BEARD BAN FOR PRISON STAFF
PRISON staff must shave following the announcement of a new behind-bars beard ban.
Corrections Victoria has informed staff in writing that the ban applies from April 9.
The memo, from bearded Acting Commissioner Rod Wise, says whiskers must go so that when breathing apparatus is used in emergencies there is an airtight seal to the face.
“We don’t think that it’s fair that staff who have beards or non-compliant moustaches should be able to stand aside when there is a fire, leaving it to clean-shaven colleagues to don the BA and respond to the emergency,” he wrote.
The new rules also say that excessive make-up or sunscreen must be removed before breathing gear is donned.
Mr Wise said exemptions would be considered for staff who have facial hair for religious reasons.
The Community and Public Sector Union, which represents prison staff, said it had been negotiating on the matter for at least 12 months but no agreement could be reached, despite suggested alternatives.
“Corrections have decided to implement the beard ban anyway,” the CPSU’s Julian Kennelly said. “Prison officers aren’t firefighters. There have always been enough cleanshaven, non-make-up-wearing staff rostered, until now, to do cell extractions when required.”