Question 1

How do I schedule a demo?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule a demo by clicking the "Book Demo" button on any page or by contacting us directly. Our team will walk you through the platform and answer any questions you have.

Question 2

What information do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

To get started, you'll need your employee count, current testing processes, and any specific compliance requirements. Our onboarding team will guide you through the setup process.

Question 3

How long does implementation take?

Accepted Answer

Proxima can have you set up in minutes and will be with you every step of the way as you implement the platform internally. How long that takes is up to you.

Question 4

What services does the platform include?

Accepted Answer

The Proxima Platform includes rMEQ (Respirator Medical Evaluation), MSQ:GCD (Ground Cannabis Dust Surveillance), MSQ:LAA (Lab Animal Allergy), and Fit Test Management, along with reporting and administrative functions supporting those services.

Question 5

Can I integrate with my existing HRIS?

Accepted Answer

The platform has CSV export functionality, making results easily portable to any management systems. API access available on a per-request basis.

Question 6

How secure is the platform?

Accepted Answer

The Proxima platform is aligned with security standards in place for the financial and healthcare sectors. We use enterprise-grade encryption and security measures along with third-party service provider vetting.

Question 7

How does bundle pricing work?

Accepted Answer

You receive a 20% discount when selecting 2 services. Volume discounts are also available for larger organizations.

Question 8

Are there setup fees?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no setup fees or recurring monthly fees. You only pay for the services you use on a per-employee basis.

Question 9

Are there subscription costs?

Accepted Answer

No, Proxima operates on a pay-per-use model with no subscription fees or recurring monthly charges. You only pay for completed evaluations.

Question 10

What is a PLHCP and why is it required?

Accepted Answer

A PLHCP (Physician or other Licensed Health Care Professional) is a healthcare provider licensed to independently practice medicine in their state, or a licensed healthcare professional operating under the direction of an independently licensed provider. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires that all respirator medical evaluations be conducted by or under the supervision of a PLHCP to ensure workers are medically fit to use respirators safely.

Question 11

How does Proxima ensure proper PLHCP oversight?

Accepted Answer

All Proxima medical evaluations are conducted by licensed medical providers in their respective states who are qualified per state law to conduct respiratory medical evaluations. Dr. Bill Martin, our Chief Medical Officer and board-certified physician, provides medical direction for the platform, ensuring all evaluations receive proper PLHCP oversight meeting OSHA regulatory requirements.

Question 12

What qualifies someone as a PLHCP?

Accepted Answer

PLHCPs include: (1) Physicians (MD/DO) independently licensed to practice medicine, (2) Licensed healthcare professionals capable of independent practice per state law (such as certain nurse practitioners or physician assistants in some states), or (3) Licensed healthcare providers operating under supervision of an independently practicing provider. State licensing laws determine specific qualifications.

Question 13

Who reviews my respiratory medical evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Your evaluation is reviewed by Proxima's team of licensed medical providers who are qualified PLHCPs in their respective states. All evaluations are conducted under the medical direction of Dr. Bill Martin, our Chief Medical Officer, ensuring expert oversight and regulatory compliance.

Question 14

How quickly do PLHCPs review evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Proxima PLHCPs provide same-day review for any questionnaires submitted during business hours, with most reviews taking place within minutes.

Question 15

When would a PLHCP require additional medical evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A PLHCP may require follow-up medical examination if an employee has positive responses to certain health questions, reports respirator-related symptoms, or has medical conditions that require further assessment before respirator clearance. This ensures worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Question 16

Can EMTs, nurses, or chiropractors evaluate MEQs?

Accepted Answer

Registered and Occupational Health Nurses operating under the direction of a physician can use medical protocols established by the signing physician to evaluate the MEQ. EMTs and Chiropractors do not have the level of licensure or knowledge required to perform the evaluations practically or legally.

Question 17

What support is included?

Accepted Answer

All accounts include email support, documentation, and onboarding assistance. Accounts have direct access to a Service Provider and/or Proxima Account Executive.

Question 18

How do I report a technical issue?

Accepted Answer

You can report technical issues through our support portal, email, or by contacting your account manager.

Question 19

Do you provide training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide materials, web meetings, and one-on-one sessions to ensure your team can use the platform effectively. Service Providers can take advantage of Account Executives when interacting with clients as well.

Question 20

What is OSHA 1910.134?

Accepted Answer

OSHA 1910.134 is the federal Respiratory Protection Standard that establishes mandatory requirements for employers whose workers use respirators. It covers medical evaluations, fit testing, training, and program administration. This standard applies to General Industry, Construction, Shipyards, Marine Terminals, and Longshoring. It consistently ranks among OSHA's top 10 most-cited standards, with violations costing $16,131-$161,323 per incident (2024 rates).

