An OSHA questionnaire for qualitative fit tests is a mandatory screening tool used to assess whether an employee is medically able to wear a respirator before participating in a fit test or using a respirator on the job. This questionnaire is part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

What It Is:

The OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire is a confidential health assessment form that includes questions about:

• General health conditions (e.g., heart disease, asthma, diabetes)

• Respiratory health (e.g., breathing issues, lung disease)

• Symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, dizziness)

• Work conditions (e.g., physical effort, use of protective equipment)

It is usually reviewed by a licensed healthcare professional (PLHCP) to determine if an individual can safely wear a respirator.

Why It’s Needed:

1. Protects Worker Health:
   Respirators can stress the body—especially the heart and lungs. This questionnaire helps identify medical conditions that could make respirator use dangerous.

2. Legal Requirement:
   OSHA mandates this evaluation before fit testing or respirator use to comply with safety regulations.

3. Prevents Liability:
   Ensures employers are not placing employees at risk by requiring them to use respirators when it's medically unsafe.

4. Ensures Accurate Fit Test Results:
   A proper fit test (like the qualitative fit test) is only meaningful if the person can safely wear the respirator during normal working conditions.