MASKS FILTERING, FACE PIECE, AND FABRIC COVERINGS RESOURCE
2
345-AZN-01-IGDO © 2020, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
FILTERING
FACEPIECE
RESPIRATOR
SURGICAL
MASK
KN95
NON-MEDICAL
MASK
NON-MEDICAL
MASK
FACE SHIELDS
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SOURCE CONTROL
Fitting
Tight fitting
and is verified
through a
fit test and
daily user seal
check.
Must not have
facial hair
Loose fitted,
no verification.
No mention
of beard
Tight fitting
and is verified
through a fit
test and daily
user seal check.
Must not have
facial hair
Loose fitted,
no verification.
No mention
of beard
Loose fitted,
no verification.
No mention
of beard
Loose fitted,
No verification.
No mention
of beard
Air leakage
when inhaling
or exhaling?
No air leakage,
if fitted
correctly, with
no facial hair
Does leak.
Not intended
to prevent air
leakage
If fitted
correctly, for
user wearing
correctly, with
no facial hair,
should be no air
leakage
Does leak.
Not intended
to prevent air
leakage
Does leak.
Not intended
to prevent air
leakage
Does leak.
Not intended
to prevent air
leakage
Washable?
No No No No Yes Yes
Major concern
Not currently
available. Very
expensive, and
counterfeit
product in
market
Limited
availability. Very
expensive, poor
understanding
on fit and use by
general public
Available. Ear
loop style may
not provide
good fit for
all users.
Counterfeit
products on
market
Available. Ear
loop style may
not provide
good fit for
all users.
Counterfeit
products on
market
Available.
Anyone can
make them with
any material.
Not tested nor
approved. Too
many variables
Very expensive.
Poorly understood
by general public
– It does not
replace a mask.
NOTE: Prior to using this table as a resource for controls, a workplace risk assessment must be conducted and the Hierarchy of Control must be
followed. Protective Equipment of any kind is not the sole method of control.
CAUTION: There are currently a variety of protective equipment on the market. Buyers should be aware that there are counterfeit products as
well as non-certified products that are currently being sold. There are also products manufactured and certified by organizations outside of North
America and may be effective in providing protection. Always use reputable sources for purchasing protective equipment. Wearers with pre-
existing breathing conditions should consult their physician before using respiratory protective equipment.
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