Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1266845
26 PalletCentral • May-June 2020 palletcentral.com In addition, the guidance clarifies that social distancing measure (the "6-foot rule") should be followed even when workers are wearing cloth face coverings. The CDC has guidance on washing face coverings that is cross- referenced by OSHA. While most employers are familiar with respirators (which are governed by 29 CFR 1910.134 for both mandatory and voluntary use), and surgical masks are normally limited to use in hospital or other healthcare settings, OSHA has tried to clarify any confusion concerning the "cloth face coverings" that are now being recommended for workers who do not have to wear tight-fitting respirators. The key features of cloth face coverings are that they: • May be commercially produced or improvised (i.e., homemade) garments, scarves, bandannas, or items made from t-shirts or other fabrics. • Are worn in public over the nose and mouth to contain the wearer's potentially infectious respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and to limit the spread of COVID-19 to others. • Are not considered personal protective equipment (PPE) – so 29 CFR 1910.134 does not apply. • Will not protect the wearer against airborne transmissible infectious agents due to loose fit and lack of seal or inadequate filtration. • Are not appropriate substitutes for PPE such as respirators (e.g., N95 respirators) or medical face masks (e.g., surgical masks) in workplaces where respirators or face masks are recommended or required to protect the wearer. • May be used by almost any worker, although those who have trouble breathing or are otherwise unable to put on or remove a mask without assistance should not wear one. • May be disposable or reusable after proper washing. Social Distancing Remains Critical On May 28, 2020, OSHA issued general "social distancing" guidance that will apply in he guidance carifies that socia distancing measure the oot rue shoud e oowed even when workers are wearing coth ace coverings.