What does a user seal check of a respirator involve?

A user seal check of a respirator primarily involves confirming that the respirator has been properly fitted to the user's face to create an adequate seal. This is crucial because a tight seal ensures that inhaled air passes through the filter rather than leaking around the edges of the respirator, which would compromise its effectiveness.

The user seal check typically consists of two methods: the positive pressure check, where the user exhales gently while blocking the exhalation valve, and the negative pressure check, where the user inhales deeply and holds their breath while sealing the facepiece. The process highlighted in your answer—pushing it up and sucking on it—aligns closely with checking for an improper seal, as it involves creating a vacuum effect that can help indicate whether air leaks into the respirator.

Understanding this process is critical for maintaining respiratory protection standards and ensuring user safety in environments with airborne contaminants. This practice helps prevent exposure to harmful substances, making it an essential component of respirator use protocols.