Hair where the mask edges meet the skin is not permitted for wearers of 30 minute positive pressure SCBA respirators.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 18, 1986

Mr. Jack Manning
442 King Street
Woodbury, New Jersey 08096

Dear Mr. Manning:

This is in response to your letter of May 5 regarding respiratory protection.

We will begin by answering your second question and then will answer the remainder of your questions in the order that you asked them.

Protection provided by powered air-purifying respirators.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 20, 1987

Mr. Darell A. Bevis
President
Darell Bevis Associates, Inc.
14640 Flint Lee Road, Suite D
Chantilly, Virginia 22021

Dear Mr. Bevis:

This is in response to your letter of February 24, concerning the use of loose fitting respirators by bearded individuals. We will try to answer the questions you raised in your letter concerning the protection provided by the loose fitting or helmet type powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR).

Clarification of respirator costs, annual training, and "effective" seal checks.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 23, 1998

Mr. John P. Hale
Respirator Support Services
2028 Virts Lane
Jefferson, MD 21755-8801

Dear Mr. Hale:

This is in response to your letter of February 6. We apologize for the long delay in responding to your letter. In your letter you have asked for an official interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. Your questions will be answered in the order they were presented.

Facial hair in the face sealing area is unacceptable.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 26, 1985

The Honorable Christopher J. Dodd
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Nancy L. Johnson
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Dodd:

This is in response to your letter of October 29, on behalf of John F. Wildman of Bethlehem, Connecticut, regarding the use of respirators. Mr. Wildman is concerned about a provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) respiratory protection standard which concerns the fitting of respirators.

Facial hair in the face sealing area is unacceptable.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 11, 1984

Mr. Mathew C. Kurzius
IBEW, Local 1673
235 Columbia Street
Dunellen, N.J. 08812

Dear Mr. Kurzius:

This is in response to your letter of September 29, 1984 concerning facial hair and the wearing of respirators. We are providing the following answers to your questions.

Fit testing and medical monitoring requirements for wearers of filtering facepiece respirators.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 12, 2002

Mr. Ray Piantanida,
Avon Risk Services, Inc.
1901 Main Street., Suite 300
Irvine, California 92614

Dear Mr. Piantanida:

Thank you for your April 22 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence. You requested clarification on several respiratory protection issues.