The Proper Technique for Putting on a Full-Face Respirator

Thousands of occupational accidents occur because of ill-fitting respirators.

Respiratory protective gear is important in many different occupations. Proper technique for wearing respiratory protective gear is among the most difficult of safety equipment procedures to properly master. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduate student Traci Thomas reports that in 1996 alone, almost 22,000 reported occupational illnesses were due to toxic inhalations. Using the proper technique for donning a full-face respirator can prevent serious health consequences.

Things You'll Need

• Manufacturer's instructions
• Employer instructions for use

Instructions

1. 

   Even stubble can affect the fit of a full-face respirator.

   Pick the full-face respirator that fits your face best.

   The shape of your face will influence the fit of your full-face respirator. Beards, mustaches, sideburns and even hair stubble can prevent a good fit and allow contaminated air to leak in. For this reason, facial hair that prevents a good seal is not allowed on workers who need to use the protective devices, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC).

   Acne, contact allergies, lack of teeth, facial deformities and other scars can also compromise the sealing of a full-face respirator. Try various respirators until you find the one that suits you best.

2. 

   Check respirators carefully before putting them on.

   Inspect the respirator before each use. Check for damage, fraying, stretching and tears in the buckles, harnesses and straps. Check the face plate for chips, cracks and holes. Inspect all fittings.

   Check for debris, and distortions or rips in the inhalation valves and check for debris, distortions, moisture and tears along the exhalation valve and valve seats. The exhalation valve and rubber stem should be flexible and move freely. The exhalation valve should be capped.

3. 

   Place your chin in the mask first.

   Hold one hand over the faceplate and bring it to your face. Place your chin into the chin cup first. As you hold the full-face respirator to your face, slip the head harness over your head.

4. 

   Tighten your straps from the lowest to the highest.

   Adjust and tighten the head harness straps so that your full-face respirator fits snugly. Tighten straps from the lowest to the highest, starting with those at the very bottom of your respirator and ending with those at the very top.

5. 

   Skipping procedure means risking your life.

   Perform fit checks depending upon which type of respirator you plan to use. Positive pressure and negative pressure fit tests should be done before each use. These are qualitative fit tests which use your subjective opinion on fit. A quantitative fit test involves the use of instruments that measure and sample the air within the respirator. OSHA requirements demand that quantitative fit tests be done if you're using a full-face negative pressure respirator, according to TFHRC. Quantitative fit tests must be done on all other respirators at least once a year, reports Thomas.

   For a positive pressure fit check, don the respirator and cover the exhalation valve outlet with your palm. Exhale and hold your breath for 10 seconds. The face piece should bulge with no air leakage out of the face piece.

   A qualitative negative-pressure fit check involves covering the inlet of the respirator cartridge with your palm and inhaling and holding your breath for 10 seconds. The face piece should cave inward slightly with no obvious air leakage into the face piece.

Tips & Warnings

• You cannot wear eyeglasses when wearing a full-face respirator. Your respirator must have corrective lenses mounted within the face piece.

References

• U.S. Department of Transportation Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center: Personal Protective Equipment
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Evaluation of Training Technique as a Means of Influencing Safety Knowledge, Risk Perception and Proper Respirator Donning Ability Among Respiratory Protection Users