Surgical masks, also known as procedural or medical masks, are designed to help prevent contamination of the work environment or a sterile field from large particles generated by the wearer/worker (e.g., to prevent the spread of the wearer's spit or mucous). Surgical masks may also be used to help reduce the risk of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions from reaching the wearer's mouth and nose. Patients may also wear surgical masks to help limit the spread of infections.

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Sources: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (no date) “Understanding the difference” and Health Canada (2021), “COVID-19 mask use: Types of masks and respirators”

When supplies are limited, N95 or other respirators that provide higher protection should be reserved for healthcare workers.

Note that masks with an exhalation valve are not recommended because the valves allow respiratory particles to spread outside the mask (for example, these masks do not protect others from COVID-19, nor do they help limit the spread of the virus).

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Some masks also include a pocket to accommodate a filter, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric. Reusable masks with a non-woven filter can be washed multiple times. Disposable filters should be changed daily and removed from the mask before washing.

The difference is not always immediately apparent. A respirator will be marked with its approval rating (e.g., N95, N100, etc.). Surgical masks do not have this rating. (Note there are also “surgical masks” that have been rated as respirators (i.e., N95 surgical masks).)

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In general, people may be asked to wear non-medical masks when out in public when it is not possible to maintain at least 2 metres for physical distancing, particularly in settings such as shopping areas, stores, personal service settings, public spaces (including outdoors such as markets, skating rinks, or street get-togethers), and on public transportation. Non-medical masks can be purchased or homemade. As stated by the Public Health Agency of Canada, non-medical face masks or face coverings should:

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Masks should not be worn by anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance (e.g., due to their age, ability, or developmental status), including children under 2 years old. Children between 2 and 5 years old may be able to wear a mask if supervised. It will depend on their ability to tolerate it, as well as put it on and off.

Employers must provide safety signs if there is a significant risk that can't be avoided or controlled in any other way, such as through safe systems of work or engineering controls.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

The fit can be improved by using different methods, such as adjusting ties or ear loops and adjusting the flexible nosepiece.

Note that some individuals may find wearing a mask uncomfortable or experience what feels like shortness of breath, anxiety, or panic. Masks may make the air feel “stuffy”, but there is no change to the levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide a person will breathe in. If you feel you have a medical concern that limits your ability to wear a non-medical mask, discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional.

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Non-medical masks can reduce the volume of aerosols and microorganisms that reach others when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or sing.During a pandemic, wearing a non-medical mask may be required by your employer, provincial or territorial public health authority, or local government. The risk of contracting COVID-19 increases in situations where people are in closed spaces (with poor ventilation) and crowded places when with people from outside their immediate household. Risk is higher in settings where these factors overlap or involve activities such as close-range conversations, singing, shouting or heavy breathing (e.g., during exertion).

Employers should have a written respirator program that describes the procedures for selecting and using respiratory protective equipment. The correct use of a respirator is just as important as selecting the correct respirator for the hazards present.

The decision whether or not workers need to use either respirators or surgical masks must be based upon a hazard analysis of the worker's specific work environment and the protective properties of each type of personal protective equipment.

There is no need to provide safety signs if they don't help reduce the risk or if the risk isn't significant. This applies to all places and activities where people are employed.

Yes. This document outlines some of the key differences between respirators and surgical masks. Healthcare workers routinely use surgical masks as part of their personal protective equipment. However, surgical masks are not respirators and are not certified as such. Non-medical masks are also discussed below.

Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer's respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases, or vapours. Respirators and filters must be selected based on the hazards present. They come in various sizes and styles and should be individually selected to fit the wearer's face and to provide a tight seal. A proper seal between the user's face and the respirator forces inhaled air to be pulled through the respirator's filter material, thereby providing protection.

Respirators are designed to seal tight to the face of the wearer.Wearers should be fit tested to make sure they are using the appropriate model and size of respirator to get the best fit.

Please also see the OSH Answers document on Respiratory Protection Against Airborne Infectious Agents for Health Care Workers for more information about respirators as used in healthcare settings, and the tip sheet on Masks for Protection from Respiratory Infectious Diseases for more information on the types of masks.