Respiratory Protection

Inhalation Hazards

Inhalation is one of the principal routes by which harmful materials can enter the body. If an individual is exposed to a hazardous airborne concentration of such a material, then undesirable health effects can result.

ERM Services

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) office can assist in determining whether a member of the University community’s exposure to these agents exceeds available exposure limits established by entities such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). If these limits are exceeded, and exposure cannot be reduced to acceptable levels through substitution with a less hazardous agent or the use of engineering controls, such as ventilation, then respiratory protection may be necessary.

When to Contact ERM

Contact ERM to conduct an exposure assessment to determine if respiratory protection is necessary. If a respirator is recommended for your use, then you must be fit-tested and trained by ERM and receive medical clearance from a physician, or other licensed healthcare professional (PLHCP), in order to wear one. Please see the SUU Respiratory Protection Program for more information.