Coronavirus safety program

COVID Campus Directives (8x11) (8X14)

For building entrances. Can be used in department/unit receiption areas and shared areas.

Masks required at all times

For traditional, lecture-style classrooms and the library where mask cannot be removed.

Masks required at all times AND capacity limit (fillable)

For reception and other areas where masks cannot be removed and a space capacity has been established.

Masks required, but can be removed if physical distancing

For offices, non-lecture style teaching spaces (e.g. studios), research areas where masks can be removed if physical distancing is respected.

Masks required, but can be removed if physical distancing and capacity limit (fillable) 

For non-lecture style teaching spaces (e.g. studios), research areas (e.g., wet labs) where masks can be removed if physical distancing is respected AND a space capacity has been established.

Shared spaces with mask or physical distancing capacities options (fillable)

For conference rooms and other shared spaces where the capacity is adjusted depending on which preventative measure is being applied (procedure mask or physical distancing) 

Kitchens and eating areas (fillable)

For department kitchens, lounges and other shared spaces where the eating and drinking is permitted. A maximum capacity is required given 2 metres of physical distancing must be maintain in order to safely remove procedure masks while eating/drinking.  

COVID-19 Isolation Room

For the identificaiton of department/unit isolation rooms. Recommended double-sided printing.

Proper hand washing 

For bathrooms and kitchens.

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

A visitor is considered someone who is required to come to campus on an occasional basis, but are not paid or under contract with the University; for example a visiting professor, a government inspector, or a camera crew.

A procedure has been put in place to ensure that anyone coming to visit or inspect university property does not present a risk to the health and safety of the university community and is aware of the preventive measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the requirement to wear a procedure mask (surgical mask) to enter university buildings and when in indoor public spaces.

You are required to accompany the visitor at all times while they are on campus and are responsible for them.

If you have a visitor coming onto university property, you must:

• SEND to the person/visitor EHS-DOC-218 COVID-19 Campus Access Directives of Visitors and ensure that they understand the safety directive and their obligations.
• Upon arrival on campus, GREET your visitor at the building's entrance 
• Ensure your visitors is wearing a procedure mask (surgical mask). If arriving on campus with their own procedure mask, they will not be required to change it.

Ventilation and COVID Transmission                 Ventilation et transmission de la COVID-19

What steps has Concordia taken to ensure its ventilation system meets COVID-19 public health standards?

Concordia has implemented the following measures, in accordance with those required by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST):

• Verified that ventilation systems are operating in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Verified that units are suited to the requirements of each space they serve.

Ensured that mechanical ventilation systems are functioning properly and are well maintained.

In addition, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, as well as the American Industrial Hygiene Association, note that a fully functioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is an effective engineering control measure against COVID-19. Concordia’s maintenance program ensures that all mechanical ventilation systems are working properly and optimally.

What is the role of ventilation systems in reducing the risk of the transmission of respiratory diseases?

Efficient ventilation system periodically changes the air volume in a room by constantly removing (exhausting) and replacing (supplying) air. This is referred to as the number of air changes per hour. The number of air changes per hour is determined by government regulations and will vary by type of activity in the space. Air exchange removes airborne pathogens circulating in an enclosed space.

It is important to note that adequate ventilation alone cannot eliminate the risk of transmission of viruses. The preventative measures put in place at the University remain the most effective means of reducing community transmission of COVID-19 on campus. These measures include installing physical barriers and hand hygiene stations, limiting the number of employees and students on campus, and requiring individuals to physically distance and wear procedure masks.

Are there circumstances in which air filtration units may be warranted?

Air filtration units may be beneficial in buildings that do not have mechanical ventilation or the possibility of opening windows for a few minutes throughout the day.

