BNQ 1922-900/2020

This document establishes the quality and performance requirements of masks intended for use in a working environment, whether reusable or single use, with or without a removable filter. NOTE — Wearing these attested masks is part of a series of measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 in the workplace. As a filtering barrier, the mask can protect the immediate environment of the user if the user is carrying a virus such as SARS CoV 2 and is contagious, but is not presenting symptoms (pre symptomatic or asymptomatic). Owing to performance characteristics concerning filtration efficiency and differential pressure, the mask aims to reduce exposure of the user to droplets from a person who is not presenting symptoms (pre symptomatic or asymptomatic), but is carrying a virus that is believed to be transmitted primarily via droplets, such as the SARS CoV 2 virus, and is contagious. An epidemiological investigation has deemed adequate the protection provided by an attested mask for both the user and those the user is in contact with. A mask providing a higher level of protection is necessary faced with a person presenting symptoms of the illness caused by the SARS CoV 2 virus. NOTES — 1 For example, exposure to a person presenting symptoms consistent with COVID 19 may constitute a situation requiring the worker to wear a mask with a higher level of performance. This may occur in various working environments, and is not limited to working environments in the health sector. 2 At all times, the employer is reponsible for ensuring appropriate protection of the worker according to applicable laws and regulations. The attested mask is designed for use in working environments other than clinical settings and environments where people have symptoms that are consistent with COVID 19. NOTE — Use in a clinical setting is governed by health care facilities and provincial health and safety regulations. Only masks authorized by Health Canada may be sold, imported, or distributed for medical purposes. Furthermore, for masks made of a material that is not subject to the Textile Flammability Regulations, which includes a provision for flame propagation, the attested mask may or may not be flame resistant in accordance with the criteria of these regulations. If the mask is not flame resistant or has not been tested in accordance with the requirements of these regulations, marking requirements apply (see Table 1 of the document Attestation Requirements BNQ 1922 900). It is the responsibility of the user to determine his or her requirements and whether the attested mask meets these requirements. An attested mask may also be used for the same activities as those for which the health authorities require that a face covering be worn. This document does not apply to respiratory protective equipment as defined in the standard CAN/CSA Z94.4 18, or to masks with an exhalation valve, or to the necessary protective equipment for exposure to infectious agents from recognized airborne diseases such as tuberculosis and measles. This attestation document establishes the test methods aimed to verify compliance of the masks regarding quality and performance requirements, and marking and labelling requirements. This attestation document specifies the particular conditions for intervention by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) and enterprises (see Chapter 3 for the definition of this term), and provides the rules of procedure and guidelines for carrying out the attestation activities. This attestation document has been developed to act as a reference document when carrying out conformity assessment activities on masks. NOTE — Conformity assessment is defined as the systematic examination of the extent to which a product fulfils specified requirements. The BNQ’s attestation program will enable enterprises wishing to do so to have specified lots of masks attested.