Washington — NIOSH is searching for respirator producers and different contributors for a brand new undertaking geared toward figuring out how nicely the gadgets defend employees who’ve facial hair when beard bands are used.
Beard bands, which might be produced from silicone or rubber, are an adjunct used to preserve hair or beards in place. According to a discover printed July 25, the company is in search of beard band producers to take part within the undertaking.
“The COVID-19 outbreak highlighted the ongoing need for effective respiratory protective devices for workers, especially in health care,” the discover states. “In the first phase of this study, respirator fit will be evaluated using the NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators selected to participate in the study when worn on persons with facial hair. Then respirator fit will be determined for the same individuals wearing a beard band under the respirator.”
Additional research phases could embody different kinds of tight-fitting respirators, together with particulate-only elastomeric half-mask respirators or full-facepiece respirators. The research may additionally take a look at Simulated Workplace Protection Factor on respirator customers with facial hair.
“The SWPF refers to the ratio of the concentration of the contaminant in the ambient air to that inside a respirator under conditions that simulate the work environment or various work activities,” the discover states.
“The study will provide data useful to support OSHA and NIOSH policy regarding the appropriateness of using beard bands with filtering facepiece respirators and particulate EHMRs or full-facepiece respirators. This study may lead to increased means for employers to conform with the OSHA respiratory protection requirements and possibly increase compliance with respiratory protection guidelines and standards among bearded workers in various industries.”
Anyone interested by collaborating within the research should submit a letter of intent by Sept. 23.