Before any air filtration system is brought into a space, it is important to request that Environmental Health and Safety assess the space to ensure that all safety considerations are taken into account. These include:

• The types of activities that take place within the space
• The number of occupants who use the space
• The type of ventilation in the space

Activities that can potentially generate lots of infectious droplets or particles include:

• Singing
• Speaking (especially when yelling)
• Heavy breathing or exercising

Keeping occupancy to a minimum in indoor spaces is an important factor in preventing the spread of the virus. EHS conducted assessments of in person teaching activities and other activities in order to determine maximum capacity in a given space, while maintaining a 2-metre distance between participants.  

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the level of activity on the university’s campuses is greatly reduced. Our buildings are occupied by only a fraction of the number of people they are designed to hold. This low density of occupants in the buildings is an important factor when considering if additional air filtration is required.

The university has put in place strict access control measures in order to reduce the risk that anyone experiencing symptoms (and therefore in the contagious period) has access to campus. Therefore, the likelihood that there are COVID-19 positive individuals on campus is very low.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, when used properly, portable air filtration devices have been shown to reduce the concentration of some viruses from the air. However, the effectiveness of air filtration devices in reducing the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not been demonstrated.

For more questions about air filtration units, contact EHS at 514-848-2424 ext. 4877 or ehs@concordia.ca.   

What should I do if I think that the ventilation system is not working properly in my area?

To report ventilation issues, call Facilities Management at 514-848-2424 ext. 2400 or email at call2400@concordia.ca.

To report indoor air quality concerns, contact EHS at 514-848-2424 ext. 4877 or ehs@concordia.ca.

References

American Industrial Hygiene Association. (2020, n.d.). Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 using Engineering Controls. USA. Retrieved from Coronavirus Outbreak Resource Center: https://www.aiha.org/public-resources/consumer-resources/coronavirus_outbreak_resources

 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (2020, n.d.). American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Retrieved September 2, 2020, from Does ASHRAE’s guidance agree with guidance from WHO and CDC?: https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/does-ashrae-s-guidance-agree-with-guidance-from-who-and-cdc.pdf

Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail. “Workplace Sanitary Standards Guide for the Higher Education System – COVID-19.” Publication DC100-2174A (2020-07). https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/salle-de-presse/covid-19-info-en/Documents/DC100-2174A-guide-higher-education.pdf

Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail. “Lignes directrices pour la reprise des activités pédagogiques en présentiel dans les milieux universitaires québécois.” Publication version: September 28,2020 https://www.irsst.qc.ca/covid-19/avis-irsst/id/2734/lignes-directrices-pour-la-reprise-des-activites-pedagogiques-en-presentiel-dans-les-milieux-universitaires-quebecois

Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail. “ Lignes directrices pour la reprise sécuritaire des activités de recherche en présentiel dans les milieux universitaires québécois.” Publication version: May 1,2020 https://www.irsst.qc.ca/covid-19/avis-irsst/id/2665/lignes-directrices-pour-la-reprise-securitaire-des-activites-de-recherche-en-presentiel-dans-les-milieux-universitaires-quebecois

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (2020, n.d.). ASHRAE. Retrieved September 3, 2020, from Reopening of Schools and Universities: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/reopening-of-schools-and-universities

Public Health Agency of Canada. “COVID-19: Guidance on indoor ventilation during the pandemic” Publication version: 2021-01-18 https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/guidance-documents/guide-indoor-ventilation-covid-19-pandemic.html#a

World Health Organization. “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions (2020 July 9)”. Retrieved September 2, 2020, from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/transmission-of-sars-cov-2-implications-for-infection-prevention-precautions

The aim of these guidelines is to facilitate the planning for setting up a pick-up and/or drop-off service for materials (e.g. kits, equipment, books) on campus during the pandemic. These guidelines are meant to aid in the planning process. Approval from EHS is required, therefore communicate with EHS at ehs@concordia.ca once a plan has been prepared.

Organizing Material Pick-up and Drop-off EHS-DOC-186 Updated July 20, 2021

Organiser la collecte et le dépôt de matériel EHS-DOC-186 Mise à jour le 20 juillet, 2021