The first step to wearing a respirator is a quick health examination known as a Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (MEQ). For better understanding, follow this page. This short guide walks you through what the MEQ is, how long it will take, the questions you will be asked, and what happens next, so you feel prepared from your first click to your fit test.

What Is the MEQ?

The MEQ is a series of validated health questions to help a licensed healthcare professional determine whether it is safe for you to wear a respirator during the performance of your work duties. This is a requirement of the OSHA Respiratory Standard and is a series of questions that you will answer prior to fit testing or your actual work-related use. The questions will relate to your medical history, your breathing, and your job tasks so that the clinician can determine your fitness for different types of respirators.

Most employers use an online medical evaluation; therefore, you are able to take the MEQ from your phone or computer. Your responses will be evaluated by a medical provider who is familiar with the physical demands of a respirator-related work duty as well as with the hazards posed by the job.

How Long Does It Take?

In most cases, the MEQ will be quick and easy. We suggest you find a quiet location with reliable internet access and have the name of your job title and the type of respirator you will be using available. How long it takes you to complete will depend on your own health history, and if there are any follow-up questions.

• 10-15 minutes: Typical for healthy individuals who are symptom-free and do not have any other condition(s).
• 20-30 minutes: If you have any medical history that requires additional clarification (for example, having asthma, heart issues, or anything else concerning).
• An additional 5-10 minutes: If the clinician feels it is necessary to you to do a quick call or message for clarification.

Common MEQ Questions Explained

You’ll see some questions related to your breathing (shortness of breath, wheezing), heart health, medications, and any prior issues with your previous use of a mask. These can help the medical provider understand how a respirator may affect you during normal tasks as well as while undertaking more strenuous activities while in the respirator use. You may also be asked about some activity at work including climbing, performing work in hot areas, or working long shifts, as these, as well, may increase the work of using a respirator.

If you take daily medications or have controlled conditions, answer honestly and give brief notes. Many people with stable conditions are still approved for respirator clearance. If something is unclear, a telehealth physician review can resolve it quickly through secure messaging or a short call.

What Happens After Submission?

Once you submit, a people who are licensed to practice will review your responses and decide clearance. A written outcome will tell you if you are cleared to wear a respirator, and if there are restrictions. You will need to check your email or notifications in your portal and also keep the document for your records and for your employer.

• Cleared, no restrictions: You will be able to go ahead with your fit testing and be able to use whatever type of respirator is allowed.
• Cleared with restrictions: You may be limited to using certain types of respirator models or limited duties, then your supervisor / respirator program administrator will instruct you as to what you should do next.
• Not cleared (for now): You’ll have to have any additional evaluation or treatment before you try again.

Once your cleared, you will have to schedule your fit test. Many systems will tie your MEQ outcome to their fit test record management as well. This means that your employer will be easily able to follow your MEQ outcome to make sure you still qualify and to be compliant with any audits that may result.

Privacy and Medical Information

Your privacy is important. The medical provider keeps your detailed health information confidential and only shares the outcome of whether a respiratory medical clearance was established at work, and only if there are any work restrictions. Employers want to know if you’re qualified to wear a respirator, not why a determination of clearance was made.

Visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9579/ to know the value and importance of health information privacy.

Use a secure device, when asked a question answer honestly and let the provider know if you think an error was made. If there is a change in your health—new symptom, new medication, new job duties, it is important to report that to your medical provider so they can provide updated instruction. Keeping the information current to protect your health and the compliance needs of the team you work with to share their compliance with the OSHA respiratory standard system at work.