Quick Reference Chart for Mandatory
vs. Voluntary Respiratory Protection Programs *

Mandatory Respiratory Protection Program (defining a reasonable hazard drives this)	Voluntary Respiratory Protection Program – Employee Selects a Non-Elastomeric Respirator	Voluntary Respiratory Protection Program – Employee Selects an Elastomeric Respirator
Written Respiratory Protection Program	*Not Required*	Written Respiratory Protection Program
Medical Evaluation	*Not Required*	Medical Evaluation
Training (Full)	Training (We Would Provide Minimal Although Not Required by OSHA)	Training (Moderate) to insure maintenance information to employee(Not Required by OSHA)
Fit Test Required	Not Required	Not Required
IH Selects Respirator	NIOSH RESPIRATOR Recommended. Employee Selects Respirator	NIOSH RESPIRATOR Recommended. Employee Selects Respirator
NASA Provides Respirator	Employee Provides Non-Elastomeric Respirator	Employee Supplies Elastomeric Respirator
NASA Maintains Elastomeric Respirators	Disposed of if increased difficulty breathing, contaminated or dirty, or not safe (torn, only one elastic headband, etc.)	Employee Maintains Elastomeric Respirator and changes canisters if outdated or increased difficulty breathing.
NASA Must Enforce Respirator Use	Must insure safe to use, and copy of Appendix D (29 CFR 1910.134)	Must insure safe to use, and copy of Appendix D (29 CFR 1910.134)

*Employees who wish to use respirators must contact their supervisors, to coordinate use requirements and insure their safety, prior to any respirator use.