I think what your colleague is suggesting is that if the entire area that is in contact with the mask is shaven it creates a good seal. Therefore, in theory, you could have any facial hair either inside the mask, or outside. As long as it doesn't interfere with the seal it should also work fine. I would think that a goatee would be too much, however a soul patch might be small enough.

The idea seems sound. In practice, however, it really depends on the thickness of that facial hair. The only certain way to know is to do a face fit test. 

Try the following guidance here:

www.surehire.ca/assets/53e27f294f720a2ba700006c/Annex_M___Facial_Hair_Guidelines.pdf

Taken from the Technical Committee on Selection, Care, and Use of Respirators Subcommittee on Z94.4

It has a very good section on the different styles and types of facial hair and impacts upon the seal, point is some types may be acceptable, but there are a few other considerations other than style (eg. length) which could affect the mask (not just seal but any exhalation valves for example).

Des

The issue surely is not if you can pass a face fit test with a goatee or ‘tache but whether when they use the mask for real they maintain that level of facial fungus or do they allow it to spread a bit or if they are a bit careless putting on the mask that day and the mask does not align with fleshy area of the face. If you say clean shaven that’s clear rather than it must be kept to the length as the last test + 5 mm of hair which is difficult to police.

I have came across similar sorts of issue and I am kind of new to this area. If a person is fit tested clean shaven, later on someday the person has got stubble (couldn't shave on that day or for couple of days), the fit tested respirator won't give proper seal, however, what does that person would do in that situation would he still be using the respirator or is there any alternative solution. Its very common that some of the operatives are not clean shaven on regular workdays. If they need to do drilling or sanding or grinding for a short period of time what is the solution for it.

We have a similar issue which I'm trying to sort out.  Basically every tech is face fitted and passed, (eve with goatees as it doesnt interfere with masks).  The tech work across the whole of the UK so cannot be monitored daily by us but they are given training on whats expected and they need to report back any changes.  The issue we have is that historically some techs have been allowed to grow more than allowed as HR says that theres a risk of "discrimination" claims as advised by HR company we use.  Now I'm trying to fix this problem and its causing big problems from techs who have been with the company for over 2 years.

My Stance is suck it up, fashion should not over rule H&S but HR see it differently,

Craig, has your HR department decided that being a fashion victim is a protected characteristic?

I dont really subscribe to the HR issue.  Under section 7 employees have a duty to cooperate (although i appriecate thats a harsh stance)

the other issue i have with facefits and particuly dispossable mask is are they fitted the same afeter the ff has been carried out.  i thinking about the masks with nose clips on. Surely for the ff to be affective the nose piece has to be ft the same everytme

Co-operation (jointly working towards the same ends) is not the same as blindly following management dictate

Section 7 only requires co-operation "so far as is necessary"

The ultimate solution would be to provide hoods which can be costed.... and at ~£500-800 (all parts) a time I would think whoever hold the purse strings will influence your HR providers stance... :)