Facial Attachments - Loose Fitting Coverings

Loose fitting coverings do not form a seal with the skin, but rely instead on other means of protection, depending on the type. There are three types of loose-fitting coverings provided for in this standard:

• Loose-fitting facepieces offer the least protection of all loose-fitting coverings, as they form only a partial seal with the face.
• Hoods completely cover the head and neck, forming a seal with protective clothing on the body.
• Helmets function the same way as hoods, but also serve as physical protection for the head, making these the most protective type of loose-fitting coverings.

Loose-fitting coverings often offer more protection than their tight-fitting counterparts. Because they do not need to form a seal with the skin, they can be worn regardless of facial hair or other obstructions and do not need to be fit-tested. They may, however, be more cumbersome to wear, and are not available for some types of respirators.

To learn more about Cotton Dust Safety visit our Cal/OSHA Cotton Dust Safety Online Training web page.