HSE advise ear loop respirators do not provide protection as respiratory protective equipment
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has seen an increase in the variety of ear loop respirators/masks, which indicate they offer the same protection as filtering facepiece respirators or disposable half mask respirators.
Research carried out by the HSE has indicated that most respirators/masks that rely on ear loops to hold the respirator/mask in place do not protect users adequately when used as right fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
To ensure adequate protection for individual wearers, the HSE recommend all right-fitting RPE should be fit tested by a competent assessor as part of the selection process.
Association members are advised to ensure their provision of RPE equipment is adequate, suitable for the user and the activity to be undertaken.
NOTE: HSE does not recommend using a mask/respirator which relies on ear loops to hold it in place.
