Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is not a required element of a respirator maintenance program?

1. Selection and purchase

2. Regular inspection

3. Cleaning and sanitizing

4. Repair and replacement

The correct answer is: Selection and purchase

The selection and purchase of respirators, while crucial to ensure that the right type of respiratory protection is chosen based on risks and fit for the users, is not considered a part of the maintenance program itself. A respirator maintenance program primarily focuses on the ongoing care and upkeep of the respirators once they are in use. Regular inspection ensures that the respirators are functioning properly and that any issues are identified before they compromise the user's safety. Cleaning and sanitizing are essential to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination, which is critical for user health. Additionally, the repair and replacement of any damaged or worn-out components ensures that respirators remain effective in providing adequate protection. Thus, while the selection and purchase phase is vital to an overall respiratory protection program, it does not fit within the maintenance framework, which is focused on the care and upkeep of already acquired respirators.