Cosmetic makeup may be required to be removed for successful fit testing.

Cosmetic makeup may be required to be removed for successful fit testing.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Depends on policy

Answer: (A)

When a fit test is done, the respirator must form a tight seal against the skin. Cosmetic makeup on the face can create a thin barrier or alter the surface the mask gasket contacts, which can prevent an airtight seal and lead to inaccurate fit results. Because of this, removing makeup from the areas that will contact the respirator is typically required to obtain a valid fit test. If makeup isn’t removed, the test may not reflect how well the respirator fits during real use, and a retest after makeup removal is usually needed.

When a fit test is done, the respirator must form a tight seal against the skin. Cosmetic makeup on the face can create a thin barrier or alter the surface the mask gasket contacts, which can prevent an airtight seal and lead to inaccurate fit results. Because of this, removing makeup from the areas that will contact the respirator is typically required to obtain a valid fit test. If makeup isn’t removed, the test may not reflect how well the respirator fits during real use, and a retest after makeup removal is usually needed.