Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

I have a very well groomed, short beard that goes from ear to ear. There is absolutely no hair on my neck or beneath my nose.

I am wondering how strict they are about facial hair in the firefighter world.

Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

they are very strict as facial hair has potential to break or not allow breathing mask to seal properly!

The regulations prohibit firefighters from growing facial hair so that respirators, which the fire fighters must use when entering a smoke-filled building, will fit properly

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Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

the strictness is actually for your safety. with a full beard, even a short one, it can interfere with the seal you get around your face mask. the seal can't properly adhere to the skin and it can allow oxygen to seep out or smoke to seep in. in my husband's former dept. they were allowed to keep short well groomed goatees. as long as they didn't interfere with the breathing aparatus.

Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

Some have rules against it, others don't.

They usually prohibit it because it interferes with the fit on a SCBA. Closley trimmed beards may not, but most departments (like NYC) prohibit facial hair for that reason.

Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

Most paid Fire Stations do not allow beards at all , because of the air pack's face shield( SCBA) , it has to have a clean seal against your face ...I am a volunteer , and we can have beards but if we do we can not wear an air pack , however I know with a beard you can still get a seal , but they will still not allow us to wear one .....however we can long hair , but I do not think it is wise because the masks pull it out ...Different stations have different guidelines about that so just check with the one you are applying for

Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

Its all about a good seal on that mask man.

If you're beard is more important to you then the career, its the wrong career for you.

Firefighters: How strict are they about facial hair?

proabably 99% of the departments have a facial hair policy, because not only the SCBA, breathing apparatus, but TB masks, dust and filter masks all can be affected by porkchop sideburns, neck or 'stash hair.. Usually thought a well trimmed 'stash is allowed as long as it does not go below the mouth or to the chin (depending on area).

For OSHA states or FED OSHA, they almost all have restrictions on facial hair for safety.

For NFPA states, they also have similar wording.