FACIAL HAIR GUIDELINES

Q:  I had a question on the guidelines for facial hair when it comes to Avon C50 gas mask. I understand that clean shaven is the best, but what is your recommendations on what you can and cannot have?

A: Although the question is specifically about a C50 respirator, the answer applies to all Avon Protection 50 series, FM53/FM54 and MITR half-mask respirators.

It is unlikely that the requirements for inward leakage of the system will be met if facial hair, or spectacle side arms pass under the face seal of the full face mask.

Before donning and adjusting the respirator, operators will remove earrings, hair fasteners (hair clips, hair pins, and combs), hair knots, buns, or braids that will interfere with respirator assembly seal and let hair hang freely. The hair should be neatly tucked inside jacket. Operators should not have facial hair to prevent respirator assembly leaks. Failure to do so could result in an improper respirator fit resulting in illness or death.

Facial hair or any items which may interfere with the mask-to-face seal, including the nosecup, or the operation of the exhalation valve, must not be allowed. These include beards, sideburns, mustaches, bangs, head coverings, or anything else that may interfere with the correct seal of the mask and/or nosecup to the face.