Personal Protective Equipment

All respirators are rated to protect against a certain concentration of particulates. The N95 gives the minimum acceptable protection for an infectious contaminant such as COVID-19. The information contained in this briefing is valid ONLY when looking for alternatives to the N95. In most manufacturing and food processing use cases, the alternative options noted provide greater protection than the N95 respirator mask.

Fit testing is required for any tight-fitting respirator, including the N95 and any half face/full face alternative respirator. Certain exceptions may apply.

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.

Ultimately, the employer is responsible for providing appropriate controls (up to and including PPE if needed) and training employees follow procedures and use PPE effectively. That is true whether the PPE is provided by the employer or by the employee. Employers should have a program and policy in place around the provision of PPE. If an employee is using PPE that requires fit testing or maintenance, the employer is responsible for providing the necessary training. Employees should also understand how the PPE fits into the hierarchy of controls and protocols in place in the plant to protect workers. Employers may make the decision not to allow employees to provide their own PPE if they cannot be confident that it's quality PPE and in good condition.

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.

No. An N95 mask with an exhalation valve defeats the purpose of not spreading droplets. Look for masks without these plastic valves.

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.

Masks should be single-use (length of shift is not a critical factor, but masks should be safely disposed after a single use). The mask serves to "concentrate" any microbe on the surface, and COVID-19 is viable for 7 days on the surface of a mask.

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.

Since an asymptomatic worker can carry the virus, all plant staff working in close proximity with inadequate physical distancing measures in place should be equipped with at least non-medical face masks. These masks should not replace the existing workplace respiratory protection program requirements; Another type of mask or respirator may be indicated based on a task-based hazard assessment, so your respiratory protection program should be re-evaluated and revised as needed to address biological hazards such as COVID-19.

If masks are used, they should be single-use and disposed after each use, or laundered after each use in the case of non-medical fabric masks. COVID-19 can remain viable on a mask for 7 days (Lancet). 

An industrial hygienist should review the specs and certifications and decide if they are appropriate for the intended use. Watch the Respiratory Protection Basics webina by our Industrial Hygiene Specialist for more information.

Your Workplace Respiratory Protection Program among all should include respirator fit testing and training of each worker. For specific assistance, contact us to schedule a call with our industrial hygienist or contact your respirator protection provider for assistance with the selection process and training.