Is a user seal check equivalent to a fit check?

A user seal check and a fit check serve different purposes and are distinct processes in ensuring the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment. A user seal check is a quick and simple method performed by the wearer to ensure that the respirator is properly sealed against the face. This typically involves a visual inspection and/or a physical test where the wearer inhales or exhales to feel for air leaks along the edges of the respirator.

On the other hand, a fit check, which is more comprehensive, involves a formal process that may include quantitative or qualitative assessments to determine whether a respirator fits the individual's face effectively. This often requires additional equipment and measurements to evaluate how well the respirator fits.

Understanding that a user seal check primarily indicates the immediate seal of the respirator while a fit check evaluates the overall fitting process clarifies why they cannot be viewed as equivalent. The key difference lies in the procedure and assessment level involved in each, leading to separate valuations of the respirator's effectiveness.