PPE Requirements

Upon review of leading and lagging indicators, the Toronto District has identified “PPE Requirements” as the trend for March 2020.

So. We have all started adjusting to the “new normal”. It’s been a big step, but our sites, workers, and teams have become accustomed with how to perform construction work under the conditions we are dealing with. Much of this involves an increased focus on PPE, including procurement, proper use, and maintenance.

Face Coverings

Most PPE requirements have already been standards for PCL for some time, including mandatory protective eyewear and hand protection based on the task. Face coverings are something new. While all workers must ensure that they physically distance themselves by at least 2m (or 6’-0”), they are also required to wear, at a minimum, a cloth face covering at all times. If workers cannot avoid the physical separation, based on the work activity, then an N-95 respirator/mask, or equivalent, must be worn by all workers involved.

Glasses vs Face Coverings: A Foggy Area

A common concern that has recently been brought to our attention is that wearing a face covering tends to cause one’s safety glasses to fog up. We recognize that this is definitely a nuisance and, in some cases, may present additional hazards. However, both pieces of PPE are intended for your protection, as well as the protection of others, and must be worn. The following tips can help to alleviate the fogging problem.

• The reason that glasses become fogged is that air escapes from the top of your mask or face covering when you exhale. It’s important to remember that if this happens, then the purpose of the mask/covering has been defeated! There needs to be a sufficient seal around the mask so that, when you exhale, your breath is forced through the mask, not over
• If using a disposable mask, adjust the mask at the bridge of your nose to ensure it is tightly
• Check the fit-testing requirements for the respirator you are It may be that a different size is needed in order to provide a better seal.
• Tighten the straps on your mask or face covering to allow it to fit more snugly to your
• Regarding safety glasses, spray-on products are available to limit fogging (check with your purchasing department). Another reason that lenses become fogged is the temperature differential (warm breath + cool glasses = fog). Instead of using lens cleaning solution, try washing your glasses with lukewarm water and soap periodically. This will provide a short-term solution, as it moderates the temperature of your
• Consider wearing form fitting goggles. Most goggles are vented on the sides, to control the temperature and fogging, but will not allow exhaled breath to contact the inside of the
• Do NOT pull your mask/face covering down to expose your nose in an effort to mitigate the fogging problem. This defeats the purpose of the mask/covering.
• Remember: My mask protects YOU. Your mask protects ME.

The graphics on the following pages help to illustrate the PPE requirements that are enforced on all PCL projects. Note that the QR codes will link PCL employees directly to the applicable work instructions for PPE.

Remember as well that the Ontario Construction Regulations state the following:

21. (1) A worker shall wear such protective clothing and use such personal protective equipment or devices as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be O. Reg. 213/91, s. 21 (1).
    • A worker’s employer shall require the worker to comply with subsection (1). Reg. 213/91, s. 21 (2).
    • A worker required to wear protective clothing or use personal protective equipment or devices shall be adequately instructed and trained in the care and use of the clothing, equipment or device before wearing or using it. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 21 (3).