Every time you wear any tight-fitting respirator to apply pesticides, you should first:

Wearing a tight-fitting respirator during pesticide application necessitates ensuring that it forms an effective seal against the face. Performing seal check(s) is vital because it confirms that the respirator is properly fitted and will efficiently protect against inhaling harmful substances.

A seal check involves various techniques that help determine if there is a good fit between the respirator and the face. For example, you can perform a negative pressure check by inhaling gently to see if the respirator pulls inwards, indicating a proper seal. Conversely, a positive pressure check would involve exhaling gently to see if air escapes, which would indicate a poor fit.

The focus on seal checks is particularly critical in environments where exposure to pesticides can have serious health implications. An inadequate seal can lead to inadequate protection, undermining the respirator's purpose. This emphasizes safety and compliance with proper pesticide handling protocols, ensuring both the applicator's and public’s health are safeguarded.