Question 21

What is a respirator medical evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A respirator medical evaluation is an OSHA-mandated health assessment that determines whether an employee can safely wear respiratory protection. Before any fit testing or respirator use, a licensed healthcare professional (PLHCP) must evaluate the worker's health history using OSHA's mandatory questionnaire (Appendix C). This evaluation identifies conditions like heart disease, lung problems, or claustrophobia that could make respirator use dangerous.

Question 22

How often is respirator fit testing required?

Accepted Answer

OSHA requires fit testing initially before first respirator use, then at least annually thereafter. Additional fit tests are required whenever you change respirator make, model, style, or size, or when facial changes occur that could affect fit—such as significant weight change (10+ lbs), dental work, facial surgery, or scarring.

Question 23

What's the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) is a pass/fail test using your sense of taste or smell to detect test agents like saccharin or Bitrex leaking into the mask. Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses instruments to measure the actual amount of leakage, producing a numerical "fit factor." QNFT is required for full-facepiece respirators and provides more precise results. Half-mask respirators require a minimum fit factor of 100; full-facepiece requires 500.

Question 24

Who needs respirator medical clearance?

Accepted Answer

Any employee required to wear a tight-fitting respirator in the workplace needs medical clearance first. This includes workers in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, laboratories, cannabis cultivation, painting, welding, and any industry with airborne hazards. Even voluntary N95 use in some circumstances requires employers to provide Appendix D information.

Question 25

Can I use a respirator without medical evaluation or fit testing?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the respirator type and whether use is mandatory or voluntary. For VOLUNTARY use of filtering facepieces (N95s, dust masks), employers must only provide Appendix D information—no medical evaluation or fit testing required. However, for VOLUNTARY use of elastomeric respirators (half-face, full-face) or PAPRs, medical evaluation IS still required, plus written program elements for cleaning, storage, and maintenance. For any MANDATORY respirator use, full requirements apply: medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and complete written respiratory protection program.

Question 26

Does facial hair affect respirator fit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OSHA prohibits tight-fitting respirators when facial hair comes between the sealing surface and the face, or where hair interferes with valve function. This means beards, goatees, and even heavy stubble can prevent a proper seal. Employees with facial hair for religious or medical reasons may need to use loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) instead.

Question 27

What happens if I fail a fit test?

Accepted Answer

If you fail a fit test, you cannot use that specific respirator for workplace protection. You should try a different size, model, or brand of respirator and retest. If you continue to fail with multiple respirators, options include loose-fitting PAPRs (which don't require fit testing) or administrative controls to remove you from respirator-required duties. Your employer must provide alternatives at no cost.

Question 28

What training is required for respirator users?

Accepted Answer

OSHA 1910.134(k) requires comprehensive training before respirator use and annual retraining. Training must cover: why the respirator is necessary, its limitations and capabilities, how to use it in emergencies, medical signs that limit use, proper donning/doffing and seal checks, and maintenance/storage procedures. Note: Hazard-specific training (e.g., silica, lead exposure risks) is a separate requirement under Hazard Communication (1910.1200) or substance-specific standards—not the respirator standard.

Question 29

What records must employers keep for respiratory protection?

Accepted Answer

Employers must maintain records of: (1) Medical evaluations—retained for duration of employment plus 30 years, (2) Fit test results—name, date, pass/fail or fit factor, test type, respirator details—retained until next fit test, (3) Written respiratory protection program. Records must be available to employees, OSHA, and NIOSH upon request.

Question 30

How much does a respirator medical evaluation cost?

Accepted Answer

Respirator medical evaluation costs vary significantly by provider type. Traditional occupational health clinic visits typically cost $75-$150 per evaluation. Online/digital evaluation services range from $20-$50 per evaluation—Proxima offers PLHCP-reviewed evaluations in this range with volume pricing for larger organizations. Additional costs may apply if follow-up examination is required (approximately 23% of employees need follow-up, costing around $200 additional). Hidden costs of clinic-based evaluations include employee travel time, lost productivity, and scheduling overhead—which can triple the effective cost.

Question 31

How much does respirator fit testing cost?

Accepted Answer

Fit testing costs range from $15-$50 per test for quantitative testing, or $25-$75 at occupational health clinics. Qualitative testing is typically less expensive. Many organizations reduce costs by training internal fit test administrators or using bundled medical evaluation + fit test services. For organizations with 500+ employees, volume pricing can reduce costs by 40-60%.

Question 32

How long does a respirator medical evaluation take?

Accepted Answer

Digital/online questionnaire-based evaluations typically take 10-15 minutes to complete and receive clearance within 24 hours (often same-day). Proxima's PLHCP team provides same-day review for questionnaires submitted during business hours. Traditional clinic-based evaluations require scheduling (often 1-2 week wait), travel time, and the visit itself (30-60 minutes)—plus waiting for results. Follow-up examinations, if required, add additional time.

