Are respirators effective when beard bands are worn? NIOSH to explore

Washington — NIOSH is seeking respirator manufacturers and other participants for a new project aimed at determining how well the devices protect workers who have facial hair when beard bands are used.

Beard bands, which can be made from silicone or rubber, are an accessory used to keep hair or beards in place. According to a notice published July 25, the agency is looking for beard band manufacturers to participate in the project as well.

“The COVID-19 outbreak highlighted the ongoing need for effective respiratory protective devices for workers, especially in health care,” the notice states. “In the first phase of this study, respirator fit will be evaluated using the NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators selected to participate in the study when worn on persons with facial hair. Then respirator fit will be determined for the same individuals wearing a beard band under the respirator.”

Additional study phases may include other kinds of tight-fitting respirators, including particulate-only elastomeric half-mask respirators or full-facepiece respirators. The study might also look at Simulated Workplace Protection Factor on respirator users with facial hair.

“The SWPF refers to the ratio of the concentration of the contaminant in the ambient air to that inside a respirator under conditions that simulate the work environment or various work activities,” the notice states.

“The study will provide data useful to support OSHA and NIOSH policy regarding the appropriateness of using beard bands with filtering facepiece respirators and particulate EHMRs or full-facepiece respirators. This study may lead to increased means for employers to conform with the OSHA respiratory protection requirements and possibly increase compliance with respiratory protection guidelines and standards among bearded workers in various industries.”

Anyone interested in participating in the study must submit a letter of intent by Sept. 23.