To support this year’s Movember campaign, which sees men across the UK grow a moustache to raise awareness and funds for male health, science-based technology company 3M wants to show workers that wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE) need not stop them from sporting a stylish mo.
Aimed at those working in industries where RPE is widely used, such as construction, 3M has tackled the issue face-first by creating a light-hearted video to guide them through a range of respirator-suitable styles.
The video features 3M technical specialist Alan McArthur, who shows viewers the facial hair options that can be safely grown without interfering with a respirator’s face seal – and those that need to be avoided.
The video highlights the need for tight-fitting RPE wearers to be clean shaven under the area of the face seal, but disproves the misconception they must be entirely clean shaven.
To help support the campaign, 3M has also pledged to make a £1,000 donation to the Movember Foundation and will double this figure if the video receives more than 5,000 unique views by 31 December 2015.
Commenting on 3M’s support of Movember, Alan said: “Movember is a fantastic initiative and we want our customers to be able to take part.
“We know the level of protection provided by RPE can be significantly reduced if the user has facial hair that affects the seal of the respirator against the face. In fact, a recent study carried out by the HSE found stubble growth a mere 24 hours after shaving could have an impact on the effectiveness of RPE.
So it’s vitally important to choose a facial hair style that works well with the type of respirator used, which is why we have produced this fun and informative video guide to help workers participate while remaining protected.”
Why not do your part to support Movember today by watching the video?
For more information about 3M RPE.
