Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

What type of respirator provides a lower protection factor than a hood/helmet type respirator?

1. Powered air-purifying respirator

2. Half mask respirator

3. Full face respirator

4. Disposable N95 respirator

The correct answer is: Half mask respirator

A half mask respirator provides a lower protection factor than a hood or helmet type respirator primarily due to its design and coverage. A half mask respirator covers only the nose and mouth, leaving the eyes and other facial areas exposed. In situations where there is a risk of airborne contaminants, the protection offered to the respiratory system is limited to the filtering of air inhaled through the mask, which can allow for potential exposure to hazardous substances through the eyes or unprotected skin. In contrast, hood or helmet type respirators provide a higher level of protection because they encapsulate the entire head and often include a powered air supply. This design not only protects the respiratory system more effectively but also shields the face and eyes from particulate matter and vapors. Furthermore, powered air-purifying respirators enhance protection by providing a continuous flow of clean air, further increasing the safety of the user in hazardous environments. The other options, such as disposable N95 respirators and full face respirators, offer varying degrees of protection. N95s filter airborne particles but remain insufficient in protecting against certain chemical exposures. Full face respirators cover the entire face, providing a more comprehensive barrier against contaminants than a half mask. Therefore, the half mask respirator's design inherently