Document B8dd0B10yk0mxDVZMma0Xe2vL

TO: Safety Directors ___ Interoffice Communication FROM: DATE: SUBJ: T. G. Grumbles January 6, 1987 "BEARDED" OSHA INSPECTORS VISTA Jerry Hafford, Respiratory Protection Services Inc., recently called to relate the following information. A ship channel plant recently permitted an OSHA inspector with a beard to enter the process area. This was against the plant's facial hair policy; however, the plant provided the inspector with an ELSA unit to be used for evacuation in the event of an emergency. A release occurred and the inspector almost had to use the unit. He later told plant personnel it was a good thing he didn't have to because he was under medical restriction for respirator use and probably would have "had a problem". The plant had not verified his fitness to wear respirators. Subsequent to the inspection the plant learned OSHA has a beard policy and only inspectors with medical restrictions of some kind are allowed to wear facial hair. All inspectors must carry respirator/medical certification cards. Moral: If a bearded inspector shows up ask for his card and/or refuse him entry based on beard policy restrictions. Thomas G. Grumbles ajo/9 cc WLM VVV 000009318