Personal Protective Equipment
CPWR-NIOSH COVID-19 Webinar: NIOSH Activities Supporting the Optimization of Respiratory Protection
Description:
Respirators and face masks (coverings) can help protect workers and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Understanding the differences between types of respirators and face coverings, how to wear them and when, and their effectiveness is critical. Join us for this webinar to hear the latest from NIOSH’s National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory on NIOSH research related to respirators and face masks, what it means, and how to use their findings.
Source: CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training
Date: 03/24/21
Fix the Mask Solution
Description:
Most facemasks are loose fitting and leak around the nose and the chin and overall provide a very poor fit. Through the development of a rubber band prototype (V.1), followed by a DIY rubber mask brace (V.2), and the recent development of an essential mask brace (V.3), Fix the Mask provides a couple of approaches to improve facemask fit.
Source: West Virginia University
Date: 03/12/21
Guidance on Workplace Practices: Preventing spread of the virus through virtual fit testing utilizing irritant smoke.
Description:
This recommended procedure and guidance document were developed by West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension (WVUSHE)for conducting negative pressure respirator fit tests using irritant smoke during COVID-19 with remote assistance through Zoom. This work was undertaken in response to multiple requests related to products and providers. WVUSHE also provided those requesting help with information to assist with resource location and additional guidance for conducting qualitative fit tests.
Source: West Virginia University
Date: 03/04/21
Fix the Mask Fit Tests
Description:
WVU Extension Service Safety and Health Extension Specialist Brandon Takacs discusses the fit factor of face masks.
Source: West Virginia University
Date: 02/25/21
U.S. Department of Labor Frequently Asked Questions to Address Cloth Face Coverings as Personal Protective Equipment
Description:
In this FAQ about cloth face coverings, updated November 18, 2020, OSHA says it believes there is currently not enough information available to determine if a particular covering provides sufficient protection from the coronavirus hazard to be personal protective equipment under its standard.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 12/04/20
Temporary Enforcement Guidance - Tight-Fitting Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) Used During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Description:
This memorandum provides temporary enforcement guidance to Compliance Safety and Health Officers for enforcing initial and annual fit-testing requirements of the Respiraotry Protection Standard, CFR 29 1910.34. It applies to tight-fitting PAPRs approved by NIOSH when used for protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, bby healthcare personnel or any other workers in high or very high exposure risk activities, because of supply shortages of both disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and fit-testing supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 10/05/20
Understanding Compliance with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the availability of respirators and fit-testing supplies. This document is intended to help employers understand and comply with OSHA's temporary enforcement guidance for the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 09/25/20
Supplementing the Supply of N95s with Reusable Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators
Description:
This science blog discusses the costs and benefits of implementing EHMRs due to the high demand and limited supply of N95s. Generally, EHMRS have exhalation valves, which should be taken into consideration before use as source control.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 09/19/20
Respiratory Protection vs. Source Control - What's the Difference?
Description:
This science blog discusses the difference between respiratory protection and source control. Respiratory protection refers to respirators and protects the wearer whereas source control refers to the use of masks and protects others.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 09/19/20
COVID-19 Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings while Working Indoors in Hot and Humid Conditions
Description:
Best practices employers should follow to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of heat-related illness.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 09/19/20
COVID-19 Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings while Working Outdoors in Hot and Humid Conditions
Description:
Best practices employers should follow to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of heat-related illness.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 09/19/20
How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask
Description:
The CDC recommends that you wear masks in public settings around people who don't live in your household and when you can't stay 6 feet away from others. This site tells you how to select, wear, and clean your mask.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
Choose Hand Safety
Description:
Information on how to protect your hands, including what to look for when choosing and using hand tools and gloves.
Source: CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training
Date: 08/28/20
Considerations for Selecting Respirators for Your Health Care Facility
Description:
This flowchart illustrates which Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) applies to specific respirator types and provides links to information on performance factors for each type to consider when selecting respirators for use in health care facilities in the United States.
Source: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Date: 09/12/20
CPWR - Putting On and Taking Off Gloves
Description:
This toolbox talk describes how to properly put on and take off gloves. For more information on use of gloves and hand safety go to https://www.choosehandsafety.org/.
Source: CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training
Date: 09/11/20
CDC - When to Wear Gloves
Description:
Guidance on when gloves are and are not needed.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
Michigan - COVID-19 Voluntary vs. Required Respirator Use
Description:
Guidelines for employees using respiratory protection from the state of Michigan.
