In which situation should a qualitative fit test of your respirator be performed?

• A. After significant weight change
• B. During routine maintenance every week
• C. Only after switching to a different model of respirator
• D. After a change in climate

Answer: (A)

A qualitative fit test is used to verify that a respirator still seals properly to your face, especially when something about you changes in a way that could affect that seal. A significant weight change can alter facial contours and how the straps sit, which may break the seal even if you’ve worn the same model before. Because of that potential shift in fit, you should perform a qualitative fit test after a notable weight change.

Routine weekly maintenance doesn’t assess the seal, climate changes don’t inherently alter facial fit in a way that mandates testing, and switching to a different respirator model does require testing for that new model, but the scenario most likely to necessitate a re-test due to changes in fit is a significant weight change.