LifeShavers – Shaving your Beard could save your life
Do you wear or know someone who wears respiratory protective equipment for their job and has a beard then this could save a life!
WorkSafe estimates show cancers and respiratory harm account for 31% of work-related health problems in New Zealand.
What is Respiratory Protective Equipment?
Respiratory protective equipment is a form of personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from a variety of airborne hazards in the form of a gas, fume, mist, dust or vapour.
Why do you Wear Respiratory Protective Equipment?
Airborne substances hazardous to health can be in dust, mist, vapour or gas form (eg wood dust, welding fumes, solvent vapours). You may or may not be able to see these in the air. If workers or other people (eg visitors) inhale these they can become unwell, this can happen immediately or long term.
Respiratory Protective Equipment to work needs a good seal
Even a small amount of facial hair can prevent RPE from forming a protective seal, potentially exposing workers to all manner of materials while they work. Ask yourself “would I go on a construction site without wearing boots, would you drive your car without wearing your seatbelt, then why shouldn’t you wear RPE without having a shave????”
Questions/Answer Time:
Q. What is the reason for being clean shaven when wearing respiratory protective equipment?
WorkSafe Answer: Even a small amount of stubble can prevent respiratory protective equipment, or RPE, forming a correct seal.
This can mean while you are wearing the appropriate RPE, you’re still inhaling potentially harmful materials which may cause health issues.
A clean shave goes hand in hand with the correct RPE for the job
Q. What if facial hair is part of culture or faith.
Worksafe answer: The Human Rights Act covers issues of cultural or faith-based discrimination and an employer can’t make you shave if it contravenes the Human Rights Act.
If you have a personal reason for your facial hair, there are alternatives to being clean shaven. You should talk with your employer to see what alternatives can be put in place.
More information: https://youtu.be/O34NjbqVtEU