Technical Environmental Services, Inc. (TES) reposted this
NIOSH has announced an opportunity for respirator manufacturers, NIOSH approval holders, and beard band manufacturers to participate, through a collaborative agreement, in a project titled ‘‘Fit Testing of Respirators on Those Wearing Beard Bands.’’ The aim of this project is to determine how well respirators provide protection to workers with facial hair when using a beard band. Learn more this partnership opportunity: https://bit.ly/4cfUt0g
Indeed, very interesting. I would be interested in seeing the results from 'field' environment testing. I would also be interested in seeing data on the result of stressors to the musculoskeletal of the face, neck, and head through long term use of the beard band. I would imagine there is likely going to be a 'leak' at the interface of the beard band and the sealing surface of the mask (possibly depending on the tension of the beard band). Bring on the results, this may have potential (hopefully better than the Vaseline trick).
No no no no no no no and no! Even if people can pass a face fit test with the band, the chances are it won't be replicated in real life correctly and consistently... I would t like my jaw taped up to wear a mask regardless anyway. Tight fitting RPE is not the correct type of device for those who chose yo wear facial hair, simple as that.
At least this is being looked at and personally im happy to sit on the fence until studies are conducted. When conducting research the key is to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including competent face fitters to take an honest and open look at this problem. Looking at this dispassionately. If there is a solution which is viable for beard wearers why wouldn’t this be looked at? I do believe this would be open to abuse but the current system is already open to abuse e.g. conduct a face fit them let the beard grow the next day. I’ve visited so many construction sites where people have been face fitted and then grow facial hair which interfered with the seal of the mask. While money is tight employers are currently forking out for very expensive solutions when potentially a band can solve the problem. Let’s see what comes of this.
I hope the research doesn't just use fit testing as the determination method. Passing a fit test is not the same as an assessment of performance in actual use.
Very progressive National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Understanding this technique goes against the standards, wearing a mask on a beard is also, although that is a common practice in almost all healthcare facilities and gets scrutinised a lot less. FTA feels exploring this technique is a step in the direction until there is a better way or technology to combat the issue of cultures not willing to shave for their fit test and denied opportunities within the sector when their colleague shave for a fit test but then continue to wear their masks on top of facial hair on the daily post the fit test. We shared this post, please read more of our thoughts there.
As a RespFit accredited fit tester and having conducted over 10,000 fit tests. I will be watching with interest for the results. There is a big push from the health care world as providing PAPR systems is not only costly it can also create a negative public perception as people see someone in a PAPR unit they tend to start thinking about worst case scenario. I understand it's not an ideal answer but out of the trials may come a better answer. We always need to be open to find better solutions.
This seems crazy, to add another device when there are options for people with facial hair. Will create a very grey area. Are they disposable, if so another nightmare on environmental impact. What happens if they are washed, surely overtime this will change the fit? Will they have sizes to accommodate various faces? I’ll watch this with interest.
Will this open the flood gates to more RPD misuse and reduction in the quality of RPD programs I wonder.
Interesting.
Respiratory Protection Specialist at Fire Safe International Ltd
2moThere are so many questions about this, it would be good to have some answers. Having done some testing myself however my main concern is repeatability. It might pass a test once, but does that mean it will reliably perform each use? This is worrisome enough when testing respirator fit, but when you add two more variables (the beard and the band) this can only get worse. Lastly, is this even necessary? Are there not suitable alternatives already available?