Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 Hazard:

1910.134(k)(1)(iii) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions; 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A): Use of respirators. Facepiece seal protection. The employer shall not 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. (a) On or about May 28, 2024, the employer permitted two maintenance employees with full beards to wear respirators, such as but not limited to MSA Advantage 200 half face, 3M 6000 half face and 3M 6000 full face tight fitting respirators with Organic Vapor/Acid Gas cartridges, while these employees were exposed to ChemStation 50245 Foaming Cleaner (causes severe skin and eye burns/damage) while cleaning up an unknown acidic chemical spill in the blending area. (b) On or about May 28, 2024, the employer permitted an employee with a full beard to wear a respirator, such as but not limited to MSA Advantage 200 half face, 3M 6000 half face and 3M 6000 full face tight fitting respirators with Organic Vapor/Acid Gas cartridges, while working in the blending area with ChemStation cleaning chemicals that cause respiratory irritation, severe skin and eye burns on a daily basis.