31 July 2024
In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become an essential element of individual and collective protection. They play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the virus and contribute to ensuring safety and public health.
The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) in Quebec is responsible for promoting and overseeing health and safety standards at workplaces. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, CNESST has played a central role in regulating personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks.
The CNESST has established strict criteria for approving masks as PPE. Masks must comply with rigorous standards to ensure their effectiveness and safety. CNESST-approved masks are generally certified by recognized organizations such as Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They must also undergo filtration and performance tests to demonstrate their effectiveness against particles and pathogens.
It’s important to note that not all masks are equivalent in terms of protection. Surgical masks, N95 masks, and particle masks are among the most commonly approved types of masks by CNESST as PPE, each offering different levels of protection for specific purposes.
Surgical masks are usually made from lightweight materials and designed to prevent droplets and splashes from entering the mouth and nose. They offer protection against large airborne particles and are commonly used in medical and surgical settings. However, they do not provide a tight seal against small particles and are not considered as filtering masks.
N95 masks are designed to offer superior protection by filtering at least 95% of airborne particles, including very fine particles. They fit tightly on the face and can filter the smallest particles, including viral pathogens like COVID-19. N95 masks are widely used in healthcare settings and other environments where high protection is required.
Particle masks, also known as filtering masks, are designed to filter particles in the air. They are evaluated based on their filtration efficiency against non-oily and oily particles. These masks are used in various industries where workers may be exposed to hazardous particles like dust, aerosols, and biological agents.
CNESST-approved masks as PPE are essential equipment to ensure safety and public health, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surgical masks, N95 masks, and particle masks are among the most commonly approved types of masks for different purposes.
Ensure you always use CNESST-approved masks to guarantee their effectiveness and optimal protection. At Etrëma, we are committed to providing personal protective equipment that complies with the strictest safety standards. Visit our website to explore our range of masks and other high-quality PPE to meet your needs.
Protect yourself and others by wearing CNESST-approved masks. Visit our website at Etrëma to find a selection of quality masks and other personal protective equipment to ensure your safety at work and in your daily life. Public health is everyone’s responsibility, and together, we can overcome the pandemic.
