Respirators: Face Seal
On this page:
- Overview
- Summary
- How you can share your feedback
- How your contributions make a difference
- Learn more
Overview
- What: Face seal terminology.
- Who: Workers who use respirators as protective personal equipment to protect against airborne contaminants and employers who will be required to ensure an effective seal is maintained.
- Why: To remove the term “clean shaven” and update the regulation with alternative language that reflects the intent and maintains current health and safety requirements.
- How: Click on “Share your feedback” to request more information or provide feedback. To register to speak at the public hearing, see the Public Hearing page.
- Key topics: Respirators, Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, face seal
Summary
Respirators are essential personal protective equipment, safeguarding workers from airborne contaminants or from environments that are low in oxygen. For respirators to fit properly, an effective seal against the wearer’s skin is needed. Anything that compromises this seal may result in exposure to contaminants or limit air supply.
To better reflect the intent of the current regulation and maintain current health and safety requirements, WorkSafeBC is proposing amendments to replace the term “clean shaven” with alternative language emphasizing the importance of an effective seal for a tight-fitting respirator. The proposed change also clarifies that it is the employer's responsibility to ensure an effective seal is maintained.
How you can share your feedback
We want to hear your feedback on these proposed changes to the regulation. You can provide feedback by participating at the virtual public hearing on November 25, 2025, or by providing a written submission.
For details on how to submit written feedback or register to speak at the public hearing, please see instructions on the Public Hearing page.
Written submissions will be accepted until December 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
How your contributions make a difference
Your feedback will help shape updated regulations on tight-fitting respirators.
Learn more
To learn more about the proposed amendments, please review the detailed information package.
