What must be done with defective or damaged parts of a respirator?

• A. They must be replaced immediately to ensure proper protection.
• B. They can be repaired in the field.
• C. They can be used until the end of the shift.
• D. They can be used if minimal exposure.

Answer: (C)

Defective or damaged parts must be replaced immediately to maintain the respirator’s protective function. Any damage can compromise the seal or filtration, allowing contaminants to bypass the respirator. Field repairs are usually not acceptable because they may not restore full protection and can introduce new hazards. So, remove the respirator from service and replace the damaged component or the entire unit before continuing work; using it until the end of the shift or with minimal exposure is not acceptable and could lead to exposure.