Guides & Toolkits

MASKS FILTERING, FACE PIECE, AND FABRIC COVERINGS RESOURCE 3 345-AZN-01-IGDO © 2020, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca General Guidance: 1. Face coverings is a generic term used to describe a variety of styles and designs that resemble, but do not follow any written standard or protocol for manufacturing and are not tested or rated. The variability is introduced with the fabric being used, the density of the weave, the fibre blend, number of layers, design etc. The second factor is the fit and use by the wearer, as there is no concern for beards, facial structures or user training. People below the age of 2 or those with breathing difficulty should consider other options for protection. 2. Surgical masks and filtering face piece respirators are designed, manufactured and meet the certification and testing for efficiency and performance requirements from a body like ASTM or NIOSH in the United State of America. 3. Always start with a risk assessment to determine the level of risk and hazard posed by the work environment. Employ the Hierarchy of Controls to ensure all other methods of controls have been considered or not feasible before resorting to the use of PPE. 4. Irrespective of the protective equipment used, there should be some level of user training or knowledge to ensure the item is worn, cleaned and stored to avoid cross contamination or a false sense of protection. 5. Physical (Social) distancing and other measures must always be considered as options before proceeding with protective equipment. 6. If you feel compelled to wear a fabric face covering, it's for situations when physical distancing is not possible (i.e. grocery store). The secondary benefit is that it acts as a reminder not to touch your face, and the psychological comfort of others and yourself. This will all work if self-screening and physical distancing are used diligently and consistently. 7. The value of hand washing or hand sanitizing along with sneezing and coughing etiquette should not be underestimated in its effectiveness in controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Other Questions Posed: Q. How long can one covering (is this mask or cloth face covering?) be worn for (how often should it be changed in an 8 hour shift)? The length of use must be based on the type of protective equipment, the contaminant in question, the availability of the equipment, and the potential risk to the wearer. No single guidance can be applied across the board for the variety of protective equipment currently available. Surgical masks and disposable masks are normally not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the face mask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. WSPS.CA

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