Personal Protective Equipment Flashcards

What is the purpose of a negative-pressure fit check on a half-face respirator before entering a mold-contaminated area?

Answer: To confirm the facepiece creates an airtight seal against the face

A negative-pressure fit check confirms that the respirator facepiece seals tightly against the face by blocking the inlets and inhaling; any air leakage indicates a poor seal.

Under OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), how often must workers who use tight-fitting respirators receive a qualitative or quantitative fit test?

Answer: Annually

OSHA requires fit testing at least annually, as well as whenever the worker's physical condition changes in a way that could affect the facepiece seal.

Which condition requires a worker to be immediately removed from a mold remediation area regarding PPE?

Answer: The worker experiences shortness of breath or dizziness while wearing a respirator

Shortness of breath or dizziness may indicate respirator malfunction, inadequate oxygen, or a medical issue — the worker must exit immediately for safety evaluation.

A remediation worker must enter an area with unknown mold concentrations. What is the safest initial PPE selection approach?

Answer: Use the highest available protection level until assessment is complete

When mold concentration is unknown, workers should use the highest available protection level and downgrade only after a qualified professional assesses actual conditions.

What is the risk of reusing disposable N95 respirators across multiple mold remediation shifts?

Answer: Mold spores can accumulate and grow on the filter media, increasing exposure risk

Mold spores trapped on filter media can proliferate, and extended reuse degrades the filter and seal integrity, increasing the worker's risk of inhalation exposure.

When is it appropriate to use a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) instead of a standard N95 during mold remediation?

Answer: When the worker has facial hair, cannot achieve a seal, or when higher airflow is needed

PAPRs are appropriate when a tight-fitting respirator cannot achieve a proper seal (e.g., due to facial hair) or when higher airflow and comfort are required for prolonged tasks.

Which footwear requirement applies to mold remediation workers operating inside a containment zone?

Answer: Rubber boots or shoe covers that prevent tracking spores outside the containment

Workers must wear rubber boots or disposable shoe covers to prevent mold spores from being tracked out of the containment zone on footwear.