OSHA Issues Guidance For Respirators in Response to N95 Mask Shortage

As you are probably well aware, the US is facing a shortage of N95 rated masks during the Coronavirus Pandemic, which is not only affecting the hospital staffs that desperately need them, but construction workers who need to protect their lungs during essential work.

In response to this shortage, OSHA has issued interim enforcement guidance for how to handle such shortages. In their guidance, OSHA states employers should, first and foremost, “reassess their engineering controls, work practices, and administrative controls to identify any changes they can make to decrease the need for N95 respirators.”  Not only is this good advice during the crisis, but it’s good advice for any time.

PPE should always be considered the last line of defense against hazards.  In many cases, if the hazard is controlled well enough, the need for respirators or other PPE becomes unnecessary.  For example, when working with silica containing materials, using proper engineering controls such as a water delivery system on a stationary masonry saw, OSHA does not require the use of a respirator.

In addition to avoiding situations requiring respirators, OSHA also suggests the use of elastomestric respirators or powered, air-purifying respirators.  If neither of those alternates are available, existing N95 masks may be reused or the use of N95 masks that have passed the manufacturer’s shelf life can be used.

Now, obviously, if you don’t have any masks left at all, even the ones that have passed their estimated life, that still puts you in a bit of a pickle. As always, if you cannot comply with the interim guidance above, you should make your best good faith effort to protect yourself and your employees during this difficult time.

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