OSHA issues FAQs & As about face coverings, surgical masks and respirators in the workplace

OSHA has published a series of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of masks in the workplace.

“As our economy reopens for business, millions of Americans will be wearing masks in their workplace for the first time,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “OSHA is ready to help workers and employers understand how to properly use masks so they can stay safe and healthy in the workplace.”

The new guidance outlines the differences between cloth face coverings, surgical masks and respirators. It further reminds employers not to use surgical masks or cloth face coverings when respirators are needed. In addition, the guidance notes the need for social distancing measures, even when workers are wearing cloth face coverings, and recommends following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on washing face coverings.

These frequently asked questions and answers mark the latest guidance from OSHA addressing protective measures for workplaces during the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, OSHA published numerous guidance documents for workers and employers, available at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/, including five guidance documents aimed at expanding the availability of respirators.

For further information and resources about the coronavirus disease, please visit OSHA’s coronavirus webpage.

Share on Socials!

Related Articles

Related Articles

Industrial Scientific Introduces Unlimited Runtime for Radius BZ1 Area Monitors and RGX Gateways

New Solar Power Supply provides portable, continuous power to area monitors in hazardous or remote locations. Industrial Scientific, the global leader in gas detection and connected ...
Read More

AIHA Issues Spanish-Language Translation of Pandemic OEHS Guide

El Rol del Higienista Ocupacional en una Pandemia, Segunda edición, may now be accessed, along with other free resources, on AIHA’s Recursos en español webpage. AIHA, ...
Read More

Schools struggle to return during coronavirus pandemic

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the largest schools in the country to bring students back to campus and attempt in-person teaching, ...
Read More

Follow IHW!

Leaders in Industrial Hygiene

 

AccuTec-IHS
BOWMAN Dispensers, LLC
ENMET
HafcoVac
ILC
Miller Electric
Nilfisk
OHD
SHOWA
TSI

 

Subscribe!

Sign up to receive our industry publications for FREE!

Industrial Hygiene

Construction Safety