NIST Use of Face Coverings_Masks.pdf

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 1

Use of Cloth Face Coverings or Masks during 3

Pandemic Conditions 4

NIST N 2200.02 7

Approval Date: 05/27/2020 8 Effective Date1: 05/27/2020 9

PURPOSE 12

The purpose of this Notice is to establish requirements and associated roles and responsibilities 13 for the use of cloth face coverings or masks, consistent with state and local requirements, while 14 entering, working on, or visiting NIST campuses during pandemic conditions. 15

APPLICABILITY 18

The requirements of this Notice apply to: 19

NIST employees, associates to the extent allowed by law and the terms of the associate’s 21 agreement, and visitors on sites for which NIST has jurisdiction, custody, and control 22 (hereafter referred to as “NIST campuses”) during pandemic conditions; and 23

Contractors working under their own safety plans when entering at the front gate and when 25 working in occupied NIST-controlled spaces. 26

REQUIREMENTS 29

NIST shall abide by federal, state, and local requirements for the use of cloth face coverings 30 or masks on NIST campuses during pandemic conditions (please see Appendix B). At a 31 minimum, cloth face coverings or masks are required in the following locations: 32

– Access points to the NIST campuses when displaying badge to security at gates unless 34 you can display your badge from behind a closed window; 35

1 For revision history, see Appendix A

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 2

– Common areas (e.g., hallways, bathrooms, breakrooms); 37

– Shared offices and other shared spaces; and 39

– Any location when workers cannot maintain distances of 6 feet or greater from one 41 another. 42 An individual who cannot tolerate wearing a secured cloth face covering or mask, e.g., for 44 medical reasons, shall notify their supervisor who will contact OSHE for guidance on 45 appropriate mitigation strategies. 46

An individual shall not be required to wear a cloth face covering or mask in a single-person 48 workspace (e.g., private office) or typical multiple-person workspace (e.g., bullpen-like 49 office or multi-OU laboratory) provided access is restricted: 50

– While that individual is using the space; and 52

– For a minimum of 72 hours after that individual leaves before another individual enters. 54

Individuals wishing to gain access to NIST campuses shall be provided with the following 56 information: 57

– Current requirements for the use of cloth face coverings or masks; 59

– Instructions for safe use of a commercial or homemade cloth face covering or mask 61

(please see Appendix C); and 62

– Information on the potential adverse effects of wearing a cloth face covering or mask 64 (please see Appendix D). 65

The use of cloth face coverings or masks shall not replace other required mitigating measures 67 to reduce exposure including but not limited to workplace distancing. 68

The use of a cloth face covering or mask shall not be used as a substitute for personal 70 protective equipment required by a hazard review or job hazard analysis. 71

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 3

DEFINITIONS 75

Cloth Face Covering or Mask – A fabric apparatus which extends above the nose without 76 interfering with eyewear, covers the mouth and nostrils completely, and extends below the 77 chin. It must fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face and be secured (e.g., by 78 being tied in place or with ear-loops). They may be commercially purchased or homemade. 79 For additional information regarding cloth face coverings and masks, please see CDC 80 information on cloth face coverings and masks. 81

NOTE: Cloth face coverings and masks are not considered personal protective equipment 83 and are not a substitute for personal protective equipment required by a hazard 84 review or job hazard analysis. 85

RESPONSIBILITIES 88

NIST Director 89

Establish the requirement, in consultation with the Associate Directors and based on 90 recommendations from the Chief Safety Officer, to wear a cloth face covering or mask 91 while on NIST campuses during pandemic conditions. 92

NIST Associate Directors 94

Support the NIST Director in carrying out his or her responsibilities. 95 OU Directors 97

Ensure staff working on NIST campuses are aware of the requirements for wearing cloth 98 face coverings or masks during the specific pandemic conditions. 99

First-level Supervisors 101

Ensure their staff are working on NIST campuses in compliance with the requirements of 102 this directive given the specific pandemic conditions. 103

NIST Staff 105

Comply with the requirements of this directive given the specific pandemic conditions. 106

DIRECTIVE OWNER 109

150- Office of Safety Health and Environment 110

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 4

APPENDICES 114

A. Revision History 115 B. History of Contagious Viruses where Face Coverings or Masks are Required to be Worn 116 C. Instructions for Safe Use of a Commercial or Homemade Cloth Face Covering or Mask 117 D. Information on the Potential Adverse Effects of Wearing a Cloth Face Covering or Mask 118

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 5

Appendix A. Revision History 120

Revision Date Effective date Description of Change

0 None – Initial document

Appendix B. History of Contagious Viruses where Face Coverings or Masks are Required 124 to be Worn 125

Virus Dates in effect Requirements for face coverings or masks

COVID-19 April 18, 2020 to present Boulder County, Colorado requirements established on 05/09/2020.

