Occupational Health and Safety Program

Research Respiratory Protection Program

The Research Occupational Health and Safety Program (R-OHSP) oversees the UGA Research Respiratory Protection Program. Although these programs are closely linked, they operate independently.

RRPP Information

The RRPP is open to anyone using a respirator as part of a research protocol or in the operation or maintenance of a research space.  Additionally, other respirator uses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.  For additional information, please contact us at occhealth@uga.edu

Types of Respirators:

Powered Air Purifying Respiratory (PAPR)

  • Primarily used as protection from biohazards
  • Requires live annual training through the Office of Biosafety
  • Voluntary use discouraged

Elastomeric Respirators (full face)

  • Primarily used as protection from chemical vapors and aerosols
  • Requires biennial spirometry and annual medical clearance questionnaire
  • Requires online training
  • Requires annual fit testing (even with voluntary use)

Tight-Fitted Respirator (e.g. N95)

  • Primarily used as protection from biohazards and allergens
  • Requires biennial spirometry and annual medical clearance questionnaire
  • Requires online training
  • Requires annual fit testing
  • Voluntary use allowed and fit testing recommended

Will the RRPP provide a respirator for me?

No.  You must obtain your own respirator and bring it with you for fit-testing, if applicable. We cannot provide respirators.  Additionally, we discourage the use of any respirators that are not OSHA-approved (e.g. KN95).

Can I decline participation in the RRPP?

Usually.  If you want to decline, you must complete a declination. There are some specific projects that require RRPP participation, especially projects involving BSL3 pathogens. To determine if you can decline participation, please check with your supervisor or contact the Office of Biosafety at biosfty@uga.edu

Is there a charge for participation in the RRPP?

Respiratory protection services are provided to the UGA research community free-of-charge, for all projects with mandated respirator use. However, there may be charges associated with the voluntary use of respirators (when not required by a research protocol or at the direction of a physician).

Where are services provided?

Typically, the RRPP services can be obtained with other preventative healthcare services at the Occupational Health Clinic on the UGA Health Sciences Campus. We will make every effort to consolidate these services so that only one appointment is necessary. Approval and appointments are required. Occasionally, the R-OHSP physician requires a pre-respirator assessment prior to approval at a local community healthcare clinic.

For more information, contact the occupational health nurse at occhealth@uga.edu

How do I enroll in the RRPP?

If your respirator use is related to research, you must enroll in the RRPP through enrollment in the R-OHSP. The R-OHSP risk assessment process will recommend your respirator use and get you started on the process.  If your respirator use is not research related, you will not need to enroll in the R-OHSP.

Please contact us at occhealth@uga.edu for non-research RPPP services.

Before your Fit Test Appointment:

  • Consult your supervisor or Principal Investigator regarding the type of respirator that you will need.
  • You must be cleared for scheduling before you will be able to make an appointment in PEP.
  • The clinic typically operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Obtain the appropriate respirator and bring it with you to your fit test appointment. It may be a good idea to have a few sizes and types of respirators, so that there are choices if one type/size doesn’t fit your face shape.
  • Please arrive on time for your appointment.
  • Do not eat or drink anything for 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • Bring any other PPE that you will also be wearing to make sure that it does not interfere with respirator use or fit.
  • Make sure your face is clean shaven. Beards, goatees or stubble will interfere with the respirator seal.
  • If you are sick, please reschedule your appointment.
  • Please make your appointment at least one week in advance.

How will my RPPP records be maintained?

Preventative healthcare records associated with employment-related occupational health services are considered employee health records. They are handled in a confidential manner and securely stored. Electronic copies of many RPPP records, including your approval, are maintained in PEP on the User’s private Snapshot Occupational Health folder. This folder is only accessible by the individual and PEP administration. The RRPP approval document will provide specific information on the size and type of respirator which has been approved for you.

Once I have respirator approval, can I wear a different respirator?

NO!  You may only wear the respirator size and type that has been approved for you. Wearing a different size, type, or brand of respirator may not offer you adequate protection. Please refer to your Respirator Approval document for the correct respirator specifications for you.

How often must I re-enroll in the RRPP?

Fit tests and PAPR training are required annually from the date of respirator approval. Spirometry must be repeated every 2 years. If you have significant changes in your personal health or the structure of your face, you are encouraged to re-enroll at any time.