Respirator Use for Animal Care

July 14, 2003

EH&S has developed an interim guidance on the voluntary use of respiratory protection that specifically applies to Animal Care and Use work-related activities involving the use of only filtering-facepiece respirators, such as a N-95 disposable particulate mask. The voluntary use of a filtering-facepiece respirator (N-95 disposable particulate mask) is a component of the University’s global strategy to reduce exposure to lab animal allergens.

If it is determined that any voluntary respirator use is permissible, the respirator user must be provided with EHS Form 405 “Voluntary Respirator Use” and ensure that the user understands the information and signs the form.

The following documents will provide additional information:

• OHS Interim Guidance 1.0 (pdf)
• EHS Form 405: “Voluntary Respirator Use Form" (pdf)
• Information on animal allergies can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/animalrt.html.

Any questions can be referred to EH&S Occupational Health Nurse at 206.543.7262 ehsdept@u.washington.edu.