WORKPLACE SAFETY GUIDELINES - COVID-19 - Procedure Masks (Surgical Masks) - Concordia ...
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WORKPLACE SAFETY GUIDELINES – COVID-19
Procedure Masks (Surgical Masks)
Updated January 26, 2022
Procedure masks (surgical masks) are mandatory in all indoor areas of the university,
including when entering buildings, in lobbies/reception areas, and when circulating in
hallways, elevators, and staircases. This applies to all staff, faculty, students, visitors
and contractors.
TYPES OF MASKS
Different types of masks are being used in medical and non-medical settings to reduce the spread of
COVID-19. Medical masks include N95 respirators and procedure masks, while non-medical masks include
cloth face coverings. The table below illustrates the different types of masks and their uses.
Acceptable in University
Type of Mask Properties Uses
indoor spaces?
Typically a 3 layer CNESST mandates the use
Procedure mask (surgical
laminate structure. of procedure mask
mask)
(surgical mask) at all times
YES
Ensures the protection of in the workplace.
the worker and of those
Only masks certified
in their proximity against Mandatory when entering
ASTM F2100 or equivalent
the projection of University buildings.
are accepted.
droplets.
See section When to
Wear a Mask on Campus
Similar to Procedure Can be used as an
Procedure Mask (surgical Masks but with a clear alternative to Procedure
mask) with a clear window window at the mouth Masks for anyone
YES
area. communicating with
hearing impaired
Only masks certified
individuals. Contact
ASTM F2100 or equivalent
ehs@concordia.ca for
are accepted.
further information on
how to obtain these
masks.
NIOSH certified filtering For use in environments Without an exhalation
Disposable Respirators facepiece respirator with where exposure to valve – YES*
a filtration efficiency aerosols is likely.
where at least 95% of With an exhalation valve
particles are filtered Reserved for healthcare – NO
settings.
Various types available, *Accepted disposable
including with an respirators:
exhalation valve. NIOSH N95 respirators.
EHS-DOC-184 v.8.0 Page 1 of 4
Acceptable in University
Type of Mask Properties Uses
indoor spaces?
95PFE products or CSA
Respirators with certified CA-N95 and CA-
exhalation valves are not N99 type
effective in preventing respirators as marked
transmission of the virus. according to the CSA
Z94.4.1 standard.
KN95 respirators that
meet standard GB 2626-
2019.
KF94 respirators that
meet standard KMOEL–
2017-64.
FFP2 respirators that
meet standard EN 149-
2001.
NIOSH certified reusable Designed to protect the NO – except if wearing
Reusable respirators respiratory protection. wearer from hazardous one is necessary for the
aerosols, vapours and task being performed.
dust.
Respirators with
exhalation valves are not
Have removable filters or effective in preventing
cartridges that are transmission of the virus.
specific to the hazard.
Varies in fabric type and For use by the general NO – unless if being worn
Non-medical cloth mask number of layers. public in non-healthcare over a procedure mask.
(face covering) settings. See Double Masking
section below.
Mandatory in indoor
public spaces in Quebec. Exception: General public
passing through
University buildings when
exiting from metro.
WHEN TO WEAR A MASK ON CAMPUS
Procedure masks must be worn at all times when in indoor spaces on campus. Therefore, masks must be
worn whenever circulating within the university, including in hallways/corridors, stairwells, and
elevators; when in shared spaces such as washrooms, kitchens and break rooms; and when required to
complete a work task that does not allow for 2 metres of physical distance.
The mask may be removed when you are alone in a closed office/space. Masks may also be removed to
eat or drink, when maintaining 2 metres of physical distance. However, the mask should be removed only
immediately before eating or drinking and replaced immediately afterwards. Given that the mask is
removed when eating, physical distancing must always be respected during meals and breaks.
EHS-DOC-184 v.8.0 Page 2 of 4
For those activities that do not permit employees to respect the appropriate physical distance from
others,, a risk assessment must be carried out to ensure that the appropriate personal protective
equipment is used. Contact EHS at extension 4877 or ehs@concordia.ca.
IMPORTANT: The mandatory procedure mask (surgical mask) required in indoor spaces on campus by the
CNESST is IN ADDITION TO the other public safety directives, such as hand hygiene and respiratory
etiquette. The government introduced this public safety measure in Universities to reduce community
transmission of the virus.
MASK EXEMPTION ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Exemptions to mask wearing directives are permitted for medical reasons. Medical documentation is
required. Anyone who has a mask exemption must wear a visor covering the face to the chin.
Employees and Faculty:
Employees and Faculty can request a mask exemption by completing an Employee Workplace
Accommodation Request form on Carrefour. Visors are available at Environmental Health and Safety.
Contact EHS at extension 4877 or ehs@concordia.ca to obtain a visor.
Students:
Students can request an exemption by contacting the Access Center for Students with Disabilities (ACSD).
The procedure to obtain an exemption is:
• Have their physician complete a medical note (form available through ACSD).
• Provide it to ACSD and decide if they would like to register with them.
• ACSD will review the note and provide the student with an exemption letter along with a face
visor.
DOUBLE MASKING
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended double masking as an effective
means of limiting the spread of COVID-19. Although not required at Concordia, double masking will be
permitted as long as one of the masks is a procedure mask (surgical mask). The procedure mask should
be worn underneath the face covering to achieve a better fit.
TIPS FOR WEARING A PROCEDURE MASK (SURGICAL MASK)
- Wash your hands before and after putting on the mask.
- Ensure that the mask covers both the nose and mouth.
- Pinch the metal clip on the bridge of the nose to secure the mask in place.
- If you are double masking, wear the cloth mask over the procedure mask.
- Avoid touching your mask. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible.
- Change your mask if it becomes moist, soiled or damaged.
- Replace your mask at least every four hours.
- Do not leave the mask hanging from your neck or ear.
HOW TO DISPOSE OF A PROCEDURE MASK (SURGICAL MASK)
EHS-DOC-184 v.8.0 Page 3 of 4
Disposable masks are not intended for reuse. They must be disposed of immediately following use. Use
the elastic loops to remove your mask and avoid touching the front.
Collection bins have been placed at the entrances to all open buildings. Masks placed in these bins will be
recycled. Masks thrown away in regular garbage bins or office recycling bins will not be recycled.
WHEN SHOULD A PROCEDURE MASK (SURGICAL MASK) BE REPLACED?
Replace your mask whenever:
- It becomes moist or humid
- It gets dirty or soiled
- If it is damaged
- After 4 hours of wear
Questions? Contact us at ehs@concordia.ca or by phone at extension 4877.
EHS-DOC-184 v.8.0 Page 4 of 4
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