OSHA Proposes Easing Medical Evaluation Rules for Certain Respirator Use
A new proposal would exempt workers using filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators from mandatory medical evaluations, citing minimal physiological risk.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jul 08, 2025
OSHA has proposed a rule to amend the medical evaluation requirements in its Respiratory Protection Standard, specifically for employees who are required to use filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).
Currently, employers must ensure that employees undergo a medical evaluation to determine their ability to use a respirator before fit testing and use. The proposed change would exempt workers using FFRs and loose-fitting PAPRs from this requirement. OSHA’s preliminary assessment finds that the physiological burden of these specific types of respirators is minimal, making medical evaluation unnecessary for their use.
The proposed rule does not change other parts of the Respiratory Protection Standard. Employers will still be required to follow all existing rules on hazard assessments, respirator selection, fit testing, training, and maintenance.
Public comments on the proposed rule are being accepted until September 2, 2025. If requested during the comment period, OSHA will also hold an informal public hearing on the proposed changes.
For full details and to submit comments, visit the official Federal Register notice:
🔗 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/01/2025-12235/amending-the-medical-evaluation-requirements-in-the-respiratory-protection-standard-for-certain
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.