Respiratory Protective Devices: Rates of Medical Clearance and Causes for Work Restrictions

Details

• Personal Author:
  Barnhart S ; Beaudet, Nancy ; Calcagni J ; Pappas GP ; Salazar M ; Shoop D ; Stover B ; Takaro TK
• Description:
  BACKGROUND: There are no published data on the outcomes and benefits of medical evaluations for the use of respiratory protective devices. We, therefore, conducted a retrospective database and chart review to assess the rates of medical clearance and causes for work restrictions at a Department of Energy complex. METHODS: All workers with work restrictions or denied clearance over a one-year period were identified and their medical records abstracted. RESULTS: Of the 5,569 workers who received medical evaluation, only 71 (1.3%) received limitations on respirator use documented in their medical record. Of the 65 workers with sufficient medical records for additional analysis, 9 of the 5,569 workers (0.2%) were denied medical clearance, while 56 workers (1.1%) received work restrictions. Pregnancy was the most common cause for denying medical clearance for respirator use. Lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and claustrophobia were the most common causes for work restrictions. Physical examination and spirometry added little to the detection of relevant medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that few workers fail medical clearance for respirator use or receive work restrictions. Data on adverse events from respirator use are needed to help design appropriate medical evaluations and uniform criteria for work restrictions or denial of medical clearance. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular System Lung Diseases Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Respiratory Protective Devices Respiratory System Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Occupational Medicine Cardiovascular-system-disorders Heart Lung-disorders Medical-examinations Medical-screening Medical Surveillance Physical-examination Physiological-response Respiratory-equipment Respiratory-protection Respiratory Protective Devices

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• ISSN:
  0271-3586
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  390-394
• Volume:
  35
• Issue:
  4
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20031385
• Citation:
  Am J Ind Med 1999 Apr; 35(4):390-394
• Contact Point Address:
  Timothy K. Takaro, University of Washington, Occupational & Environmental Medicine Program, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98105
• Email:
  ttakaro@u.washington.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  1999
• Performing Organization:
  University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  19950930
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Industrial Medicine
• End Date:
  19990929
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:79912d529b581b222d261dc6b81c6c30fef71e1721b47c1b8bb107e8269ecdbdc2acfcb00a3c8c733a7e6f7eb5a1438f4c2e7f0a4168593f5f2c30b4c6ca1cf9
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/191642/cdc_191642_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 41.47 KB ]