Respiratory Infectious Diseases / COVID-19 – Tips

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Tips

Masks for Protection from Respiratory Infectious Diseases

Masks are an effective way to protect ourselves and others from respiratory infectious diseases when layered with other public health and workplace health and safety control measures.

There are several types of masks each designed for a specific use. Respirators are close-fitting masks that protect against exposure to airborne particles, including those containing pathogens (germs that cause disease such as viruses and bacteria). Medical masks are loose-fitting and act as a barrier to respiratory particles and spit (produced by breathing, coughing, etc.). Non-medical masks can help limit the spread of respiratory particles and spit from the wearer’s mouth and nose (at the source). Understand the differences when using masks as source control or personal protective equipment (PPE) in your workplace.

All masks are most effective when they are well-constructed, well-fitting, and properly worn. Choose the best quality, best fitting respirator or mask available.

Consider wearing a mask when:

  • Experiencing symptoms that may be caused by a respiratory infectious disease (e.g., sore throat, coughing, sneezing) and need to be around people
  • There is an increase in respiratory infectious diseases in the community (e.g., during fall and winter months)
  • In settings where the risk of transmission is increased (e.g., settings that are small, crowded, poorly ventilated, or have people visiting for extended periods of time)
  • At higher risk of serious complications from respiratory infections or spending a significant amount of time with others who are at higher risk (e.g., young children, older people, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, etc.)

This document provides information to employers and workers to help make decisions about the use of masks in the workplace and develop workplace policies around respiratory infectious diseases.

On this page

Know the differences

Link to video: How to Choose a MaskYoutube video from CCOHS

This table outlines the key differences between respirators (including N95), surgical masks, and non-medical masks
Respirators (including N95, 95PFE, CA-N95, KN95, KF94 and FFP2)
Medical Masks (surgical or procedure masks)
Non-Medical Masks
Evaluation, Testing, and Certification Must be approved by Health Canada and certified to an accepted standard. Must be approved by Health Canada and certified to an accepted standard (such as ASTM F2100 or EN14683). Not all masks which have the appearance of medical masks meet regulatory standards. Not evaluated or tested to recognized standards in Canada and are not considered medical devices.
Purpose Protect from exposure to and spread of respiratory particles. Function as a barrier to respiratory particles and spit. Help limit the spread of respiratory particles and spit.
Fit (Face Seal) Designed to seal snugly against the face. Respirator fit testing is required in workplace settings where tight-fitting respiratory devices are needed to protect workers from exposure to agents that can cause occupational illness. Not designed to seal snugly against the face. The fit can be improved by different methods such as adjusting the ties or ear loops and the flexible nosepiece. Not designed to seal snugly against the face. The fit can be improved by using different methods, such as adjusting ties, bands or ear loops and flexible nosepiece (if included).
Filtration Respirator filters that collect at least 95% of particles in the air (including respiratory particles) are given a 95 rating. Can filter respiratory particles and spit which carry pathogens, though not as effectively as respirators. Can help reduce the spread of respiratory particles and spit which carry pathogens. Performance is highly variable and dependent upon their construction and fit.
Use Limitations Generally single use but repurposing may be appropriate in certain circumstances, until visibly dirty, damp, or damaged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Fit testing can be performed to optimize fit and may be mandatory for some occupational exposures. Generally single use, but repurposing may be appropriate in certain circumstances until visibly dirty, damp, or damaged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and get the best fit. Effectiveness depends on materials, construction, fit, and use. Can be difficult to breathe through fabric. Requires washing between uses.
Who Should Use and When A risk assessment can identify those who require respiratory protection for exposure to a biological hazard at work and suggest an appropriate respirator. Examples include workers in high-risk settings (e.g., long-term care homes) or anyone meeting criteria identified by the local public health authority. A risk assessment can identify those who should wear a medical mask. Examples include workers in healthcare settings, anyone who has symptoms of a respiratory infectious disease, provides direct care to a someone with a respiratory infectious disease, or someone who is at higher risk of more severe disease or outcomes. Use when a suitable respirator is not available. A non-medical mask is acceptable in situations when mask wearing is recommended but a suitable respirator or medical mask is not available (a non-medical mask is not a substitute for a respirator or medical mask recommended in a risk assessment). Examples include restaurant workers and public transit operators.

Good practices

  • Follow the proper procedures for putting on, wearing, and taking your mask off (see procedures further below). Handling your mask improperly can expose you to respiratory infectious diseases
  • All masks should be well-constructed, well-fitting, and properly worn
  • Your mask should:
    • Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth, and chin
    • Have a snug fit around your face
    • Fit securely to the head with ties, bands, or ear loops
    • Be well-constructed and made of breathable materials
    • Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
    • Be easily removed if necessary
    • Not allow air to escape from or enter through the edges
    • Not obstruct your vision or interfere with tasks
    • Not interfere with other PPE being worn (e.g., safety glasses)
  • Consider keeping facial hair short or shaved so that your mask fits closer to your face. This is essential if wearing a fit-tested respirator
  • Carry additional fresh masks with you, especially if your mask is likely to get wet or dirty
  • Understand the limitations of your mask. Refer to manufacturer or public health recommendations, or your workplace's health and safety professional
  • If you are experiencing acne as a result of wearing a mask, replace your mask with a fresh one frequently to avoid trapped sweat and oil from rubbing on your face
  • To prevent fogging of eyeglasses:
    • A flexible nose piece can be used over the bridge of your nose
    • Clean your lenses with an anti-fog product (e.g., anti-fog spray or cloth)
  • To communicate with a person who is hard of hearing and who reads lips, use a mask with a transparent window, written communications, or, if necessary, take your mask off
  • Non-medical masks should:
    • Have at least 2 tightly woven fabric layers and a third filter layer in between
    • Be washed with hot, soapy water and allow to fully dry between uses, if reusable
    • If your mask has a filter layer, remove it before washing and change it as often as recommended by the manufacturer
    • Maintain their shape after washing and drying
  • Do not wear a mask under your nose
  • Do not wear a mask that is too loose, large, or small
  • Do not wear a mask inside-out
  • Do not share used masks with other people
  • Do not put a mask on:
    • Any child under the age of 2
    • Anyone who needs help to remove it
    • Anyone who has trouble breathing through it
  • Do not wear a damaged, dirty, or wet mask because it will not be effective at containing particles:
    • A mask can become wet when you sweat, breathe, speak, shout, sing, sneeze, cough, or from a runny nose
    • A mask can become wet or dirty from respiratory particles, touching a wet or dirty surface then touching the mask, steam from cooking, the weather, or spray and dust from work processes
    • Wet contaminants such as other peoples’ bodily fluids can soak through your mask and expose you to pathogens
  • Do not wear a mask which has a valve or vent because exhaled particles can escape, unless such a mask is needed for protection from an occupational hazard
  • Do not use scarves, bandanas, or neck warmers as masks

Putting your mask on

Link to video: How to Safely Wear a Mask Youtube video from CCOHS

  1. Wash your hands using soap and water. If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol)
  2. Remove your mask from its package
  3. Inspect your mask. Do not use if it’s damaged, wet, dirty, or expired (if applicable)
  4. Move your hair away from your face
  5. While holding the straps or loops, position the inside of your mask over your mouth and nose
  6. Secure your mask according to its style:
    • For masks with elastics that go around the ears: hook one ear loop around each ear
    • For masks with straps that go over the head: pull the upper elastic over the top of your head then the lower elastic around the back of your head
    • For masks with ties or straps: Tie the upper strap around the top of your head, then tie the lower strap around the back of your head
  7. Expand your mask fully so it completely covers your nose, mouth and chin, there should be no gaps between your face and the mask. You may need to pull the bottom edge fully under your chin
  8. Exhale and check if air is escaping from the edges of your mask. Air should be moving through the mask, not the edges. Try the following for a snug fit:
    • If your mask has a flexible nose piece, press it to your nose
    • If your mask has ear loops, tying knots in the loops can help get a snug fit but do not overtighten
    • Tuck in the sides of your mask so that it lies flat
    • Use a mask fitter or brace
    • Wearing a well-fitting non-medical mask over a disposable mask can also provide a snug fit but be sure you can easily breathe through both masks
  9. Wash your hands again using soap and water for at least 20 seconds if available or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Correct ways of putting mask

Correct ways of putting mask

A well-fitting mask should:

  1. Completely cover your nose, mouth, and chin
  2. Have a snug fit around your face and not allow air to enter or escape from the edges (i.e., air should flow through the mask)
  3. Fit securely to your head with ties, bands, or ear loops
  4. Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
Profile of person wearing a non-medical mask correctly

Incorrect ways to wear a mask

Person wearing a mask around their neck

Around your neck

Person wearing a mask on their forehead

On your forehead

Person wearing a mask under their nose

Under your nose

Person wearing a mask only on their nose

Only on your nose

Person wearing a mask on their chin

On your chin

Person with a mask hanging from one ear

Hanging from an ear

A mask hanging on an arm

On your arm

When wearing your mask

Link to video: How to Care for a Mask Youtube video from CCOHS

  1. Do not touch the outside surface of your mask. Assume that it’s contaminated. If you do touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands right away
  2. Continue to follow other public health and workplace control measures. Wearing a mask alone may not prevent the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, but it can help. Mask wearing is one part of the layered approach that is recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada
  3. Keep your mask clean and dry
  4. If your mask becomes damaged, wet, or dirty, replace it with a fresh one
  5. A face shield can be worn over a mask for eye protection but cannot replace a mask

Taking your mask off
  1. Wash your hands using soap and water. If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol)
  2. Do not touch the outside of your mask
  3. Loosen your mask according to its style:
    • For masks with elastics that go around the ears: unhook both ear loops
    • For masks with elastics that go over the head: pull the bottom elastic strap, then the top elastic strap over your head
    • For masks with ties or straps: undo the bottom strap, then the upper strap
  4. Remove your mask by the straps or loops
  5. Throw away single-use masks in a lined waste container. Place cloth non-medical masks in the laundry and wash before re-using
  6. If a mask cannot be immediately thrown away, recycled, or washed, keep it in a waterproof bag or container away from clean masks
  7. Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds if available or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
For further information on respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19, refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Disclaimer: As public and occupational health and safety information may continue to change, local public health authorities should be consulted for specific, regional guidance. This information is not intended to replace medical advice or legislated health and safety obligations. 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.

Document last updated on September 25, 2023