OSHA Updates FAQ to Include Comment on Cloth Face Masks

The updated FAQ addresses the question of whether cloth face masks qualify as PPE.

  • By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
  • Nov 19, 2020

OSHA published an update to its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on November 18 to answer the question of whether it considers cloth face coverings to be PPE.

This update arrives after the CDC determined that some cloth face coverings protect the wearers as well as people around them. The FAQ states that OSHA doesn’t believe it has enough information to determine if certain face coverings provide enough protection to be considered PPE under OSHA’s standard.

This determination is in line with the CDC’s sentiment on cloth face masks, which also states that more research is needed on the scope of their protection and filtration levels.

More information on OSHA’s recommendations regarding face masks, visit osha.gov.

About the Author

Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.

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