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The policy is being challenged at tribunal. Interesting to see how it goes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-45663322
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Rank: Super forum user
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From that BBC Article: "Solicitor Niall McMullan, who is representing the officer, said the case focuses on the issues of sex discrimination and proportionality."
Jesus - how hairy are women in Northern Ireland? :) I have no sympathy with this ridiculous case and hope it gets thrown out asap
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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I am assuming that the reason the PSNI wants its constables to be RPE ready at all times is due the higher than mainland UK likelihood of them getting involved in civil disturbances(the so called glorious 12th July etc) where the use of CS gas is not uncommon. The police would be expected to wear a close fitting NATO standard respirator rather than a smoke hood type device as during a punch up you can easily loose one of those while the tight fitting mask is more likely to stay on. I assume that the PSNI has evidence to back this policy up. If so they should win the case hands down.
The sex discrimination aspect is down to the fact that the policy is seen as favouring women they do not have to undergo the “discomfort” of shaving every day.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As a member of the fire service I was expecterd to be clean shaven on duty. Reason was positive pressure BA would leak compressed air out of an unsealed facemask thus reducing the time of duration for the BA set.
If unshaven and wearing a non positive pressure facemask, and unsealed due to facial hair the contaminated/poison atmosphere outside the facemask would leak into the wearer's facemask.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: A Kurdziel  I am assuming that the reason the PSNI wants its constables to be RPE ready at all times is due the higher than mainland UK likelihood of them getting involved in civil disturbances(the so called glorious 12th July etc) where the use of CS gas is not uncommon. The police would be expected to wear a close fitting NATO standard respirator rather than a smoke hood type device as during a punch up you can easily loose one of those while the tight fitting mask is more likely to stay on. I assume that the PSNI has evidence to back this policy up. If so they should win the case hands down.
The sex discrimination aspect is down to the fact that the policy is seen as favouring women they do not have to undergo the “discomfort” of shaving every day.
Having been in this situation, wearing a respirator hinders your field of view, is uncomfortable after long periods of time. The respirator can also be knocked from your face. Not as easy but it's not 110% gaurenteed that it won't happen in such a dynamic environment.
In a similar vein, I was conducting an accident investigation last month at AVON Rubber. Where they were manufacturing and assembling the new MOD respirator. Very snazzy and a lot better that the one I was issued with
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