CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is the protection factor for a half-face respirator?

1. 5

2. 10

3. 50

4. 100

The correct answer is: 10

A half-face respirator typically has a protection factor of 10. This means that the respirator can reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants in the breathing zone by a factor of ten compared to the outside air. In practical terms, if the ambient concentration of a hazardous substance is at a certain level, the user should be exposed to only one-tenth of that concentration when using a properly fitted and maintained half-face respirator. This protection factor is a critical consideration when evaluating the fit and effectiveness of respiratory protection in environments where lead and other hazardous materials are present. Understanding this factor helps ensure that workers are adequately protected while performing inspections or assessments in potentially contaminated areas, aligning with safety standards and regulations in the field.