7.2.1 Fitting a respirator

Staff who use respirators must be trained. They should be taught to:

  • cup the respirator in one hand, with the nosepiece at the fingertips; they should allow the headbands to hang freely;
  • position the respirator under the chin with the nosepiece upwards; pull the top strap over their head and place it high at the back of the head; pull the bottom strap over the head and position it around the neck below the ears;
  • place the fingertips of both hands at the top of the metal nosepiece; using two hands, mould the nose area to the shape of their nose by pushing inward while moving their fingertips down both sides of the nosepiece; pinching the nosepiece with only one hand may result in an improper fit and less effective respirator performance; they should always use two hands.

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