When is an airline respirator required to be used?

An airline respirator is specifically designed to provide a continuous supply of breathable air from a remote source, usually for work environments where air quality is compromised. The correct answer highlights that an airline respirator is required at the beginning of a gross removal project, such as when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos. During such projects, there is a significant risk of airborne contaminants, and using an airline respirator ensures that the worker receives fresh air while minimizing the inhalation of harmful particles.

In contrast, airline respirators are generally not needed for routine maintenance tasks, as these situations may not pose the same level of risk. Similarly, in non-regulated areas, where the concentration of harmful substances is within permissible limits, the use of airline respirators is typically not mandated. Lastly, while working in teams is important for safety, it does not directly influence the requirement for respiratory protection, as the need for such equipment is primarily determined by the conditions of the work environment rather than the number of workers present.