The standard requires employers to take the presence or absence of facial hair into consideration in selecting respirators as different company policies may affect the range of choices available. Several types of respirators such as loose-fitting hoods or helmets accommodate facial hair. However, respirators
with tight-fitting facepieces may not to be worn by employees who have “facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function.”
If an employer has determined that there is no hazard, voluntary users are not prohibited by the standard from wearing a beard.