b'CSAM NEWSPPE DURING A PANDEMICStaying safe amid low supply of high-demand itemsWhile the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, demandIts important to understand how masks can help protect for some pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) hasagainst COVID-19, but we cant forget about other health heightenedsuch as gloves, masks and eye/face protectionhazards on the job, says CSAM Executive Director Seanas public health continues to maintain its supply.Scott. Asbestos fibres, silica dust, H2S and other toxic Supply levels and demand (of PPE) continues to be agasesthese are all potentially life-threatening hazards that challenge and changes day by day depending on the area ofcan be inhaled. It is critical that workers wear respiratory need, said Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health during one ofPPE that fit correctly and is designed to protect against the Manitobas daily COVID-19 updates in April. actual hazards specific to the task at hand.Throughout the spring, Shared Health and the Province ofMasks and PPE are not the only items that might be hard to Manitoba called for donations of PPE, such as N95 masks.come bydisinfectant and hand sanitizer have also been in The Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM)high demand due to the pandemic. suggested that whenever possible, construction companiesCSAM recommends frequently disinfecting workspaces, donate any excess stock of PPE items, such as N95 masks, toespecially in high touch areas (like handrails or doorknobs) Shared Health. or when entering an occupied space or private residences. However, due to this high demand, companies might notIt is extremely important to disinfect when entering an have access to the masks they are accustomed to using occupied space, Scott says, noting that CSAM has a or purchasing. resource document with specific protocol for this scenario While alternatives like cloth face coverings or homemadeon CSAMs COVID-19 Resources web page. masks might help reduce the spread of viruses like COVID- For example, if a plumber has to conduct emergency work 19, there are many instancesfor example, when workingin a clients home, they should disinfect any commonly with silica dustwhere proper respirators will be requiredtouched surfaces and tools, even if no COVID-19-related by task or legislation. hazards have been identified, Scott says. "Proper personal hygiene protocol and disinfecting of tools, equipment or N95 masks, in many cases, are the minimum requiredsurfaces are necessary precautions to control workers\' risk protection, says CSAM Director of Operations Derek Pott.of exposure to COVID-19."It means that 95 per cent of particulates are filtered fromHealth Canada has compiled a list of effective hard surface the air, but you can also get N99, N100, R99 or R100. Theredisinfectants on its website. If common disinfectants like are so many options. Lysol or Spray Nine are not available for purchase, a diluted Pott recommends checking the Safety Data Sheet for knownbleach solution is also acceptable.products. Individuals can also visit the personal protectiveTo prepare this solution, follow the label instructions, or equipment section of the Canadian Centre for Occupationalas per Health Canadas recommendation for five per cent Health and Safety (CCOHS) website. sodium hypochlorite bleach: mix a ratio of 250 mL (1 cup) of According to the CCOHS, a hazard analysis of a workerswater per 5 mL (1 teaspoon) bleach.specific environment must be conducted in order to determine which type of protective mask should beFor more resources and information toworn. Respirators, regardless of which specific shape,help navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, size or filtration efficiency, must be NIOSH-approved andvisit the COVID-19 Resources sectionmust tightly seal against the wearers faceotherwiseat constructionsafety.ca.contaminated air could leak in.Issue 2 Summer Edition 2020 BUILD MANITOBA 27'