Maryland State requirements established on 04/18/2020.

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Appendix C. Instructions for Safe Use of a Commercial or Homemade Cloth Face 129 Covering or Mask 130

1. Read CDC recommendations. 132

2. Cloth face coverings or masks must fit snugly, secured with ties, bands or ear loops, include 134 multiple layers of fabric (cotton is one of the recommended fabrics), allow for breathing 135 without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried. Refer to the CDC 136 webpage for additional information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/preve 137

3. Be aware of limitations of these types2 of cloth face coverings and masks: 139

a. These mainly protect others from infected persons wearing them by minimizing the 140 release of virus shed by the infected person to the surrounding surfaces. 141

b. These may also protect the user from spray droplets, splashes and large particles, but 142 are not intended to provide protection from smaller particles such as aerosols. 143

4. Wear and use cloth face coverings and masks properly. Proper procedures for donning and 145 doffing a surgical mask are also applicable to use of other cloth face coverings and masks. 146 (See, for example, this video from the Nebraska Medical Center which illustrates the basic 147 principles; steps shown in the video are not rigid requirements as mask types and conditions 148 will vary.) 149

a. Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer before putting on a 150 clean face covering or mask. 151

b. Cover mouth and nose with mask and minimize gaps between your face and the cloth 152 face covering or mask; it must fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. 153

c. Secure with ties or ear loops. 154

d. Avoid touching the cloth face covering or mask while using it; if you do touch the it, 155 clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 156

e. Replace the cloth face covering or mask with a new one when it is damp; do not re-157 use single-use masks. 158

f. To remove the cloth face covering or mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the 159 front of it). 160

g. If a cloth face covering or mask is to be washed and reused, place it in a sealed bag. 161

h. After removing the cloth face covering or mask, clean hands with soap and water or 162 alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 163

2 Homemade or commercial uncertified/untested masks or face coverings

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 7

5. Discard disposable face coverings or masks immediately in a closed bin, or place in a closed 165 plastic bag and dispose. 166

6. For commercial reusable cloth face coverings and masks, clean and store according to 168 manufacturer’s instructions. 169

7. Clean homemade cloth face coverings or masks by regular laundering and once clean and 171 dry, store in a cool, dry, protected location to minimize likelihood of contamination. 172

8. Reusable cloth face coverings and masks should be routinely washed depending on the 174 frequency of use by laundering in a washing machine. CDC recommends washing at least 175 daily. 176

9. Cloth face coverings and masks can be used as long as functional. 178

NIST Notice 2200.02 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 8

Appendix D. Information on the Potential Adverse Effects of Wearing a Cloth Face 180 Covering or Mask 181

1. There is no information on adverse impacts specifically associated with use of cloth face 183 coverings or masks of the type referenced in the CDC guidance. In general, any face 184 covering or mask will introduce some resistance to normal inhalation and exhalation, and as 185 such can present a risk to some users. Conditions known to compromise an employee's 186 ability to tolerate the use of standard commercial masks or respirators include: 187

a. Cardiovascular disease (e.g., a history of high blood pressure, angina, heart attack, 188 cardiac arrhythmias, stroke); 189

b. Respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema); 190

c. Reduced pulmonary function caused by other factors such as smoking or prior 191 exposure to respiratory hazards; 192

d. Neurological or musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., ringing in the ears, epilepsy, lower 193 back pain); 194

e. Impaired sensory function (e.g., perforated ear drums, reduced or absent ability to 195 smell); and 196

f. Psychological disorders (e.g., claustrophobia, severe anxiety). 197

2. Other adverse impacts may include impaired ability to communicate and, depending on fit, 199 impaired field of vision. 200

3. As noted above, cloth face coverings and masks mainly protect others from infected persons 202 by limiting transmission from the wearer to others. Use of these cloth face coverings or 203 masks may convey a false sense of protection. 204

4. Staff should inform their supervisor if they experience difficulties wearing a cloth face 206 covering or mask. 207