UPDATES TO MASK REQUIREMENTS
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Updated: 1/19/2022
What Does ASTM F3502-21 Mean For Your Company?
ASTM F3502 does not specifically address compliance for arc-rated, flame-resistant apparel but does recommend that barrier face coverings also comply with electrical, oil and gas standards, as other clothing would, aside from the recommendations for particle efficiency and airflow resistance noted below. Barrier face coverings are specifically meant to reduce "inhaled particulates", to reduce the spread of viruses. It is important to note that barrier face coverings (face masks) are not respirators and should not be treated as such.
ASTM recommends that all people in the workplace wear a disposable or reusable barrier face covering when indoors or near people. The new standard lays out guidelines and base minimums for Filtration Efficiency and Airflow Resistance, as well as methods to reduce airflow leakage around the edges of all barrier face coverings.
According to ASTM F3502-21, barrier face coverings (masks) must include labeling that note efficiencies and effectiveness based on information gathered during testing. Reusable masks must also note the a certain number of washings. Based on testing for filtration, multiple layers of cloth when constructing a facial barrier may be necessary to meet performance metric.
For more information or to download ASTM F3502-21
www.astm.org/f3502-21.html
Additional References:
https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2021/04/23/bfc-standard/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
https://astmppecollaboration.org/
What Does ASTM F3502-21 Mean For Your Company?
ASTM F3502 does not specifically address compliance for arc-rated, flame-resistant apparel but does recommend that barrier face coverings also comply with electrical, oil and gas standards, as other clothing would, aside from the recommendations for particle efficiency and airflow resistance noted below. Barrier face coverings are specifically meant to reduce "inhaled particulates", to reduce the spread of viruses. It is important to note that barrier face coverings (face masks) are not respirators and should not be treated as such.
ASTM recommends that all people in the workplace wear a disposable or reusable barrier face covering when indoors or near people. The new standard lays out guidelines and base minimums for Filtration Efficiency and Airflow Resistance, as well as methods to reduce airflow leakage around the edges of all barrier face coverings.
According to ASTM F3502-21, barrier face coverings (masks) must include labeling that note efficiencies and effectiveness based on information gathered during testing. Reusable masks must also note the a certain number of washings. Based on testing for filtration, multiple layers of cloth when constructing a facial barrier may be necessary to meet performance metric.
- 8.1: Sub-Micron Particle Filtration Efficiency
- Including testing information, including use of valves
- 8.2: Airflow Resistance
- Including testing information, including multiple layers
- 8.3: Leakage Assessment
- Including mask design information and fit/form
For more information or to download ASTM F3502-21
www.astm.org/f3502-21.html
Additional References:
https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2021/04/23/bfc-standard/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
https://astmppecollaboration.org/
