N95 masks are designed to protect against harmful airborne particles when worn correctly (the mask must be tightly sealed to the user’s face). Asbestos, gases, or vapors cannot be protected by N95 masks. The mask is not resistant to oil mists. Let’s examine the details.
Question 1: When and how do you wear an N95 mask?
You can use N95 mask, when working conditions are hazardous to airborne contaminants such as wildfire smoke. Masks cannot protect the user if there is a problem with the seal, or if the mask is not correctly fitted.
Question 2: Is the employer required to provide N95 face masks to its workers?
Employers should first decide whether respirator use will be mandatory or voluntary. Employers must provide respiratory protection for employees exposed to harmful conditions. The employer must create a written respiratory protection plan that addresses the following: correct selection of respiratory equipment, employee training, medical evaluation of the employee’s ability to wear a respirator, proper fit of respirators, proper storage, cleaning, and proper use of respirators. The employer must comply with all other requirements outlined in section 5144.
Employers must provide respirators to employees when they can reasonably anticipate that employees will be exposed. Protecting employees from wildfire fumes when the current average daily inhalation (AQI) is greater than 500, the employer must provide respirators whose assigned protection factor is listed in section 5144. These respirators must have a PM2.5 level that corresponds to an AQI below 151. Employers must provide respirators with an assigned protection rating greater than 10 when the current AQI rises above 535. This does not include disposable dust masks.
Question 3: Can an employer distribute N95 masks or KN95 masks to workers?
The employer can either provide respirators to employees at their request or permit them to use their own. Employers in this situation are not required by law to have a written respiration protection program. They are also not required to conduct fit tests or medical evaluations on employees. Employers should ensure that workers do not use respirators to create a hazard. The employer must provide the information to respirator users and must adhere to all other requirements as per government guidelines.
Employers must provide respirators for their employees if it is reasonable to anticipate that they will be exposed to wildfire smoke. Refer to section 514.1. Training must also be provided by the employer to employees.
Question 4: Can workers bring their N95 masks with them?
The employer can allow employees to use their own N95 masks or KN95 masks, or provide them if they request them. Employers in this situation are not required by law to provide written respiratory protection programs or to fit and evaluate employees. Employers should ensure that workers using respirators do not pose a danger to themselves or others. When it is reasonable for employees to be exposed to wildfire smoke, the employer may allow them to use their own respirators.
Question 5: Workers and employers need to know where they can purchase N95 masks.
Online retailers, as well as local businesses such as hardware stores and industrial supply shops, can purchase N95 masks and KN95 masks. N95 masks may be available at certain locations to respond to recent corona infections. You can buy them from medical shops too.
