Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

To check for leaks on a half-mask respirator when inhaling, cover the _______ with the palms of your hands.

1. Exhalation port

2. Cartridges

3. Directional valve

4. Sides of the mask

The correct answer is: Cartridges

To check for leaks on a half-mask respirator when inhaling, it is important to cover the cartridges with the palms of your hands. This step creates a seal around the respirator, allowing you to assess whether the mask is functioning properly and maintaining a tight fit against your face. When the cartridges are covered during the inhalation test, if you feel air being drawn in around the edges of the mask, it indicates that there is a leak and the fit is not secure. The other options relate to components of the respirator but do not directly enable the fit check in the same way that covering the cartridges does. For example, the exhalation port serves a different function, allowing exhaled air to escape and prevent moisture buildup, while the directional valve often assists in directing airflow. Covering the sides of the mask may not provide a comprehensive evaluation of the tightness since the fit can vary depending on the specific design and shape of the mask. Therefore, focusing on the cartridges during the fit check is the most effective way to ensure the respirator is sealing properly.