What must employers ensure about respirators used by employees?

Employers must ensure that respirators used by employees are fitted properly to ensure maximum protection against airborne hazards. A proper fit is crucial because if a respirator does not form a tight seal around the face of the wearer, harmful substances can enter through gaps, drastically reducing its effectiveness. Fitting tests and assessments should be routinely conducted to confirm that the respirators are tailored to the specific facial characteristics of each employee.

While options that mention color-coding, reusing after cleaning, or limiting availability during pesticide application might relate to safety practices, they do not address the core requirement for respirators being effective in protecting employees from inhalation hazards. Proper fitting is the foundational step to ensuring that the respirators function as intended, providing the necessary level of respiratory protection.