What type of test involves holding a chemical to the face piece and breathing normally?

The correct choice is qualitative fit test. This type of test is designed to assess the face seal of a respirator by using the wearer's sensory perception to detect the presence of a test agent. During the qualitative fit test, a test substance is introduced, typically in the form of an aerosol or vapor, which the individual must be able to detect while wearing the respirator. If the wearer can sense the test agent, it indicates that there may be a failure in the face seal or that the respirator may not fit properly.

In qualitative fit testing, the focus is on personal feedback regarding the smell, taste, or other sensory input related to the test agent. This method is particularly beneficial because it is straightforward, requiring no specialized equipment beyond the respirator and the test agent, making it accessible in various settings.

On the other hand, quantitative fit tests employ instruments to measure the actual amount of leakage into the respirator, providing numerical data about the fit but not relying on the user's sensory detection. The other options listed either pertain to different types of testing or do not specifically relate to respirator fit testing, emphasizing that the qualitative fit test is a crucial procedure for ensuring the effectiveness of respiratory protection in hazardous environments.