Respirators are used to protect people working in potentially hazardous environments by allowing them to breathe more comfortably while reducing the risk of exposure to harmful dust, fumes, or gases. At this stage, most service and public-facing positions, as well as many office workers, require respirators in the workplace. The CDC recommends that people fit test their respirators to ensure they are well protected in the workplace.
Respirator fit testing is testing the seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a person wearing a respirator must form a complete seal with the face to provide the intended protection. But workers with beards may not be able to achieve an adequate fit, so shaving the beard is recommended to increase the fit.
Additionally, for fit testing, employees should check the tightness of the respirator each time they put it on. Both positive and negative pressure can be performed to check the seal of a respirator. A positive pressure check involves covering the exhalation area with the hands and trying to exhale. If the pressure inside the mask increases, even slightly, the seal is functioning properly. While the negative pressure check means covering the intake area in a similar fashion and trying to breathe. If no air enters the respirator, then the seal is sufficient to provide enough protection.
