Are you a proud owner of a beard, and wondering if you need to shave for a respirator face fit test? Fit testing a beard is a question we get a lot, so we’ll break down the process for you!
In the realm of occupational health and safety, the significance of respiratory fit testing cannot be overstated. It acts as a crucial process to ensure that respiratory protective equipment forms an effective seal against airborne contaminants. Among the essential protocols outlined by Australian standards, particularly AS/NZS 1715:2009, one notable requirement stands out – the insistence on being clean-shaven during fit testing and each time a respirator is worn. So if you are interested in fit testing with a beard, you really need to understand the nuances of why facial hair and a proper seal are incompatible.
Understanding the Fit Testing Process
A respiratory fit test involves evaluating the seal between the wearer's face and the respirator. It ensures that the protective equipment is personalised to the individual's facial features, providing optimal defense against potentially harmful particles. The efficacy of fit testing lies in the assurance of a proper seal, and any interference with this seal can compromise the entire purpose of the respiratory protective equipment. This is why fit testing a beard isn’t recommended - we need a strong seal, and any interference, such as the hairs of a beard, impact the result and your safety.
Industries that work with hazardous materials such as asbestos, silica dust, gasses, vapours and fumes or organisations working in the healthcare sector exposed to viruses and infectious diseases should have a facial hair policy when wearing RPE. The slightest impact to a proper seal can have disastrous consequences, which is why we strongly advise that workers be clean shaven not only during their fit test, but also when wearing their mask.
Workers who do not wish to comply to the requirement to being clean shaven when wearing RPE can opt for wearing a loose-fitting Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) which does not require a fit test and healthcare workers can use CleanSpace HALO PAPR or adopt the Singh Thattha beard wrap technique (only accepted in healthcare).
Facial Hair and the Seal Dilemma - Why Fit Testing a Beard Isn’t Recommended
Why Clean Shaven Matters
Facial hair, particularly beards, long sideburns and some moustaches introduce a significant obstacle to achieving a secure seal. The presence of facial hair when fit testing a beard creates gaps and impedes the respirator's ability to form a tight seal against the face/skin. In the event of exposure to airborne contaminants, these gaps become potential entry points, rendering the respiratory protective equipment less effective.
Studies have shown that the presence of facial hair can significantly reduce the expected levels of protection.
Bearded wearers can experience as much as a 330 fold drop in the RPE’s level of protection.
It has been said that facial hair can increase the leakage from 20 times to 1000.
Respirator filters cannot do their job and effectively clean the air you breathe if it bypasses them and pulls through gaps caused by an improper seal.
These are confronting stats that reveal how critical it is to be clean shaven when wearing your RPE.
How Bad Can It Be To Breathe In Some Particles?
Understanding the distinction between inhalable and respirable particles is crucial in assessing their potential health implications and implementing appropriate RPE and measures to mitigate exposure. Respiratory protection and workplace safety measures are designed considering these particle sizes to ensure the well-being of individuals exposed to various environments and occupational settings.
Inhalable particles are those that are generally larger in size, typically with a diameter less than 100 micrometres (100 μm).
Respirable particles are much smaller in size, typically with a diameter less than 10 micrometres (smaller than 2.5 µm). It is these particles which pose the greatest risk as our bodies aren’t capable of expelling them, they can penetrate the body’s natural defences in the upper respiratory tract and can enter the bloodstream, causing potential systemic effects.
The slightest gap in the seal of your respirator mask can make a huge difference in what you can inhale - a human hair is roughly about 70 micrometres in diameter, this equates to being 30 times the size of the largest fine particle. So fit testing a beard wearer means that the test is rendered practically pointless, because a gap of a single strand of hair can make such a big difference.
Australian Standards and The Clean Shaven Mandate
Australian standards, notably AS/NZS 1715:2009, explicitly underscore the importance of being clean-shaven during fit testing as well as each time a respirator is worn. This mandate is rooted in the fundamental requirement for a proper seal, a prerequisite for the respiratory protective equipment to fulfill its intended purpose. Compliance with this mandate aligns with the broader goal of ensuring occupational health and safety by minimizing the risk of contaminants infiltrating the mask.
We love the WorkSafe New Zealand’s campaign called “Life Shavers, perfectly fitted masks save lives" to encourage being clean shaven when wearing respiratory protective equipment. Check it out, it's a great message.
A Proactive Measure For Workplace Safety
Clean Shaven Wearing A Respirator Is Vital - Fit Testing a Beard Isn’t It!
The insistence on being clean-shaven serves as a proactive measure in maintaining workplace health and safety. It acknowledges the dynamic nature of occupational environments and emphasises the need for constant adherence to fit testing protocols. Whether there is a change in respirator type, facial features, or workplace conditions, the clean-shaven mandate ensures that the respiratory protective equipment remains effective and continues to meet evolving job environment needs.
It is often downplayed how important your respiratory protective equipment really is. We need to respect that fact that they are purely designed to clean the air you breathe and safeguard your lungs for overall health.
Remember, you wouldn’t be required to wear respiratory protective equipment if there wasn’t known airborne contamination within your working environment. We need to take seriously the importance of proper fitting respiratory equipment, which is why fit testing with a beard is not recommended.
Key Takeaways - Prioritising Safety through Compliance and PAPRs
The clean-shaven imperative during fit testing and each time a respirator is worn is not merely a grooming guideline; it is a crucial component of ensuring a proper seal. By adhering to Australian standards, workplaces prioritise the safety and well-being of their employees. This compliance with fit testing protocols, including the clean-shaven mandate, serves as a foundational element in fostering a secure and healthier working environment. For those unable to adhere to the clean-shaven requirement, exploring alternative options like PAPRs becomes pivotal in maintaining both safety and individual comfort. If you’re wanting fit testing with a beard, chat to us about which masks might suit you best.
Your health and safety is our priority
Call: 0403 064 064
Email: info@fta.net.au
FTA fit test Melbourne Victoria and Sydney NSW
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