You may have heard some buzz around what's called the Singh Thattha Technique.
The Singh Thattha Technique involves individuals with facial hair using a wide elastic band to cover their beards, potentially enabling them to wear tight-fitting respirators like N95s/P2s.
The concept was conceived by a UK research led by Professor Gurch Randhawa from the University of Bedfordshire and Dr Rajinder Pal Singh. They were seeking a solution that would allow doctors with beards to wear tight-fitting respirators. Specifically Sikh, Jewish and Muslim communities, who tend to have beards for religious reasons.
Photo credit: SBS
Is the Singh Thattha Technique Effective?
As it stands, the only published study (as far as we know) using the Singh Thatta Technique demonstrated 5 fit test passes (on 5 participants) using the quantitative fit test method. There is no way to demonstrate any type of statistical analysis with only 5 participants.
Notably, the study also used the qualitative fit test method to assess 27 participants with a reported pass rate of 25 out of 27. It's worth noting that the subjective qualitative fit test method is considerably less reliable than the objective quantitative fit testing method, raising questions about its extensive use in this study. Qualitative fit testing relies on the user to report whether or not they can taste a bitter substance while quantitative testing uses a machine to calculate an actual numerical fit factor.
Unfortunately, such a small study over a short period does not yield enough evidence to support a deviation from all international respiratory protection standards - including AS/NZS 1715:2009, ISO 16975-3, HSE and OSHA - that state one must be clean shaven anytime they wear a tight-fitting respirator. (Read more about facial hair and respirators here.)
In addition to the lack of evidence, another potential issue we see is the likelihood of individuals inconsistently applying the beard wrap in the same way each time. In a controlled trial, the wrap is applied meticulously, but this may not always be the case in real-world scenarios, particularly when users are in a hurry.
Which brings us to the next question.
Has Australia Adopted the Singh Thatta Technique?
As far as we know, the Singh Thatta Technique has been adopted by Victoria, NSW, WA and SA for healthcare workers and clinical students only.
Victoria only recently approved the beard wrap.
The Australian Institute of Australia's RESP-FIT program does not support the use of this technique. You can read their position statement here.
Be Aware
Now that the Singh Thattha technique has been approved in Victoria, Fit Test Victoria offers the method for clinical placement students and healthcare workers.
But be aware. Under all international fit testing protocols and standards, including the AS/NZS 1715:2009, there is no such thing as a "bearded fit test."
Anyone with facial hair who chooses to get fit tested with us using the Singh Thattha method must acknowledge that they have read and agree to our disclaimer.
Are there ANY facial hairstyles I can sport?
Yep, check these out. As long as the hair doesn't cross the seal of the facepiece, you're good to go.
Credit: CDC
If you have any questions about what you've read here, email us at info@fittestvic.com.au or call 0428 630 109.
Are there any respirators you can wear with facial hair?
Loose-fitting PAPR. Photo Credit: JSP
Yep, there are respirators folks with facial hair can wear.
These are called loose-fitting powered-air purifying respirators (PAPRs). Learn more about PAPRs here.
Wrapping Up
Pun intended :-)
The Singh Thatta Technique involves wrapping beards in a wide elastic band to potentially allow those with facial hair to achieve a seal when wearing tight-fitting respirators.
There is insufficient research and data to fully support its use and ensure wearers with facial hair are adequately protected.
The technique is endorsed by Victoria, NSW, WA and SA for healthcare workers and clinical students only.
The AIOH's RESP-FIT program does not recommend the use of the Singh Thatta Technique.
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