Frequently Asked Questions

Where N95s are currently used and no new supply can be located, alternatives
may be sourced. When sourcing possible alternatives, look for labels that say:

  • N99/N100;
  • R95/R99/R100; or
  • P95/P99/P100.

The numbers (95/99/100) indicate how efficient the mask is at filtering (a mask labeled
95 is 95-per cent efficient at filtering). The letters denote the following:

  • N = Not resistant to oil particulates
  • R = resistant to oil particulates
  • P = oil-proof

Manufacturers should review their risk assessments to determine if N, R, or P is appropriate. Any mask rated 95 or above is sufficient.

Some workers are opting to wear Cloth and Surgical masks. It is important to make aware that these types of masks may not protect you from the virus. These do not form a tight seal with the face and are not considered as an equivalent to the N95s. Cloth and surgical masks have their limitations, and these should be communicated to your workers.  See this document from WorkSafeBC, on the differences between Cloth, Surgical, and Disposable N95 respirators.

If it is not practicable to eliminate work that causes workers to be within two metres of each other, the encroachment on physical distancing should be kept as brief as possible, through planning the work task and providing instructions to workers.

Utilize your joint health and safety committee or worker representative to identify risks and effective controls for your workplace.

The joint health and safety committee plays an important role in your occupational health and safety program, giving workers and employers a way to work together to identify and find solutions to workplace health and safety issues. The joint committee has the following specific duties and functions:

Identify situations that may be unhealthy or unsafe for workers, and advise on effective systems for responding to those situations

  • Consider, and promptly deal with complaints relating to the health and safety of workers
  • Consult with workers and the employer on issues related to occupational health and safety, and the occupational environment
  • Make recommendations to the employer and the workers for the improvement of the occupational health and safety, and the occupational environment of workers
  • Make recommendations to the employer on educational programs promoting the health and safety of workers and compliance with Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act and the regulations, and to monitor their effectiveness
  • Advise the employer on programs and policies required under the regulations for the workplace, and to monitor their effectiveness
  • Advise the employer on proposed changes to the workplace, including significant proposed changes to equipment and machinery, or the work processes that may affect the health or safety of workers
  • Ensure that accident investigations and regular inspections are carried out as required
  • Participate in inspections, investigations, and inquiries as provided in Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act and Section 3 of the Regulation

In workplaces where a worker health and safety representative is required, the representative has the same duties and functions as a joint committee, to the extent practicable.

Please see our PPE page for information on where to source personal protective equipment.

Dirty coveralls would not be considered as a biohazard. They may be considered as contaminated, if anything. Recommend to follow disinfection protocols in place between uses.

This will need to be evaluated and assessed via your risk assessment. Cross contamination is possible if the gown has had contact with outside clothing, but can only be confirmed via your site specific risk assessment.

Absolutely, there are alternative respirators available.

Look for labels saying a respirator is N99, N100, or R95, R99, R100, or P95, P99, P100.

95 indicates that it is 95% efficient in filtering, 99 indicates it is 99% efficient in filtering and 100 indicates it is 99.97% efficient in filtering. N, R, P is denoted as the following:

  • N= Not resistant to oil particulates
  • R = resistant to oil particulates
  • P = oil proofBased on a risk assessment of the tasks to be done, decide whether N, R, or P is appropriate. In terms of efficiency, choose any 95, 99, or 100-rated respirator at this point. At minimum, should be a N95.

In some workplaces, chemical cartridges may also be considered. Chemical cartridges are rated to protect against specific chemicals: organic vapors, ammonia, etc. There are cartridges that function as dual chemical and particulate filters. Ensure that any of the cartridges that are considered can filter dust, as discussed above (N95, N99, N100, or R95, R99, R100, or P95, P99, P100). For certain cartridges, you can add on a particulate filter as an attachment piece.

Chemical cartridges may also be considered as alternatives to N95 masks. Chemical cartridges are rated to protect against specific chemicals: organic vapors, ammonia, etc. There are also dual cartridges white function as both a chemical filter and a particulate filter. Any cartridges considered as protection against COVID-19 in addition to other uses must be able to filter dust. For some cartridges, you can add on a particulate filter as an attachment.

N95s may be currently in use in several industries filtering dust and including (but not limited to):

  • Poultry processing
  • Baked goods manufacturing or other manufacturing where dry powder
    are mixed such as rice milling, flour milling, and sugar refining
  • Animal feed manufacturing working with grain dust
  • Welding or manufacturing which cuts/grinds metals involving welding fumes and/or metal particulates
  • Woodcutting processes: cutting, sanding and grinding wood to protect from wood dust
  • Concrete industries such as ceramics and installation teams to protect from silica dust
  • Breweries working with milling grains
  • Any industry working with nuisance dusts from dry sweeping or cleaning

You need to factor in the concentration strength of the bleach solution. They will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For specific guidance, see:

In workplaces where there is a high degree of contact with the nature of work being in small spaces, those safety plans will continue for some time. Workplaces where we may see some relaxing of that would be outdoor spaces, recreational context. Workplaces that have been in a higher risk, even with vaccine coverage and hopefully diminished transmission at some time in the future, will still be important to keep the safety protocols in place; masking indoors, barriers in smaller spaces, all those aspects will be important. Covid will still be circulating in the population for some time, so the safety measures will not be scaled back anytime soon.
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): Undue hardship refers to a point at which accommodating a worker becomes too difficult, unsafe, or costly for the employer. WorkSafeBC determines if the situation meets the undue hardship criteria on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of each situation. Employers are obligated to identify and offer work that is safe, productive, and consistent with the worker’s functional abilities and skills and, if possible, restores the worker’s wages. Generally, employers are not expected to create new job positions or roles simply to fulfill the obligation to offer suitable work. Employers are expected to identify and make available suitable work opportunities that already exist, or may exist, within their organization, and that match the worker’s functional abilities and medical restrictions. Employers should consider what changes to the work or workplace could be made to allow a worker to return to work. Amanda (TeksMed Services): I believe you mean undue hardship for the Employer. Creating a new position does not qualify as undue hardship in and of itself. Undue hardship is a VERY HIGH bar to claim and the employer has the onus of proof to support that hardship. Hardship within Policy is defined as:

Undue hardship is the point at which it is too difficult, too expensive, or unsafe for the employer to accommodate the worker.

Some examples of things the Board may consider in relation to this per the RSCM are:
  • safety risks to the worker, other workers, or others;
  • financial ability to accommodate;
  • disruption of operations;
  • interchangeability of the work force and facilities;
  • size of the employer’s operation; and
  • impact on other workers.