Stuart, consider why a policy would be necessary given this particular one is aimed at PPE. Would it be more beneficial to consider a policy that has strategic benefits for management and home-life benefits for workers?Often we ask companies "Do you have a shaving policy?" — Stuart Keer-Keer
Fit and seal testing
Regardless of what facial hair an employee does or doesn’t have, it’s essential that all RPE is fit tested before use.
The Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment describes two types of respirator fit tests—qualitative and quantitative—that can be used to determine an adequate match between the face piece of the RPE and face of the wearer.
Worksafe Queensland describes the two types of fit testing as:
Qualitative—a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer’s ability to taste or smell a test agent. This type of test can be used on half-face respirators.
Quantitative—uses specialised equipment to measure how much air leaks into the respirator. This type of test can be used on half-face and full-face respirators.
The standard states that one of the fit tests should be done before the respirator is used and then at least once a year, or when there is a change that could affect the seal. — Prochoice Safety Gear
Guess if you can't shave em, you either redeploy em, or after consultation and due process, sack emWhat to do - manage the hazard so they don't need masks. But what if that is not reasonably practicable? — Stuart Keer-Keer
Qualitative—a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer’s ability to taste or smell a test agent. This type of test can be used on half-face respirators. — SteveH
The most common ones are wood dust - such as joiners and other types of fabrication in factories and engineering workshops (welding and grinding.) There are a bunch of others, it is a long list. Mostly they are inside a building. The hazard predominantly is particulate (respirable, inhalable, black carbon, diesel, wood) and other hazards from welding fumes. — Stuart Keer-Keer
What to do - manage the hazard so they don't need masks. But what if that is not reasonably practicable? — Stuart Keer-Keer
The most common ones are wood dust - such as joiners and other types of fabrication in factories — Stuart Keer-Keer
Yeah that is one issue with how the Hierarchy of Controls is written in the legislation - if you can't eliminate you must (SFARP) substitute or isolate the hazard, or use engineering controls (have to do at least one). Then once you've done that if there is still a risk put in place admin controls to further minimise the risk (SFARP) and then minimise any remaining risk (no reference to SFARP in this one) by providing PPE.Thing is Matt, any joinery shop machining MDF isn't going to be able to suck all the dust being generated by either using centralized vacuum systems, LEVs or a mixture of both. The use of positive pressure RPEs seemed a logical way to deal with the problem — Steve H
Are they better to wear a mask with a beard, not fit tested than no mask? — Stuart Keer-Keer
(Repost from another thread refering to this sentencing)May be of interest as it's around lack of policy on RPE and wearing of beards with respirators and the old myth of Vaseline.
Pest control business fined $250K after workers poisoned
https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/12/09/pest-control-business-fined-250k-after-workers-poisoned/ — Derek Miller
but the cost will put a lot off. — Stuart Keer-Keer
If you are interested in workplace health & safety in New Zealand, then this is the discussion forum for you.