditions:
- Cardiovascular and respiratory disease, such as high blood pressure, angina, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
- Cardiovascular damage caused by heart attack or stroke.
- Reduced lung function caused by factors such as smoking or prior exposure to respiratory hazards.
- Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy.
- Musculoskeletal disorders, such as lower back pain.
- Psychological conditions, such as claustrophobia and severe anxiety.
- This list provides examples of only some medical conditions that may interfere with safe use of a respirator, or specific type of respirator. In addition, certain medications may interfere with safe use of a respirator. Speak to your medical care provider for professional guidance for voluntary use.
Medical evaluation information from OSHA’s “Small Entity Compliance guide for the Respiratory Protection Standard”.
Additional information regarding N95 selection and usage can be found in the resource links below:
NIOSH’s Respirator Trusted-Source Information Page
How to interpret NIOSH approval on package labels and the respirator itself
NIOSH-Approved N95 Particulate Filtering Face Piece Respirators
Decontamination and Reuse of Filtering Face Piece Respirators
Donning and Doffing an N95 Respirator Instructional Video
ADDITIONAL N95 INFOGRAPHICS
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