Coronavirus

Measures Concordia has implemented

Concordia has implemented several required preventive measures to protect the health of faculty, staff and students during the pandemic, including:

Privileging and supporting working remotely;
Informing employees/students of the risks of the virus and the preventive measures implemented to reduce and control that risk (through the mandatory Working On Campus During the COVID-19 Pandemic training);
Providing information and resources on how to work from home (through our Health and safety guidelines while working from home webpage);
Encouraging hand washing and proper respiratory etiquette / Mesures de prévention pour las santé de notre communauté (through signage);
Increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting through new cleaning procedures developed in accordance with CNESST protocols and requirements;
Conducting on-site workplace inspections prior to resumption of campus activities, particularly in areas that handle hazardous materials, to ensure Concordians return to a safe environment;
A screening procedure for employees BEFORE they come on campus in order to exclude symptomatic workers from the workplace so they do not pose a risk to the university community and to ensure a thorough assessment for those employees with medical conditions that cause them to be at greater risk if they become infected with the virus (through the COVID-19 Staff Self-Evaluation Form);
A procedure for dealing with workers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms in the workplace (through the COVID-19 Self Isolation Form);
A procedure to ensure that all external contractors, service providers and partners have taken the necessary measures in relation to COVID-19 and to advise them of the measures taken by the university in relation to COVID-19 and the requirement that they comply with these measures while on our campuses (through EHS-FORM-217 available in English and en français); and
Communicating information to employees on the resources available to them in regards to their psychosocial health.

COVID-19 safety guidelines

EHS has prepared a series of Campus Safety Guidelines that provides details on:

how to circulate on campus
what do when taking an elevator
how to use the department kitchen
what to disinfect.

These guidelines are date stamped and will be updated as the public health directives change.

Workplace Safety Guidelines – COVID 19

Hygiene & Respiratory Etiquette EHS-DOC-172 Updated July 20, 2021
Hygiène et étiquette respiratoire EHS-DOC-172 Mise à jour le 20 juillet, 2021

Procedure Masks EHS-DOC-184 Updated July 20, 2021
Masques de procédures EHS-DOC-184 Mis à jour le 20 juillet, 2021

Campus Circulation EHS-DOC-174 Updated July 20, 2021
Déplacement sur le campus EHS-DOC-174 Mise à jour le 20 juillet, 2021

Cleaning and Disinfecting for Offices EHS-DOC-175 Updated June 28, 2021
Nettoyage et désinfection pour les bureaux EHS-DOC-175 Mis à jour le 28 juin, 2021

Cleaning & Disinfection for Research/Teaching Workspaces EHS-DOC-163 Updated June 28, 2021
Nettoyage et désinfection pour les espaces de travail de recherche et d’enseignement EHS-DOC-163 Mis à jour le 28 juin, 2021

Mask, Disinfectant and Hand Sanitizer Procurement Procedure EHS-DOC-176
Procédure d’approvisionnement Masque, Désinfectant & Solution hydroalcoolique EHS-DOC-176

Guidelines for Offices & Common Areas EHS-DOC-165 Updated July 20, 2021
Directives pour les bureaux et espaces communs EHS-DOC-165 Mis à jour le 20 juillet, 2021

Shared Offices & Workstations EHS-DOC-178 Updated June 14, 2021
Bureaux et postes de travail partagés EHS-DOC-178 Mise à jour le 16 juin, 2021

Service Departments EHS-DOC-180 Updated July 20, 2021
Départements de service EHS-DOC-180 Mis à jour le 20 juillet, 2021

Kitchenettes & Break Room Guidelines EHS-DOC-171 Updated June 28, 2021
Cuisinettes et salles de pause EHS-DOC-171 Mis à jour le 28 juin, 2021

Photocopier/Printer Use & Cleaning EHS-DOC-169
Utilisation et nettoyage des photocopieurs/imprimantes EHS-DOC-169

University Vehicle Safety EHS-DOC-177
Véhicules de l'université EHS-DOC-177

Masks

Procedure masks (surgical masks) are mandatory in all indoor public areas of the university, including when entering buildings, in lobbies/reception areas, and when circulating in hallways, elevators, and staircases. This applies to all staff, faculty, students, visitors and contractors.

