Last Revised: 2011 Jun. 23 Version: 00

Illustrations of Acceptable and Unacceptable Facial Hair for Tight-fitting Respirators

Notes: (1) The examples provided are illustrations of the application of the criteria specified. These examples are limited, not comprehensive, and are provided as guidance for program administrators, Fit Testers, Supervisors and users. (2) Variations not illustrated in this appendix do not necessarily meet the criteria for acceptable facial hair. (3) Acceptable facial hair for respirator fit testing and use is that which does not: (a) Interfere with the respirator sealing surface; and (b) Interfere with valve and/or respirator function.

ACCEPTABLE

A. Clean shaven hair, ideal for a good seal.

B. Amount of facial hair that will typically allow a good seal.

C. Moustache and/or sideburns that do not interfere with the sealing surface, valves or respirator function.

D. Soul patch which does not interfere with the sealing surface, valves or respirator function.

Current versions of controlled documents are posted on the EPCOR intranet. Versions obtained from other locations are considered uncontrolled. It is the user’s responsibility to verify that this is the current version. PRINTED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE VALID FOR 24 HOURS. Last Revised: 2011 Jun. 23 Version: 00

UNACCEPTABLE

A. Soul patch which will interfere with the respirator seal in the chin area.

Facial hair and sideburns which will interfere with sealing surface.

B. This facial “shadow” (not clean-shaven) will interfere with the sealing surface of a half or full facepiece. It will also compromise a secondary seal inside a tight-fitting hood style respirator

Degradation of fit may occur during cumulative work hours when an individual grows this amount of facial hair.

C. Hair growth in beard is excessive.

D. Moustache is too thick and too long (down around edge of mouth), will contact a sealing surface and may get stuck in an exhalation valve.

The hair on the rest of the face will interfere with a sealing surface. E. Hair is in chin cup sealing region and on the side of the face.

F. Hair is in sealing region and under the chin.

G. Moustache is too thick and too long (down around edge of mouth) which will contact a sealing surface and interfere with exhalation valve.

Heavy hair under the chin would prevent a good seal.

H. Moustache is too thick and too long which will contact a sealing surface and interfere with exhalation valve.

I. A beard of this length would preclude any chances of a good seal.

Current versions of controlled documents are posted on the EPCOR intranet. Versions obtained from other locations are considered uncontrolled. It is the user’s responsibility to verify that this is the current version. PRINTED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE VALID FOR 24 HOURS.