Question 33

Can respirator medical evaluations be done online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OSHA allows medical evaluations to be conducted using the mandatory questionnaire administered digitally, as long as a qualified PLHCP reviews the responses. Online platforms like Proxima can provide faster turnaround, lower costs, and greater convenience while maintaining full OSHA compliance—with physician oversight from board-certified occupational medicine specialists. The questionnaire obtains the same health information regardless of whether it's paper or digital.

Question 34

What are the penalties for respirator non-compliance?

Accepted Answer

OSHA penalties for respiratory protection violations are significant: Serious violations cost $16,131 per violation (2024 rates). Willful or repeated violations can reach $161,323 per violation. Beyond fines, non-compliance exposes employers to worker injury liability, workers' compensation claims, and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations causing death.

Question 35

How long is respirator medical clearance valid?

Accepted Answer

OSHA doesn't specify an expiration period for medical clearance—it remains valid until conditions change. However, re-evaluation is required when: (1) an employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to respirator use, (2) a PLHCP or supervisor observes medical concerns, (3) workplace conditions change significantly (new hazards, increased exposure), or (4) fit test results suggest a problem. Medical clearance providers may set their own expiration dates to guide customers on best practices. For example, many employers choose annual medical clearance since training and fit testing are required annually—this ensures any changes in health or job duties are recognized.

Question 36

Can I transfer my fit test to a new employer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with conditions. OSHA allows "fit testing portability"—your new employer can accept fit testing from a previous employer or outside party if: (1) the test was conducted within the last 12 months, (2) you use the same respirator make, model, style, AND size, and (3) documentation is available. If any of these conditions aren't met, new fit testing is required. In practice, employers must own the clearance documentation from a previous employer, so clearance is typically performed again in line with the new employer's practices.

Question 37

What's included in a respiratory protection program?

Accepted Answer

A complete written respiratory protection program must include: procedures for selecting respirators, medical evaluation protocols, fit testing procedures, proper use procedures, maintenance and care schedules, air quality requirements for supplied-air respirators, training requirements, and program evaluation procedures. A qualified program administrator must oversee the program.

Question 38

Do cannabis workers need respiratory protection?

Accepted Answer

Cannabis workers face documented respiratory hazards. In 2022, OSHA reported a cannabis worker fatality caused by ground cannabis dust exposure. Subsequent inspections have resulted in citations ranging from $6,000-$15,000 per violation. A CDC survey found 23% of cannabis workers reported never receiving safety training. OSHA's Denver Region has established a Local Emphasis Program for Cannabis Industries, with respiratory protection appearing in 41% of violations. Workers handling dried plant material should have medical evaluation and appropriate respiratory protection. Proxima offers specialized Ground Cannabis Dust (MSQ:GCD) medical surveillance developed with cannabis dust research expertise.

Question 39

What is laboratory animal allergy and how common is it?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) affects 10-46% of exposed research workers, with symptoms ranging from mild rhinitis to serious asthma. A study of 5,641 workers found 23.1% had allergic symptoms. Rat and mouse allergens are most common since these animals are widely used in research. Seventy percent of affected workers develop symptoms within 3 years of exposure. LAA is now largely preventable with proper engineering controls and respiratory protection, yet only 19% of animal handlers wear respirators consistently. Proxima's MSQ:LAA surveillance program is based on a 10-year national study of 58,000+ laboratory workers co-authored by our Chief Medical Officer.

Question 40

Are N95 fit tests required for healthcare workers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when N95 use is mandatory. Healthcare workers with risk of airborne pathogen exposure must complete medical evaluation and annual fit testing. This applies to protection against TB, COVID-19, and other airborne diseases. Research suggests fit test failure rates are low (99.4% pass after 3 years), but annual testing remains the OSHA requirement. Healthcare workers who cannot achieve fit may use loose-fitting PAPRs instead.

Question 41

What respiratory hazards exist in pharmaceutical and research laboratories?

Accepted Answer

Laboratories present multiple respiratory hazards: chemical fumes and vapors, pharmaceutical dust during compounding, laboratory animal allergens (affecting up to 46% of workers), biological agents, and nanoparticles. Specific protection requirements depend on the hazards present. Workers handling hazardous drugs may need N95 or higher protection; animal facility workers need protection against allergens; chemical handlers need appropriate cartridge respirators.

Question 42

What respirator protection do manufacturing workers need?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing respirator requirements depend on specific hazards: welding requires protection against metal fumes; painting requires organic vapor cartridges; grinding/sanding requires particulate protection; chemical processing may require full-face respirators with specific cartridges. The employer must conduct hazard assessment to select appropriate protection level. OSHA's hierarchy of controls requires engineering solutions first, with respirators as supplemental protection.

Question 43

Do construction workers need respirator medical clearance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when respirators are required. Construction workers frequently need respiratory protection for: silica dust (cutting concrete, masonry), lead paint removal, asbestos abatement, spray painting, and welding. OSHA's silica standard (1926.1153) specifically mandates respiratory protection and medical surveillance for certain exposure levels. All construction respirator users need medical clearance and fit testing before use.

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