| Document ID (ISN) | 73559 |
| CIS number |
99-1605 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
| Year |
1999 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Pappas G.P., Takaro T.K., Stover B., Beaudet N., Salazar M., Calcagni J., Shoop D., Barnhart S. |
| Title |
Medical clearance for respirator use: Sensitivity and specificity of a questionnaire |
| Bibliographic information |
Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.395-400. Illus. 13 ref. |
| Abstract |
USA OSHA regulations require that workers receive medical clearance prior to respirator use, and a detailed questionnaire has been provided to assist with this purpose. 474 consecutive workers were tested at a Department of Energy complex. After completing the self-administered questionnaire, all workers received a standardized physician evaluation including interview, physical examination, and spirometry. The outcomes of the questionnaire assessment were compared to the outcomes of physician evaluation. All workers received medical clearance; only 10 workers received work restrictions. The questionnaire demonstrated 100% sensitivity in identifying workers who required work restrictions, but had specificity of only 19%. Compared to physician evaluation, the questionnaire had modest sensitivity to the detection of chronic medical conditions. The data suggest that the rates of medical clearance for respirator use are very high, and that a self-administered questionnaire may be appropriate for medical clearance in certain settings. It is recommended that the policy of routine physician evaluation and spirometry for respirator clearancebe re-examined. Topics: medical examinations; medical supervision; prohibition of use; questionnaire survey; respirators; spirometry; subjective assessment; work aptitude. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
work aptitude; prohibition of use; medical supervision; respirators |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
subjective assessment; medical examinations; spirometry; questionnaire survey |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | USA |
| Subject(s) |
Personal protection
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Respiratory protection
Safety supervision
|