Source: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity
Date: 08/11/20
Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings
Description:
Guidance on the use of face coverings in public from the California Department of Public Health.
Source: California Department of Public Health
Date: 08/28/20
NY - Face Masks and Coverings for COVID-19
Description:
Guidance on when and how to wear a face mask or covering.
Source: New York State Department of Health
Date: 08/28/20
CDC - Considerations for Wearing Masks
Description:
Guidance on the effectiveness of masks, who should and should not wear a mask, and information on the various types of face coverings available.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 09/11/20
Professional and Home-Made Face Masks Reduce Exposure to Respiratory Infections among the General Population
Description:
This study assessed the transmission reduction potential provided by personal respirators, surgical masks, and home-made masks when worn during a variety of activities by healthy volunteers and a simulated patient. It found that any type of respirator or mask reduced transmission.
Source: PLOS ONE
Date: 09/12/20
Effectiveness of manufactured surgical masks, respirators, and home-made masks in prevention of respiratory infection due to airborne microorganisms
Description:
This article aims to provide more detailed scientific information regarding the effectiveness and reusability of medical/surgical masks, respirators, and homemade masks.
Source: The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles
Date: 08/28/20
Factors Associated with Cloth Face Covering Use Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, April and May 2020
Description:
This report summarizes the response to the initial White House Coronavirus Task Force and CDC recommendation that persons wear a cloth face covering in public to slow the spread of COVID-19. The study found that "[a]fter the initial recommendation was released, high rates of cloth face covering use were reported in the United States. An increase in the rate of cloth face covering use was observed from April to May and was sustained, particularly among non-Hispanic blacks and other races, Hispanics, persons aged ≤39 years, and persons living in the Northeast."
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 09/12/20
Absence of Apparent Transmission of SARS-COV-2 From Two Stylists After Exposure at a Hair Salon with a Universal Face Covering Policy - Springfield, Missouri, May 2020 - July 17, 2020
Description:
This report documents the value of face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19: "Among 139 clients exposed to two symptomatic hair stylists with confirmed COVID-19 while both the stylists and the clients wore face masks, no symptomatic secondary cases were reported; among 67 clients tested for SARS-CoV-2, all test results were negative. Adherence to the community’s and company’s face-covering policy likely mitigated spread of SARS-CoV-2."
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 09/12/20
Video: Fluid Resistance Testing
Description:
A video describing the difference between surgical masks and respirators.
Source: 3M
Date: 07/13/20
Disinfecting Fall Protection Equipment - COVID-19 Concerns
Description:
With the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolving, 3M has received numerous inquiries regarding disinfecting processes for fall protection equipment. As these processes have not had the opportunity to be fully tested and validated on our products, 3M has prepared this FAQ to help provide you guidance.
Source: 3M
Date: 09/11/20
Fit Test Hygiene During COVID-19 Pandemic
Description:
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, fit testers may have questions regarding potential transmission of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the disease (COVID-19) during respirator fit testing.
Source: 3M
Date: 07/13/20
Respiratory Protection for Airborne Exposures to Biohazards
Description:
Technical data bulletin released in June 2020. This is a general document that is not specific to any particular airborne contaminant, including viruses and bacteria, and that is intended for a sophisticated occupational audience.
Source: 3M
Date: 07/13/20
The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks (video)
Description:
This video provides a clear and concise explanation of how N-95 masks work and why they are important to use to prevent the spread of disease.
Source: minutephysics
Date: 09/12/20
Filtering Facepiece Respirators FAQ: Workplace
Description:
This general document provides information on filtering facepiece respirators in the workplace. The information is "not specific to any particular airborne contaminant, including viruses and bacteria."
Source: 3M
Date: 08/28/20
WHO - Guidance - How to wear a fabric mask (June 3, 2020)
Description:
A video explaining how cloth face coverings (masks) should be worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Date: 08/28/20
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: Cloth Face Coverings
Description:
Responses to frequently asked questions about the use of cloth face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 08/28/20
Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval
Description:
Counterfeit respirators are products that are falsely marketed and sold as being NIOSH-approved and may not be capable of providing appropriate respiratory protection to workers.
