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Please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.
Last updated: February 14, 2022
Face coverings include cloth face masks, non-medical masks, medical (surgical/procedural) masks, and N95 respirators. They are pieces of equipment that cover a user’s mouth and nose; and, are affixed to a person’s head using flexible straps that either go around the head or ears. Face coverings can be used for source control or as personal protective equipment (PPE). As an important reminder, wearing face coverings does not eliminate the need for physical distancing practices or hand hygiene.
This section focuses on the following:
Source control means preventing or limiting the ability of the source of a contaminant from releasing it. In the case of masking, source control considers the source of the contaminant the user, with the mask being used to limit the risk of the wearer exposing others to an illness or infection. Where physical distancing cannot be maintained, it is even more important that everyone wear masks as source control. Surgical or procedure masks and respirators worn as part of PPE also work as source control. Source control works best when everyone uses it.
When the intended use of a face covering is for personal protection (protect the wearer from a contaminant) the masks used are certified to a standard such that there is a body of evidence that that particular mask will protect the user from a contaminant. To determine if a person or a particular task will require the use of face coverings as PPE, a risk assessment should be completed. This can be done by evaluating the risk of exposure of the work while taking into account the following factors:
For assistance with this process, contact the Safety Office.
Some instances when Respiratory PPE is required include:
The table below differentiates between the main types of masks used within the community as a method of protection from COVID-19.
Mask Type |
Main Function |
Description |
---|---|---|
Cloth face mask - snug fitting, covers chin, nose, and mouth.
|
|
Re-useable/Washable and non-regulated. Public health recommends 2 layers of breathable cotton, with the ability to add a filter of non-woven polypropylene. |
Non-medical mask - snug fitting, covers chin, nose, and mouth. |
|
Disposable, not regulated to fluid penetration. Medical and non-medical are visually indistinguishable. The difference is identifiable on the package. |
Medical (surgical/procedural) mask – snug fitting, covers chin, nose, and mouth. |
|
Disposable - regulated and standardized through the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Medical and non-medical are visually indistinguishable. The difference is identifiable on the package. |
N95 Respirator – tight fit with no gaps |
|
Disposable - regulated and standardized through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). If used as PPE, a fit test is required. |
Respirators with unfiltered exhalation valves |
|
Not permitted |
To provide community protection in a shared indoor space, some form of face covering is required. In general, for areas such as corridors, lobbies, washrooms, elevators, classrooms, teaching laboratories and meeting rooms, a cloth/non-medical mask will reduce risk appropriately.
Public Health recommends that a non-medical mask should consist of:
Medical/Surgical masks can be used to protect the wearer and others against larger droplets or sprays by creating a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Their use should be based upon a risk assessment. The University provides ASTM Level 2 masks which are required to be worn by employees where physical distancing (2m) cannot be maintained.
Some notes on medical/surgical masks:
Some notes on N95 respirators:
Face shields are plastic coverings that wrap around the face. They mainly provide protection to the eyes and face of the wearer from respiratory droplets and sprays and are worn with respiratory protection.
Goggles are plastic devices worn on the head to protect the eyes from respiratory droplets and sprays. There are many different styles and types, but the most effective wrap around the sides of the face and cover the eyes from all angles.
Guidance on the use of face shields and goggles is below:
Face shields or goggles should be worn in conjunction with a face mask when work in close proximity (< 2m) of other people for prolonged periods of time (> 15 min.) is expected, or if working in close proximity to someone who is not wearing a face covering.
Exemptions include the following:
If you need an exemption for a medical condition or disability, you must provide appropriate documentation to the University. Please review the Face Covering Exemption Request Form and submit the completed form to AccessAbility Services (students) or Occupational Health (employees) to develop an accommodation plan.
Accommodations may include remote participation (academics) or alternate arrangements (employees), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.