Can a person with a mustache or beard wear a respirator when required?

A person with a mustache or beard cannot wear a respirator if it compromises the proper sealing of the mask. Facial hair, such as a mustache or beard, can interfere with the fit of the respirator, preventing it from forming an adequate seal against the face. This seal is critical for the respirator to function effectively, as any gaps can allow contaminants to bypass the filtering mechanism, leading to inadequate protection for the wearer.

In many safety regulations and guidelines, it is emphasized that a clean-shaven face is essential for respiratory protection. Therefore, individuals required to wear a respirator must either remain clean-shaven or use alternatives like powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), which do not rely on a tight seal with the face. This is why wearing a mustache or beard generally disqualifies a person from safely using certain types of respirators standards designed for a close facial fit.