Pilot Investigation of the Singh Thattha technique among bearded Sikh men

Men with facial hair are currently not able to wear tight-fitting respirators in Ontario workplaces, which could limit job opportunities for those who are unable to shave. The goal of this study is to evaluate the Singh Thattha technique, which uses an over-the-beard covering to improve respirator fit among men with facial hair. If effective, this technique could increase the options available for men with facial hair who need to wear respirators.

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to:

• Watch a 10-minute video on what to expect during your respiratory fit testing appointment
• Travel to a testing site for a fit testing appointment at an agreeable time
• At the fit test appointment:
  • Have measurements taken
  • Have pictures of your beard taken, if comfortable
  • Complete up to 8 fit tests using different respirators and different Singh Thattha materials
  • Complete a short questionnaire about you, your beard, your work experiences with respirators, and the fit testing experience

View FAQ

1. Make sure you are eligible. You can participate in the study if:
   • You are male
   • You identify with the Sikh community
   • You have facial hair that would interfere with a respirator seal
   • You are between 18 and 70 years old
   • Can communicate in English
   • You are healthy and can wear a respirator for up to 2 hours
   • You are willing to travel to a testing site
   • You agree to refrain from smoking for at least 30 minutes prior to your fit testing appointment
   • You agree to follow current University of Toronto COVID-19 precautions during fit testing

2. Contact the study coordinator, Diljot Sethi (diljot.sethi@ontariohealth.ca) to schedule a fit testing appointment.

For more details on the study and study methods, please visit the FAQ page.

Contact the study coordinator, Diljot Sethi (diljot.sethi@ontariohealth.ca), or principal investigator, Tracy Kirkham (tracy.kirkham@ontariohealth.ca) for more information.

This project is funded by a non-competitive grant from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

This study is supported by the World Sikh Organization (WSO) of Canada. The project was developed with input from an Advisory Committee composed of key stakeholders, community members, occupational hygienists, health and safety experts, and researchers.

View Project Advisory Committee