To obtain the best protection from a respirator you must perform a positive and negative check _____.

To obtain the best protection from a respirator you must perform a positive and negative check _____.

• A. Only at the start of the job
• B. Every time you wear it
• C. Once per week
• D. After every cleaning

Answer: (B)

The key idea is making sure the respirator still fits properly each time you put it on. The two checks—positive and negative pressure tests—confirm the face seal is intact and there are no leaks around the edges. A positive-pressure check makes sure air doesn’t leak out around the seal when you exhale gently with the respirator on, while a negative-pressure check ensures air doesn’t leak in when you inhale gently while the respirator is donned. Do these checks every time you wear the respirator because factors like strap tension, facial movement, sweat, or changes in hairstyle can affect the fit. Relying on a fit from the start of the job isn’t enough to guarantee protection later in the shift.

The key idea is making sure the respirator still fits properly each time you put it on. The two checks—positive and negative pressure tests—confirm the face seal is intact and there are no leaks around the edges. A positive-pressure check makes sure air doesn’t leak out around the seal when you exhale gently with the respirator on, while a negative-pressure check ensures air doesn’t leak in when you inhale gently while the respirator is donned. Do these checks every time you wear the respirator because factors like strap tension, facial movement, sweat, or changes in hairstyle can affect the fit. Relying on a fit from the start of the job isn’t enough to guarantee protection later in the shift.