[bsherry]

Hi,

I am currently reviewing 300 respirator questionnaires for approximately 300 workers. These workers have never worn respirators before, do not require preemployment physicals, and will be wearing 1/2 face APRs for emergency purposes only (ie. during a disaster response).

This group is not the healthiest group. In general, a number of these workers are not happy about having to wear a respirator for any reason (their supervisor has told me this) There are frequent yes answers to questions 1-8, most are obese, and some are over 55. I wonder at which point during my review of the questionnaires do I not do a phone interview and just refer them for a medical evaluation (ie. PFTs, physical, EKG) which will be done at an outside agency.

I also wonder how I should proceed if they indicate they are very claustrophobic (with no other symptoms)-should I interview them? Pass them initally and then see how they do during the actual fit testing?

Any input will be appreciated

Thanks,

Beth