Types of Masks (updated July, 2021)

Different types of masks are being used in medical and non-medical settings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Medical masks include N95 respirators and procedure masks (surgical masks), while non-medical masks include cloth face coverings. The table below illustrates the different types of masks and their uses.

Type of Mask

Properties

Uses

Acceptable in University indoor spaces?

Procedure mask (surgical mask)

Typically a 3 layer laminate structure. Certified ASTM F2100 or equivalent.

Ensures the protection of the worker and of those in their proximity against the projection of droplets.

CNESST mandates the use of procedure mask (surgical mask) at all times in the workplace.

Mandatory when entering University buildings.

See section When to Wear a Mask on Campus

YES

N95 respirator

NIOSH certified filtering facepiece respirator with a filtration efficiency where at least 95% of particles are filtered

Various types available, including with an exhalation valve.

For use in environments where exposure to aerosols is likely.

Reserved for healthcare settings.

Without an exhalation valve – YES

With an exhalation valve – NO

Respirators with exhalation valves are not effective in preventing transmission of the virus.

Non-medical cloth mask (face covering)

Varies in fabric type and number of layers.

For use by the general public in non-healthcare settings.

Mandatory in indoor public spaces in Quebec.

NO – unless if being worn over a procedure mask. See Double Masking section below.

Air purifying respirators

NIOSH certified reusable respiratory protection.

Can be full face or half face.

Have removable filters or cartridges that are specific to the hazard.

Designed to protect the wearer from hazardous aerosols, vapours and dust.

NO – except if wearing one is necessary for the task being performed.

Respirators with exhalation valves are not effective in preventing transmission of the virus.

Masques de procédures (french version)

WHEN TO WEAR A MASK ON CAMPUS Updated

Procedure masks (Surgical Masks) are to be worn at all times when in indoor public spaces on campus. Therefore, masks must be worn whenever circulating within the university, including in hallways/corridors, stairwells, and elevators; when in shared spaces such as washrooms, kitchens and break rooms; and when required to complete a work task that does not allow for 2 metres of physical distance, or 1 metre of physical distance outdoors.

The mask may be removed when you are seated at your private desk or workstation, and separated from others by at least 2 metres of physical distance or an appropriate physical barrier. In research labs, the mask may be removed as long as 2 metres of physical distance from others can be maintained at all times. Instructors may remove their mask when teaching, as long as they remain 2 metres from others and everyone else remains seated. Masks may also be removed at mealtimes. However, the mask should be removed only immediately before eating or drinking and replaced immediately afterwards. Given that the mask is removed when eating, physical distancing must be respected during meals and breaks.

For those activities that do not permit employees to respect the appropiate physical distance from others, and without a physical barrier, a risk assessment must be carried out to ensure that the appropriate personal protective equipment is used. Contact EHS at extension 4877 or ehs@concordia.ca.

IMPORTANT: The mandatory procedure mask (surgical mask) required in indoor spaces on campus by the CNESST is IN ADDITION TO the other public safety directives, such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. The government introduced this public safety measure in Universities to reduce community transmission of the virus.

DOUBLE MASKING

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended double masking as an effective means of limiting the spread of COVID-19. Although not required at Concordia, double masking will be permitted as long as one of the masks is a procedure mask (surgical mask). The procedure mask should be worn underneath the face covering to achieve a better fit.

TIPS FOR Wearing a PROCEDURE MASK (SURGICAL MASK)

- Wash your hands before and after putting on the mask.

- Ensure that the mask covers both the nose and mouth.

- Pinch the metal clip on the bridge of the nose to secure the mask in place.

- If you are double masking, wear the cloth mask over the procedure mask.

- Avoid touching your mask. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible.

- Change your mask if it becomes moist, soiled or damaged.

- Replace your mask at least every four hours.

- Do not leave the mask hanging from your neck or ear.

How to Dispose of a Procedure Mask (Surgical Mask) Updated

Disposable masks are not intended for reuse. They must be disposed of immediately following use. Use the elastic loops to remove your mask and avoid touching the front.

