What is the primary purpose of conducting a fit check on respiratory equipment?

The primary purpose of conducting a fit check on respiratory equipment is to confirm proper sealing. A fit check ensures that the respirator forms an effective seal against the wearer’s face, which is critical to its intended protective function. If the equipment does not fit properly, contaminants can bypass the filter and enter the wearer’s breathing zone, rendering the protective equipment ineffective.

While comfort and regulatory compliance are important aspects of using respiratory protection, they do not address the immediate functional requirement of preventing exposure to hazardous substances. The brand of the equipment is also irrelevant to its protective capability; what matters most is that it fits securely and functions as intended in providing respiratory protection.