Reference

Voluntary respirator use is when employees wear a respirator below OSHA exposure limits even though no rule requires one, yet 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2) still attaches employer duties. This guide explains Appendix D, the medical-evaluation split between N95 and elastomeric respirators, and a worked example of a compliant program.

OSHA requires a respirator under 29 CFR 1910.134 when engineering controls can't keep airborne exposure below the PEL, when a substance-specific standard mandates it, or in IDLH and emergency atmospheres. This guide covers the PEL trigger, required vs voluntary use, the written program, fit testing, APF selection, and a worked example.