Collection bins have been placed at the entrances to all open buildings. Masks placed in these bins will be recycled. Masks thrown away in regular garbage bins or office recycling bins will not be recycled.

When Should a Procedure Mask (Surgical Mask) be Replaced?

Replace your mask whenever:

- It becomes moist or humid

- It gets dirty or soiled

- If it is damaged

- After 4 hours of wear

Questions? Contact us at ehs@concordia.ca or by phone at extension 4877.

Instructional videos

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Frequently Asked Questions

Are Face Shields and Visors Sufficient to Replace Procedure Masks (Surgical Masks)?

According the CNESST and to current scientific knowledge, wearing a visor (covering the face up to the chin) alone DOES NOT offer the same level of protection as the procedure mask (surgical mask) combined with eye protection when within 2 metres of others.

Wearing only a visor is a potential last resort solution when the working conditions cause issues of misting the eye protection with the procedure mask (surgical mask) and fogging that poses an immediate risk to worker’s safety. As well, in situations where the effectiveness of the mask is jeopardized (inclement weather, oppressive humidity, etc.) and no other solution is possible.

If you are facing this type of situation, please contact EHS at extension 4877 or ehs@concordia.ca.

Should I wear disposable or reusable gloves?

Only wear hand protection, such as disposable gloves, if normally required to complete the work task.

Wearing gloves does not offer protection against COVID-19 and is a risk since it provides the wearer with a false sense of security. Gloves can become contaminated and can contaminate the person when they touch their face OR can contaminate surfaces.

Under certain circumstances, health care professionals and emergency response personnel are required to wear gloves to protect against COVID-19. At Concordia, wearing gloves to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is not required.

The use of gloves when cleaning and disinfecting can protect hands from irritation caused by these products. Gloves used for cleaning and disinfecting should not be worn after the task is complete or when circulating. This is applicable yearlong and is not COVID-19 specific.

Can I use an N95 respirator?

Only use a N95 respirator if normally required to complete the work task.

Health care professionals and emergency response personnel use N95 respirators when within 2 metres of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.

Do I need to wear protective clothing?

Only wear protective clothing, such as disposable gowns or lab coats, if normally required to complete the work task.

Under certain circumstances, health care professionals are required to wear protective clothing to protect against COVID-19. At Concordia, protective clothing to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is not required.

How do I disinfect reusable PPE?

Disinfect reusable personal protective equipment, as well as the work surface where they are placed during disinfection. Disinfect with a product suitable for the equipment. Check with the user manual or manufacturer to ensure the disinfectant does not damage the PPE.

Transport and store used PPE in a bag while waiting to disinfect it. Discard the bag (or wash if reusable) once the PPE is disinfected.

Disinfected PPE must be stored in a clean bag. Reusable bags are acceptable and encouraged.

Questions? Concerns?

- Contact us at ext. 4877 or at ehs@concordia.ca if you have any questions regarding masks.

- If you are concerned that you are unable to safely wear a mask, please contact the Occupational Health Team at ohp@concordia.ca

References

Government of Quebec’s health recommendations (English)

Government of Quebec’s health recommendations (français)

Coronavirus safety program

Measures Concordia has implemented

COVID-19 safety guidelines

Workplace Safety Guidelines – COVID 19

Masks

Masks

Procedure masks (surgical masks) are mandatory in all indoor public areas of the university, including when entering buildings, in lobbies/reception areas, and when circulating in hallways, elevators, and staircases. This applies to all staff, faculty, students, visitors and contractors.

Types of Masks (updated July, 2021)

WHEN TO WEAR A MASK ON CAMPUS Updated

DOUBLE MASKING

TIPS FOR Wearing a PROCEDURE MASK (SURGICAL MASK)

How to Dispose of a Procedure Mask (Surgical Mask) Updated

When Should a Procedure Mask (Surgical Mask) be Replaced?

Questions? Contact us at ehs@concordia.ca or by phone at extension 4877.

Instructional videos

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Frequently Asked Questions

In Person Teaching Activities

Procedure for Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Case

Safety Guidelines for Organizing Material Pick-up and Drop-off

References