Which statement about protective breathing apparatus is correct?

Which statement about protective breathing apparatus is correct?

• A. Eyeglasses with side frames passing through the seal area of the scba mask are allowable
• B. Firefighters do not need to maintain a tight seal as the mask maintains positive pressure
• C. Beards or facial hair is allowable if it is neat and trim
• D. Beards or facial hair cannot be in the seal area

Answer: (D)

A protective breathing apparatus must form a tight seal against the face to keep contaminated air from entering. Beards or facial hair in the seal area prevent that seal from forming, creating gaps where air can leak in and bypass the filter. Even with positive pressure, a leak means contaminants can still be pulled into the mask, so the seal must be maintained with a clean face in the seal area. That’s why facial hair cannot be in the seal area.

A protective breathing apparatus must form a tight seal against the face to keep contaminated air from entering. Beards or facial hair in the seal area prevent that seal from forming, creating gaps where air can leak in and bypass the filter. Even with positive pressure, a leak means contaminants can still be pulled into the mask, so the seal must be maintained with a clean face in the seal area. That’s why facial hair cannot be in the seal area.