When NIOSH becomes aware of counterfeit respirators or those misrepresenting NIOSH approval on the market, they will post them here to alert users, purchasers, and manufacturers.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 06/22/20
Interim Guidance for Conserving and Extending Filtering Facepiece Respirator Supply in Non-Healthcare Sectors
Description:
This guidance is intended for use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency by federal, state, and local public health officials, respiratory protection program managers, leaders in occupational health services and industrial hygiene programs, and other leaders who are responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for preventing occupational exposures in non-healthcare worksites.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 07/02/20
Face-Mask Skin Problems: DIY Treatment
Description:
If you find that wearing a face mask is causing a skin problem like a rash, acne, or other irritation, you may be able to treat it yourself. To help, the AAD gathered expert advice from dermatologists, wound care nurses, and doctors on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Date: 08/28/20
9 Ways to Prevent Face-Mask Skin Problems
Description:
Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. Masks can also be hard on your skin, causing problems that range from acne and peeling skin to rashes and itchiness. To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, board-certified dermatologists recommend these nine tips.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Date: 08/28/20
OSHA - Putting on and Taking off a Mask Correctly (video)
Description:
This video shows employers and workers how to properly wear and remove a respirator. Also available in Spanish.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 06/07/20
CIDRAP - Special Episode: Masks and Science (June 3, 2020)
Description:
In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the current science on COVID-19 and cloth masks.
Source: University of Minnesota: Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)
Date: 06/07/20
Guide on respiratory protection against bioaerosols: Recommendations on its selection and use
Description:
The recommendations stated in this document apply to all people in charge of workers’ respiratory protection against bioaerosols, whether infectious or not. All the recommendations specifically relate to respiratory protection against bioaerosols. For other types of exposure (direct or indirect contact with the body), other means of protection must be considered: wearing sealed goggles or visor, gloves and coveralls, hand washing, vaccination, etc.
Source: Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST)
Date: 09/12/20
AFL-CIO: Respirators, Masks and Face Shields
Description:
This document provides descriptive information for different types of respirators, masks and face shields, including uses, certification requirements, and OSHA requirements.
Source: AFL-CIO
Date: 08/28/20
CDC - Factors to Consider When Planning to Purchase Respirators from Another Country
Description:
Key factors to assist potential purchasers of international respirators in making informed procurement and distribution decisions to keep their workers safe.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
NIOSH - How to Properly Put on and Take off a Disposable Respirator
Description:
This document uses photos and English and Spanish text to describe how to properly put on and take off a disposable respirator.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/04/20
NIOSH - Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection - User Seal Check
Description:
This document responds to questions about the need to do a user seal check once a fit test has been conducted.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/03/20
NIOSH - Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection - Fit Testing
Description:
This document responds to common questions about respirator fit testing, why it is done, frequency, need for a tight fit, and where to find more information.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/03/20
NIOSH - Three Key Factors Required for a Respirator to be Effective
Description:
This infographic provides three key steps for effective use of a respirator.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/03/20
NIOSH-Approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators (4/22/2020)
Description:
This online resource provides a table of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/03/20
NIOSH - Important Steps for Using NIOSH-Approved N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Description:
This infographic provides five key steps users of N95 filtering facepiece respirators should follow.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 08/28/20
NIOSH PPE Tracker App
Description:
The NIOSH PPE (personal protective equipment) mobile app can help healthcare and non-healthcare systems track their PPE inventory, including calculating their average PPE consumption rate or "burn rate". The app estimates how many days a PPE supply will last given current inventory levels and PPE burn rate.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 09/12/20
NIOSH Science Blog: Understanding the Use of Imported Non-NIOSH-Approved Respirators (4/23/2020)
Description:
This science blog discusses the response to the shortage of NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators, the FDA emergency use authorization, and information about imported respirators.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/03/20
NIOSH - International Assessment Results -- Not NIOSH -- approved
Description:
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) "has completed International Assessments for the products listed" on this online resource. "These assessments were developed as an assessment of the filter efficiency for those respirators represented as certified by an international certification authority, other than NIOSH, to support the availability of respiratory protection to US health care workers and other workers due to the respirator shortage associated with COVID-19."
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 05/05/20
NIOSH - Understanding the Difference (Surgical Mask / N95 Respirator)
Description:
An infographic that describes the difference between a surgical mask and N95 respirators, including intended use and purpose and limitations.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Date: 08/28/20
CDC - Strategies for Respirator Shortages in Non-Healthcare Sectors
Description:
This guidance is intended for non-healthcare worksites and offers strategies to conserve, extend, and respond to shortages in the supply of NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators in manufacturing and construction worksites.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 05/05/20