If the facepiece of a respirator is cracked, what is the appropriate action?

The appropriate action when a respirator's facepiece is cracked is to get repairs done before using it again. A cracked facepiece compromises the integrity of the respirator, potentially allowing harmful contaminants to enter and reducing the effectiveness of the protective device. It is crucial for the safety of the wearer and to ensure compliance with safety regulations that any damage is addressed immediately rather than attempting to use the respirator with a known defect. Repairing or replacing the damaged component ensures the respirator will provide the necessary protection against inhalation hazards in the workplace.

Using temporary fixes, like duct tape, is not a reliable solution as it does not guarantee a proper seal or functionality. Changing filters more often, while beneficial for maintaining air quality, does not rectify the fundamental issue of a compromised facepiece. Similarly, delaying repairs until the next annual fit test poses unnecessary risks to the respirator user, as they may be exposed to harmful substances in the interim.