If you want to rely on negative pressure face masks then you need to face fit test and allowing people to grow beards compromises this process. Positive pressure respirators can be worn with beards and do not require face fit testing. If you do a lot of work requiring RPE then a positive pressure respirator can work out more economical than for example a disposable face masks which you would be discarded at least every shift if not several times during a shift.

"Even if the employee was of a certain religious persuasion, I think it probable that a U.K. Employment Tribunal (or on appeal Court) would be likely to come to a similar decision" That would be why Sikhs do not have to wear crash helmets then.....

Hi, my take on the HSE guidance was that even positive pressure face masks require fit testing? Have you got a different paper I can refer too? Thanks Phil By positive pressure RPE I mean something like a hood or visor rather than a tight fitting face mask. It relies on the air being forced across the face and being at a positive pressure in relation to the air outside the hood/visor area. There is no seal between the face and the respirator. Therefore this is nothing to face fit test. You do have to make sure that the respirator is working ie it creating a positive pressure and that the filters that supply the air are working but that is not a face fit test. See page 35 of the HSE document HSG 53 which clearly states that a hood/visor type respirator does not require face fit testing. ""Why do facepieces used with positive pressure breathing apparatus require fit testing? Isn't the leakage always outwards? 36 Fit testing a full face mask, which is used with a positive pressure breathing apparatus, is necessary because the consequences of facepiece leakage can be extremely serious since these types of devices are more likely to be used in extremely hazardous environments; even brief leaks can cause serious exposure. Studies have shown that during heavy exertion, it is possible for the pressure inside the facepiece to momentarily become negative in relation to the outside atmosphere. If the faceseal is not good this could result in inward leakage of extremely hazardous air.""

Peter Thanks, not aware of that particular case. Incidentally, I read recently the HSE are considering widening the scope of the exemption for Sikhs not to wear hard hats on construction sites. As I commented in a previous post - the UK is very different than Oz. http://www.healthandsafe...hard-hat-exemption-plans