Respiratory Protection for Voluntary Use

Talking points

1. Voluntary use of filtering facepiece respirators (N95, P100) is permitted with minimal requirements — but the employer must still provide Appendix D of the respiratory protection standard to the worker.
2. Appendix D is a one-page information sheet that explains the limitations of filtering facepiece respirators, how to put them on properly, and how to maintain them.
3. If an employee voluntarily uses an elastomeric (reusable) respirator, all provisions of the respiratory protection standard apply — including written program, medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.
4. The distinction matters: a worker who grabs a dust mask from a box is voluntary use of a filtering facepiece. A worker assigned an elastomeric half-face is mandatory use regardless of who initiated it.
5. Employers should document the provision of Appendix D and keep records. If OSHA determines that respirator use should have been mandatory rather than voluntary, the employer must demonstrate compliance.

Ask the crew

If you are using a dust mask voluntarily, have you received the Appendix D information — and do you understand how to wear it properly?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1910.134 App D

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

Sign-in sheet

Print this page to collect signatures, or run the talk in Jobsite and workers sign in on their phones.

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