Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 8, Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment — Respirators: Face Seal will come into effect on November 6.

The changes are intended to clarify existing requirements rather than introduce new ones, and do not apply to loose-fitting respirators. 

The proposed amendments for respirators: 

• Introduce a clear definition of a “tight-fitting respirator” (one that requires a seal with the face to function properly and removes mention of the neck).  
• Clarify that nothing may interfere with the seal or proper functioning of a tight-fitting respirator (including hair, clothing, jewellery, or other materials between the respirator and the face).  
• Reinforce existing expectations that workers must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals.  
• Align and simplify language across related sections on fit testing and user seal checks.

Resources to support you: 

• Respiratory protection program and policy templates 
• Qualitative N95 Fit Testing Training

For more information, you can view WorkSafeBC’s approved amendments with explanatory notes.

If you have questions about the amendments or you would like help refining your respiratory fit testing program, connect with us at info@safecarebc.ca.