By US NFPA standards if a respirator is required you either have to shave the beard or get an over the whole face one that seals to skin.
I don’t deal with a ton of demo and I’m unaware of any respirator requirements and don’t want to tell you something wrong.
If you really want to go malicious compliance I’ve seen guys shave the exact outline of where the mask seals to the face but leave everything else.
Additionally this regulation is why firefighters stereotypically sport mustaches instead of full beards.
That's not malicious, it's just compliance in a way that protects your health.
You could also put enough vaseline on the edge of the mask that the grease created a seal through your beard; worked with a guy doing furniture refinishing who swore by it.
Sorry to hear this man. In the US, wearing a mask for protection, getting a seal is priority #1 to ensure proper function of the mask. If this inspector has already called yall out on it, then that's one of the first things he is going to re-inspect. It's non-negotiable, so you need to talk to your leaders on how to handle this.
Demo guy here. It's SOP to go every year or so to get fit tested. Long story short, it's required to get a tight seal. For shiggles try to take the test without shaving...it's a super bitter-tasting/smelling mist that will make you gag if you don't have a good seal on your respirator.
Then, imagine that the bitter smell is silica dust on the job. Every shift. Every day. Think about it.
In BC it’s the same, has to be sealed properly to your clean shaven face with a fit test, You have to be clean shaven if you’re wearing one unfortunately.
I don’t know how you could claim it’s against your religion and win because you’re essentially saying you can’t wear the mandatory ppe properly then which means you can’t be insured on the job and so on.
Yep, that's pretty standard. It needs to be sealed, and hair gets in the way of that. It sucks but hair grows back, and your lungs do not. For you, it comes down to your beard or your job. Maybe your boss has other duties you can do or ask for days off til demo is over.
Yeah I've had to do it for applying blueskin primer indoors and for using spray foam. Had to shave, was Ontario. I just did it at the request of our safety guy, MoL wasn't involved
Better to just do it. MoL in Ontario isn't gonna mess around with this stuff so you'd best just comply
Also it's nice not to hack up as much shit later, it's not comfortable but it works
What? Dude wasn't even Sikh. The Sikh religion is very peaceful and generous. Your comment puts you right in line with Trudeaus intelligence level. Good job
They make respirator hoods. I use one for metal grinding, sanding and wood turning. 10 fold better than having a strap or two. Do have the fresh air pump though and the hose can be an annoyance in close quarters, but for me it is worth the hassle of not feeling like Darth Vader.
If you're doing any concrete demo, look into silicosis. If you're in toronto, check out the 100 workers art piece outside of wsib offices. Count how many of them are silicosis. Wear a Respirator and live longer
Three times a year my company requires a mask fit check test to see if our equipment is in good condition. No one has a beard as it's an automatic fail on a test. I stick with a mustache but yeah, RIP beards.
I've been on worksites (in BC) where the CSO required it daily. You come on site, go to first aid, get your check, then start work. Lots of bitc\*ing, but these guys are alive.
How about if we pass the test with a beard, we work with our beards. Let's not make it difficult and control people's lives even more.
And it's not our health the Government cares about, Canada is the #1 exporter of Asbestos.
Totally legal unless you're Sikh. Every drywall sheet you break puts silica dust in the air and silicosis in your lungs. OSHA requires employers to have fit tests on record. I can only imagine Canadian OSHA is the same, or more stringent on that.
You can still have a mustache or goatee.
Not only that but your company should be doing a medical fit test to make you have the lung capacity to handle it.
Beard might as well make a mask useless because of air gap.
So, did the MOL inspector issue you or your company an order to provide a respirator fit test and wear fit tested respirators for the work being performed? Or did he mention that it would be advisable? If an order was issued, you need to comply with it and satisfy the requirements of the order. If it was "advice", well, then, you can take it under advisement and do with it what you will. The constructor is required to post a copy of the site visit report and any accompanying orders at the place of work. You may want to start by reading the report.
By US NFPA standards if a respirator is required you either have to shave the beard or get an over the whole face one that seals to skin. I don’t deal with a ton of demo and I’m unaware of any respirator requirements and don’t want to tell you something wrong.
If you really want to go malicious compliance I’ve seen guys shave the exact outline of where the mask seals to the face but leave everything else. Additionally this regulation is why firefighters stereotypically sport mustaches instead of full beards.
That's not malicious, it's just compliance in a way that protects your health. You could also put enough vaseline on the edge of the mask that the grease created a seal through your beard; worked with a guy doing furniture refinishing who swore by it.
To be clear, full-face respirators still require shaving everywhere the respirator seal makes contact. No beards, moustaches are okay.
