Important Notice: Facial Hair and Respirator Fit Testing

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To ensure safety and accurate respirator fit testing, a proper facial seal is required.
Any facial hair—including beards, stubble, sideburns, mustaches, or goatees—that lies on or within the respirator sealing surface or surrounding areas can interfere with the seal and may result in an unsuccessful fit test.
 

In accordance with CDC, CSA Z94.4, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, and NIOSH guidelines, clients must be fully clean-shaven, with no hair present on or around the respirator sealing area, prior to their appointment.

Unfortunately, fit testing cannot be completed if the respirator seal is compromised in any way. ​—  The NursesWeCare Team
 

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Respirator Facial Hair Guidelines​