What test must be passed prior to fitting a respirator?

The correct answer is that a fit test must be passed prior to fitting a respirator. A fit test is a crucial procedure that assesses whether a respirator forms an adequate seal on the wearer’s face, ensuring that contaminants are effectively filtered out when the user inhales. This test is vital because the effectiveness of a respirator depends significantly on its fit to the individual’s facial contours, which can vary widely among different people.

Fit tests can be either qualitative or quantitative, allowing for different methods to ensure the respirator is properly sealed. This step is imperative to protect the wearer from airborne hazards in high hazard facilities effectively. Without passing a fit test, the respirator cannot be guaranteed to work as intended, potentially exposing the user to harmful environments.

Passing a pressure test, pulmonary test, or safety test does not specifically confirm the proper fit of the respirator to the individual, which is why those options do not apply in this critical context.