23 Jul Respirator Fit Check – Personal Protective Equipment

Respirator Fit Check – Personal Protective Equipment

A respirator fit check—also called a user seal check—must be performed every time a tight-fitting respirator is put on. Even a properly selected and fit-tested respirator cannot provide its intended protection if there is leakage between the face and the respirator facepiece.

Respirators are used when engineering and work-practice controls cannot adequately control airborne hazards, while those controls are being implemented, or when otherwise required by the respiratory protection program.

Fit Testing vs. User Seal Checks

A user seal check is not the same as a respirator fit test.

• Fit testing is a formal qualitative or quantitative test used to verify that a specific respirator model and size fits the employee. OSHA generally requires fit testing before initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter.
• A user seal check is performed by the employee each time the respirator is put on to verify that it has been properly positioned and an adequate seal has been achieved.

Passing a user seal check does not replace required fit testing.

Before Putting on the Respirator

Before each use:

• Inspect the facepiece, straps, valves, cartridges, filters, and other components.
• Make sure the respirator is clean and in good condition.
• Verify that the correct cartridges or filters have been selected for the hazard.
• Check that cartridges, filters, and other components are properly installed.
• Put the respirator on according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Adjust the straps to obtain a secure and comfortable fit.

Do not use a defective respirator.

Facial Seal Requirements

Anything that interferes with the sealing surface can prevent a tight-fitting respirator from providing adequate protection.

Employees must not wear a tight-fitting respirator when facial hair or another condition:

• Comes between the sealing surface and the face.
• Interferes with valve function.
• Prevents an adequate respirator seal.

Eyewear, PPE, head coverings, or other equipment must also be worn so that they do not interfere with the respirator seal.

Negative-Pressure User Seal Check

When permitted for the respirator being used:

1. Put on and adjust the respirator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Close off or cover the inlet openings of the cartridges or filters.
3. Inhale gently so the facepiece collapses slightly.
4. Hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds.
5. Observe whether the facepiece remains slightly collapsed.
6. Feel and listen for air leaking around the sealing surface.

If the facepiece remains slightly collapsed without inward leakage, an adequate seal has generally been achieved.

If leakage is detected, reposition the respirator, readjust the straps, and repeat the check.

Positive-Pressure User Seal Check

When permitted for the respirator being used:

1. Put on and properly adjust the respirator.
2. Close off or cover the exhalation valve or otherwise follow the manufacturer’s procedure.
3. Exhale gently into the facepiece.
4. The facepiece should develop slight positive pressure.
5. Feel and listen for air leaking around the sealing surface.

If slight pressure builds inside the facepiece without outward leakage, an adequate seal has generally been achieved.

Do not exhale forcefully enough to disturb the facepiece seal.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions

Not every respirator can be checked using the same procedure. Disposable filtering facepiece respirators and some other respirator designs may require different user seal-check methods.

Always follow the respirator manufacturer’s recommended user seal-check procedure when provided.

Do not modify the respirator or use a seal-check procedure that is incompatible with its design.

If the Respirator Does Not Seal

Never enter a hazardous atmosphere when you cannot obtain an acceptable seal.

If leakage is detected:

• Reposition the respirator.
• Readjust the straps.
• Check the sealing surface for obstructions.
• Inspect the respirator for damaged or improperly installed components.
• Repeat the user seal check.

If an adequate seal still cannot be obtained, do not enter the hazardous area. Notify your supervisor and obtain assistance or another properly fitted respirator as appropriate.

While Wearing the Respirator

Leave the respirator-use area immediately if you:

• Detect contaminant breakthrough, odor, or irritation.
• Experience difficulty breathing.
• Notice leakage around the facepiece.
• Experience dizziness or other unusual symptoms.
• Suspect the respirator or its components have failed.

Proceed to a safe area before adjusting, repairing, or replacing respiratory equipment.

Remember

A respirator fit check takes only a short time and must be performed every time a tight-fitting respirator is donned. A respirator that does not seal properly may allow contaminated air to bypass the filters or cartridges and enter the breathing zone.

Select it correctly. Fit-test it. Inspect it. Seal-check it every time you put it on.