Shaving Guidelines for Respirator Use

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a clean-shaven face, for the purpose of wearing a tight-fitting respirator, as having shaved within 8 hours of starting work.

However, it’s important to recognise that hair growth varies between individuals. Some people may need to shave again during the working day to maintain an effective face seal and ensure ongoing protection.

Always check the seal of your mask and be prepared to take action if facial hair compromises its fit.

Key Points:

• HSE defines “clean-shaven” as shaving within 8 hours of starting work.
• Hair growth rates differ—some may need to shave more than once a day.
• Maintaining a proper face seal is essential for continued respiratory protection.
• Regularly check your mask fit during the day

The proof

This video demonstrates the need to be clean shaven within 8 hours of you shift in order to achieve an adequate face fit.