Half Face Respirator

Half Face Respirator

Each time after putting on a tight-fitting respirator, it is important that the user is to perform seal check or fit check. This is necessary to ensure no leakage when it is used in contaminated environment.

A positive and negative pressure seal checks are easy to conduct and can be performed by the wearer, following the manufacturer’s recommended procedure.

User seal check is also required prior to conducting fit testing. Below are examples of seal check for various respirator types.

Example of Negative Pressure Seal Check for reusable respirator

Place the palms over the cartridge and inhale gently.The respirator should collapse slightly.









Example of Positive Pressure Seal 
Check for reusable respirator

Place the palms over the exhalation valve cover and exhale gently.The face piece should bulge

Example of  Negative Pressure Seal Check for maintenance-free valved respirator

Place both hands over the respirator and inhale sharply. The respirator should collapse slightly

Example of  Positive Pressure Seal Check for maintenance-free valved respirator

Place both hands over the respirator and inhale sharply. The respirator should collapse slightly









Maintenance The employee should leave the respirator use area in the following situations:

1. To wash their faces and respirator face-pieces as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use.

2. If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the face-piece; or

3. To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge or canister elements.

Credit by 

Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia