As more cities are beginning to reopen nationwide, electrical contractors are faced with the challenge of keeping their electricians safe from contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus.
For example, contractors may be supplying their electricians with special gloves and face coverings to limit their exposure during the pandemic. To help answer questions about personal protective equipment (PPE) like facial coverings, the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) released a new Q&A on its website.
For example, OSHA provides information about the difference between respirators, surgical masks, and cloth face coverings. In the construction industry, respirators or filtering facepieces must be worn to protect workers from inhaling small particles. With these types of face protection in such high demand and low supply, OSHA provided some alternatives such as eliminating hazards, using administrative and engineering controls, and implementing safe work practices.
In situations where workers need to wear respirators, but they are not readily available, OSHA stated it may be necessary to reuse or extend the use of respirators. In addition, the users may consider wearing respirators certified under the standards of other countries or jurisdictions.
For more information about PPE and to see the full Q&A, visit the OSHA website.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
