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Respiratory Safety Program                

How to get/use a respirator at NMSU (per NMSU Respiratory Safety Program)

NMSU Respiratory Safety Program
Summary Steps: Before you can be use a respirator as an NMSU employee (for NMSU work), you must be certified by NMSU Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). Follow these steps.
What to do How to do it
1 If the task has not been evaluated for respirator hazards (new projects involving solvents and other volatile compounds), request a workplace evaluation
  1. Request a workplace evaluation from EH&S (505) 646-3327.   EH&S will schedule an evaluation of your workplace activities to determine the most effective and efficient means of respiratory protection for you. A respirator may not be necessary. Attendance at a NMSU Hazard Communication Class is required, if respiratory protection is for harmful chemical vapors or fumes.
  2. If respiratory protection is necessary for your work, follow the next step.
2 Apply for medical approval.
  1. Print out and complete the form below:
  2. Send or deliver the completed forms to University Health Center, MSC 3EHS, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM, 88003 (Campus address - Genesis Center, Building C, 3655 Research Drive).  A physician or PA at Employee health will review the forms and send medical approval or denial to EH&S.
  3. If you are denied medical approval to wear a respirator, your department may be able to arrange other means of respiratory protection.
  4. If you are medically approved, you should schedule to attend the next class (training calendar) on Respiratory Safety which will include:
    • Training in proper use and care of your respirator
    • Fit tested for a face piece and filters appropriate for your work
3 Get fit tested and trained to use your new respirator.
  1. Attend EH&S class for respirator fit testing and training.
  2. When you satisfactorily pass the fit test, the respirator can be used by you.
  3. You will then be trained on:
    • Fit, usage, and care of your respirator
    • Limitations of respirators
    • How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of your respirator
    • Regulations governing respiratory protection in the workplace
  4. Men will generally need to be clean shaven along the parameter of the mask in order to pass the fit test for a half-mask or full face respirator.
4 Renew your respirator certification annually.
  1. Annual certification is required. Your supervisor or EH&S will notify you when it is time for renewal.
5 What to do when you no longer need your respirator.
  1. Return unwanted respirators to EH&S.  Please include your name and department. Send to EH&S Office, MSC 3578, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM 88003
Questions regarding NMSU's Respiratory Protection Program? Contact EH&S, (505) 646-3327.
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