Respiratory Protection and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Work-related COVID-19 Respiratory Hazards

COVID-19 is a respiratory hazard. Front-line medical providers, emergency responders and researchers in contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus should use a particulate filtering respirator to protect themselves. The Cornell University Respiratory Protection Program applies to all faculty, staff and students who are required to use respiratory protection as part of their normal work duties. Respiratory protection will be provided to employees and students to be utilized when it has been determined that engineering, work practice, and administrative controls are not feasible and or do not provide sufficient protection. If you are an employee of Cornell University and believe that you need a respirator for such a scenario, please fill out the HS12 F001 Respirator Request Form to begin the review process by EHS.

Non-work related COVID-19 Respiratory Hazards

The university has implemented engineering and administrative controls to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission across campus. The use of these controls has been shown to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Additionally, EHS has identified specific higher-risk job tasks requiring N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment. Consistent with the Provost's message on August 27, 2021, the University will provide an N95 to faculty or staff wishing to wear such respirator on a voluntary basis. Anyone using an N95 voluntarily is required to complete Respirator Voluntary Use Sign Off in Workday Learning to meet requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). N95 respirators can be ordered from eShop vendor.