Page 16 - OHS, November/December 2020

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
where administrative and engineering controls may not adequately protect workers, adequate PPE should be provided. This may in- clude gloves, eye protection, and/or face shields. For close contact tasks within 6 feet of someone suspected or confirmed with a case of COVID-19, respiratory protection may be needed.
When workers need PPE, employers must comply with all applicable workplace standards and regulations on selection and use of PPE. One example is OSHA’s standard for PPE in construction, which requires employees to use gloves, eye and face protection and respiratory protection when job hazards warrant it. OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard 29 CFR 1910.134 mandates that when respirators are necessary to protect workers, employers must implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program.
As the CDC recommends face coverings as a public health measure, employers may want a better understanding of the differences between cloth face coverings and respirators. It is important to note that according OSHA, cloth face masks are not considered PPE. The table below helps highlight some of the differences between cloth face coverings and respirators.
Disinfection, Decontamination and Cleaning of PPE
Per the CDC guidelines for construction, disinfection of reusable PPE is recommended at least at the beginning and end of each shift.9 Training should be provided to workers on cleaning PPE according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There is guidance available from the CDC for cleaning and disinfection practices.10
Additionally, employers should consider using or switching to disinfectant cleaners that meet the U.S. EPA’s Emerging Pathogen Policy.11 These sanitizers may be considered for use against the virus which causes COVID-19 on non-critical, hard, non-porous surfaces that may be found in the workplace. Employers should be aware that common sanitizers and disinfectants could contain hazardous chemicals. Where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) or other applicable regional/local regulations, Personal Protective Equipment standards (Ex. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E in construction or 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I in general industry) and other applicable OSHA chemical standards.
Employers should also consult OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 for more information.12
There are many factors that need to be considered when it comes to COVID-19 and protecting your workforce. Seek out a reputable PPE manufacturer that can help you select the right products and solutions to help maintain a safe workplace for all the different tasks being performed on your jobsites.
Shari Franklin Smith, CIH, CSP is a Sr. Application Engineer Specialist for Construction, Chemical and Food & Beverage Industries in 3M Personal Safety Division.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health- recommendations.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ how-covid-spreads.html
3. https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/covid-19-back-workplace- adapting-workplaces-and-protecting-workers/view
4. https://aiha-assets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/AIHA/resources/ Guidance-Documents/Focus-on-Construction-Health-COVID-19_ AIHAGuidanceDocument.pdf
5. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/ construction-workers.html
6. https://aiha-assets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/AIHA/resources/ Guidance-Documents/Focus-on-Construction-Health-COVID-19_ AIHAGuidanceDocument.pdf
7. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/construction.html 8. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/construction.html
9. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/ construction-workers.html
10. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/ cleaning-disinfection.html
11. https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1806346O/novel-2019- coronavirus-csd-ted-talk.pdf
12. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
Table A: Comparison of Face Coverings and Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Comparison Feature
Cloth Face Covering
Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs)
Description
Cloth mask used to cover mouth and nose.
Disposable, respirator used to cover nose and mouth.
Certification
None
NIOSH
Fit on face
Loose
Tight
Intended Use
May help contain spit or phlegm expelled by the wearer, like covering a cough or sneeze with a face tissue
Designed to help protect the wearer from potential airborne hazards
Will help reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particulate hazards when properly selected and worn
No
Yes, NIOSH approved N95 FFRs are at least 95% efficient in filtering non-oily particulates per NIOSH 42 CFR 84
Will help reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particulate hazards when properly selected and worn
No
Yes, NIOSH approved N95 FFRs are at least 95% efficient in filtering non-oily particulates per NIOSH 42 CFR 84
This table provides general information concerning the products shown. Always read and follow all User Instructions and applicable guidance.
14 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
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