Lately we have seen a tremendous increase of firefighters participating in training using SCBA while they have "facial hair". Wearing facial hair that interferes with facepiece seal violates the MN-OSHA 1910.134 and the use of SCBA. When asked if the firefighter is aware of the OSHA 1910.134 rules about using SCBA with facial hair, the common response is that “we have been told that if you can't see the hair sticking out from under the SCBA facepiece seal area it is ok”. This is totally wrong!!
Remember 1910.134 Facepiece seal protection. 1910.134(g)(1) The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting face pieces to be worn by employees who have: 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A) Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B) Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.
Standard Interpretations
08/18/1986 - Hair where the mask edges meet the skin is not permitted for wearers of 30 minute positive pressure SCBA respirators.
11/26/1985 - Facial hair in the face sealing area is unacceptable.
10/11/1984 - Facial hair in the face sealing area is unacceptable.
01/18/1984 - Workers cannot sign a release so they can wear a respirator with a beard.
The standard states that the employer cannot permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face, or that interferes with valve function.
While the standard does not ban beards per se, it does require employers to ensure that bearded employees who are required to wear tight-fitting facepieces trim their beards so that they do not interfere with the sealing surface of the respirator or are not so large that they could interfere with valve function.
Respiratory Protection. - 1910.134
1910.134(g)(1)
Facepiece seal protection.
1910.134(g)(1)(i)
The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have:
1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A)
Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or
1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B)
Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.
1910.134(g)(1)(ii)
If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, the employer shall ensure that such equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user.
1910.134(g)(1)(iii)
For all tight-fitting respirators, the employer shall ensure that employees perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator using the procedures in Appendix B-1 or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer that the employer demonstrates are as effective as those in Appendix B-1 of this section.