Stubble and masks

The HSE says that its inspectors routinely find workers with various degrees of stubble growth using respiratory protective masks, despite guidance to the contrary.

Research on the effect of stubble growth on the protection given by FFP3 filtering face pieces and half masks found that protection could be significantly reduced where stubble was present, beginning within 24 hours from shaving, and generally worsening as facial hair grew.

The HSE says that the findings justify its current guidance advising being clean-shaven in the area of the mask seal.

www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1052.htm