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How to put on a facepiece or mask
Correct fitting of facepieces at all times is vital to prevent exposure. You should carry out a fit-check every time you wear a facepiece to make sure it is effective.
Fit test vs.听Fit check
Face Fit testing should be carried out听during the initial selection of RPE, before being worn in a hazardous environment, and is carried out by听trained and experienced departmental听face fit testers.听A fit-check is the practice of the wearer checking their respirator for fit every time it is used.听
It is听important that you only use the model of facepiece that has听been fitted to you.听If you use different RPE for different tasks, make sure you are using the right RPE for the task.
Pre-use checks for respirators
- You should be clean-shaven around the face seal to achieve an effective fit when using disposable respirators. Beards and stubble (even one day's growth)听will stop the disposable respirator from sealing to your face and protecting you properly
- Make sure you are using the disposable respirator that you are fit tested for 鈥�听have you passed a face fit test for this model?
- Make sure the disposable respirator is clean and undamaged before you use it 鈥撎齝heck the straps for perishing, breaks, tears and loss of elasticity
- Follow the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions for checking the disposable respirator and putting it on
- Check the fit every time you put on the disposable respirator to ensure there are no leaks
Reusable respirators
The following poster听gives guidance on how to put on reusable听respirators and how to do a pre-use seal check or fit check.
Disposable respirators
The following poster and video give听guidance on how to put on disposable respirators and how to do a pre-use seal check or fit check.
> (poster)
(video)
Maintenance and storage
You must follow the instructions given to you听during your face fit test on the听correct storage of your facepiece and听follow the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions.
Last updated: Thursday, September 30, 2021
We encourage all staff and students to report accidents, hazards and听near misses when they happen.
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