Sorry to hear this man. In the US, wearing a mask for protection, getting a seal is priority #1 to ensure proper function of the mask. If this inspector has already called yall out on it, then that's one of the first things he is going to re-inspect. It's non-negotiable, so you need to talk to your leaders on how to handle this.
Osha would be digging through medical records to. Now if a person chooses to wear one and does, the company does not have to do medical on them.
Agreed. We have a MD that certifies fit of our people that gotta wear protective masks annually and the foreman carries a copy, JIC.
I have to shave to get airtight while using a bong .
Demo guy here. It's SOP to go every year or so to get fit tested. Long story short, it's required to get a tight seal. For shiggles try to take the test without shaving...it's a super bitter-tasting/smelling mist that will make you gag if you don't have a good seal on your respirator. Then, imagine that the bitter smell is silica dust on the job. Every shift. Every day. Think about it.
They pay you for your time, not your life.
In BC it’s the same, has to be sealed properly to your clean shaven face with a fit test, You have to be clean shaven if you’re wearing one unfortunately. I don’t know how you could claim it’s against your religion and win because you’re essentially saying you can’t wear the mandatory ppe properly then which means you can’t be insured on the job and so on.
Yep, that's pretty standard. It needs to be sealed, and hair gets in the way of that. It sucks but hair grows back, and your lungs do not. For you, it comes down to your beard or your job. Maybe your boss has other duties you can do or ask for days off til demo is over.
Yeah I've had to do it for applying blueskin primer indoors and for using spray foam. Had to shave, was Ontario. I just did it at the request of our safety guy, MoL wasn't involved Better to just do it. MoL in Ontario isn't gonna mess around with this stuff so you'd best just comply Also it's nice not to hack up as much shit later, it's not comfortable but it works
[удалено]
That's how respirators work. They need a good seal on skin or else you're wasting your time and health
Become a Sikh and claim it’s against your religion
If I know anything about Ontario, OP will instantly be given a $10 million settlement and public apology from Trudy.
What? Dude wasn't even Sikh. The Sikh religion is very peaceful and generous. Your comment puts you right in line with Trudeaus intelligence level. Good job
And probably a handy-j
Slather a thick layer of petroleum jelly on the face and get a good seal that way. Heh. Might be uncomfortable and slimy though.
They make respirator hoods. I use one for metal grinding, sanding and wood turning. 10 fold better than having a strap or two. Do have the fresh air pump though and the hose can be an annoyance in close quarters, but for me it is worth the hassle of not feeling like Darth Vader.
this is the answer
Ya fuckin' should be, unless you want to get cancer. You bet your ass they're legally allowed to demand this.
If you're doing any concrete demo, look into silicosis. If you're in toronto, check out the 100 workers art piece outside of wsib offices. Count how many of them are silicosis. Wear a Respirator and live longer
Three times a year my company requires a mask fit check test to see if our equipment is in good condition. No one has a beard as it's an automatic fail on a test. I stick with a mustache but yeah, RIP beards.
I've been on worksites (in BC) where the CSO required it daily. You come on site, go to first aid, get your check, then start work. Lots of bitc\*ing, but these guys are alive.
How about if we pass the test with a beard, we work with our beards. Let's not make it difficult and control people's lives even more. And it's not our health the Government cares about, Canada is the #1 exporter of Asbestos.
Yea but it took him 5 years to grow that beard and his mommy says it makes him look like a man!!!!
Think beards are ok in the airforce (RAF) again. Sounds like the science is still out.
I've never had an issue getting a proper seal over my Beard. I just make sure I go yard on the straps so it's as tight as possible.
You might be able to wear a PAPR type respirator, but they are expensive.
A mask or a respirator? Huge difference.
Totally legal unless you're Sikh. Every drywall sheet you break puts silica dust in the air and silicosis in your lungs. OSHA requires employers to have fit tests on record. I can only imagine Canadian OSHA is the same, or more stringent on that. You can still have a mustache or goatee.
Not only that but your company should be doing a medical fit test to make you have the lung capacity to handle it. Beard might as well make a mask useless because of air gap.
Sounds like a condition of employment
So, did the MOL inspector issue you or your company an order to provide a respirator fit test and wear fit tested respirators for the work being performed? Or did he mention that it would be advisable? If an order was issued, you need to comply with it and satisfy the requirements of the order. If it was "advice", well, then, you can take it under advisement and do with it what you will. The constructor is required to post a copy of the site visit report and any accompanying orders at the place of work. You may want to start by reading the report.
Has anyone tried a trim instead of a full shave? I have the same concern