Who is responsible for evaluating an employee's ability to wear a respirator?

The correct answer identifies that a physician or other licensed health care professional is responsible for evaluating an employee's ability to wear a respirator. This evaluation is critical because certain medical conditions can affect an individual's ability to safely use a respirator, which is essential for their protection in environments where respiratory hazards are present.

The responsibilities of a physician or licensed health care professional include conducting a thorough medical assessment to determine whether an employee has any health issues that may pose a risk when wearing a respirator. This typically involves a review of the employee's medical history, a physical examination, and possibly additional testing. Such assessments ensure that the employee can effectively and safely use the required respiratory protection without putting their health at risk.

While the employer has an overall responsibility for providing a safe working environment and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, including respirator programs, and the employee plays a role in reporting their health status, it is ultimately the qualified health care professional who holds the expertise necessary to make decisions regarding the medical fitness for respirator use. The safety manager may oversee the program and ensure compliance with safety standards, but they are not the ones who conduct the medical evaluations.