Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of a respirator, such as beards, sideburns, or some mustaches, will interfere with respirators that rely on a tight facepiece seal to achieve maximum protection. Facial hair is a common reason that someone cannot be fit tested.2 Nov 2017
Do you have to shave your beard for a respirator test?
While many men favor wearing facial hair, beards do not allow for a proper respirator fit. It is best for all employees who wear respiratory protection to remain clean-shaven on the job. In fact, the only facial hair acceptable are small, neatly trimmed mustaches or beards bordering only the mouth of the employee.
Does facial hair affect respirator fit?
In general, however, beards present serious problems for tight-fitting facepiece respirators because their texture and density vary daily, causing unreliable respirator fit and, therefore, present a higher potential for leakage.