A respirator can only protect you if it is sized and fitted correctly.
Even if you've selected the right mask and filter for the job, gaps between the respirator and your face can cause hazardous airborne particles, gases and vapours to bypass the filter and enter the wearer's breathing space. This will significantly reduce the protection offered by the respirator and put the wearer at risk.
That's why users of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should perform a fit check to understand if the respirator face seal offers confidence to a clean-shaven face. The fit check reassures the wearer, confirming the respirator is fitted correctly during workplace applications denying potential leakage around the respirator seal.
Introducing PressToCheck™
If the wearer is clean-shaven around the area of the respirator seal, the JSP’s PressToCheck™ method is quick, simple and reliable, offering the wearer peace of mind.
Using the filters themselves, wearers can verify that the respirator is correctly fitted before entering a hazardous environment.
This helps provide confidence that the respirator seal is intact and that contaminated air is not leaking around the face seal.
How Does PressToCheck™ Work?
The process can be remembered in three simple steps:
FIT IT – Don the mask
Fit the neck strap, followed by the head harness and adjust the straps to achieve a snug yet comfortable fit.
PRESS IT – PressToCheck™
Firmly press the fronts and backs of both filter covers together to prevent air from entering through the filters.
CHECK IT – Inhale
Inhale deeply. No air should pass through the mask.
While continuing to breathe in, move your head:
Up
Down
Left
Right
If, after pressing the filters and inhaling, you can hear or feel air being drawn into the mask, the seal has not been achieved correctly. Imagine that air is the hazardous substance you are trying to protect yourself from. Instead of being filtered, it is bypassing the filters and entering the mask through a leak in the face seal.
This is why performing a fit check is so important. A correctly fitted respirator should pull against your face when you inhale, without allowing air to enter around the edges of the mask.
Which Respirators Use PressToCheck™ Filters?
PressToCheck™ filters are compatible with:
The Force®8 half mask with Typhoon™ valve offers superior low breathing resistance and a 4-point suspension harness with quick-release buckles. The mask is made with a durable thermoplastic rubber offering a thermoplastic rubber offering a superior fit to a large range of face shapes. The mask accepts the full range of Force®8 filters, giving the Force®8 the flexibility to be used for many applications, providing filtering protection against a wide range of harmful particulates, gases and vapours.
JSP Force®10 Typhoon™ Full Face Mask
The Force®10 Typhoon™ is an extremely lightweight, easy-to-maintain full face mask with a panoramic visor. With 3 available sizes (S,M,L) and the ability to fit PressToCheck™ filters, the user can feel reassured about an excellent fit.
How to perform a PressToCheck™ fit check?
Watch our instructional video to show clearly how to perform a fit check using our PressToCheck™ filter range.
Key points:
- Fit Checks are to be conducted every time the wearer dons the respirator
- If the respirator is sized and fitted correctly, the effectiveness of the respirator seal will deliver integrity and reassurance, offering the protection required
- PressToCheck™ filters simplify the fit check process when using the JSP Force®8 and Force®10 respirators
- The fit check involves pressing the spring mechanism filter in simultaneously and inhaling to identify any respirator face seal leaks
Conduct respirator checks by moving your head: up, down, left and right. During the check, confirm each angle does not lose face seal confidence.