Which condition can negatively impact a worker's respiratory fit test?

Having facial hair can significantly impact a worker's respiratory fit test because it can interfere with the seal between the respirator and the face. For a respirator to function effectively, it must form a tight seal against the skin to prevent the inhalation of airborne contaminants, including lead dust. Facial hair, such as beards or sideburns, can create gaps, thus compromising the effectiveness of the fit. This is crucial because a poor fit can lead to unfiltered air entering the respirator, which poses serious health risks, especially in environments where lead exposure is a concern.

On the other hand, being well-rested, wearing glasses, and using a new respirator typically do not have a detrimental impact on obtaining a proper fit during respiratory fit testing. Being well-rested may actually help the worker focus better during the test. Glasses can generally be accommodated with certain types of respirators, and while a new respirator may require initial adjustments, it should not inherently affect the test result if it meets the proper criteria.