What should you check before using any tight-fitting respirator to apply pesticides?

Before using any tight-fitting respirator to apply pesticides, performing seal checks is crucial to ensure that the respirator fits properly and forms an adequate seal against the user's face. A proper seal is essential for the respiratory protection to be effective, as it prevents contaminated air from bypassing the filtering mechanism. If a respirator does not fit well, it can allow harmful pesticide vapors or particles to enter the breathing zone, posing health risks to the user.

Seal checks involve both a positive and negative pressure test to confirm that there are no gaps between the respirator's facepiece and the wearer's face. This step is particularly important when using tight-fitting respirators, as even small leaks can significantly compromise the effectiveness of the respiratory protection.

While it's also important to consider factors such as the expiration date of the cartridge, inspecting for visible damage, and cleaning the respirator, these steps are secondary to ensuring a proper seal. A respirator without a good seal will not provide the intended level of protection, regardless of its condition or maintenance status.