N95 respirators
ASU will provide a limited quantity of N95 respirators to any employee who would prefer to use them for voluntary use for the current semester. The respirator is provided at no charge by ASU Employee Health. If you are not required to use an N95 or other respirator for your job and would like to request an N95, please complete the online request form and refer to the form for the next steps.
Protecting against transmission
Respirators protect against inhaled droplets, dust and particles that may contain infectious agents or hazardous materials. N95 respirators and surgical masks are examples of personal protective equipment used to prevent disease transmission in a medical or another setting where there is a higher risk of transmission. Cloth face covers help prevent disease transmission but are not classified as personal protective equipment and may not be acceptable in certain locations.
Different environments require different types and levels of protection. It is important to use the appropriate face covering for your environment. View the ASU respiratory protection and face cover summary below to learn more about respirator protection and face covers for different environments. Contact Employee Health for information on the use of respirators that require medical clearance and fit testing.
Respiratory Protection Program
Per the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers are required to establish and implement procedures for the proper use of respirators. OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard helps minimize employee exposure to hazardous contaminants in the workplace. It also provides employees information about potential hazards and what measures can reduce or eliminate the potential for exposure.
ASU Environmental Health and Safety has determined that some employees may be required to enter environments where airborne contaminants may be present. This may expose certain employees to respiratory hazards during routine or non-routine operations. These hazards include dust, particulates and vapors. In some cases, they may represent Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health conditions.
The ASU Respiratory Protection Program establishes procedures that ensure that all ASU employees are protected from exposure to these respiratory hazards. View the ASU Respiratory Protection Program plan for more information.
Required respirator use
If your job requires you to use an N95 or higher respirator based upon exposure or risk assessment, medical clearance and a fit test is required. Fit testing is an annual requirement per OSHA. The type of exposure determines the type of respirator. For assistance in determining the type of respirator needed, please contact your supervisor. You may also email EHS or call 480-965-1823 for assistance.
Follow these steps to complete a respirator fit test:
- Read and complete the Employee respiratory protection medical evaluation and send it to ASU Employee Health following the instructions in the questionnaire. Please coordinate with your department for the cost center and program code for charges associated with the fit testing. Please review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention infographic regarding styles of facial hair permitted for a fit test and respirator use.
- Upon receipt and medical clearance for respirator use, please call the Employee Health clinic to schedule your fit test at 602-496-1917. Fit tests are performed at the ASU Employee Health clinic.
- Please bring your cost center and program code for charges associated with the fit testing to your appointment. This is required for fit testing. Fit tests take approximately 15 minutes to complete for an N95 and 30 minutes for a full-face or half-face respirator.
Fit testing costs
- N95 respirator: $25.00.
- Full- or half-face respirator: $40.00.