Use of Respirators, Facemasks, and Cloth Face Coverings During COVID-19

This training provides guidance for farm, ranch, and agriculture sector employers on the selection and appropriate use of respirators, disposable facemasks, and cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect worker health. It explains when each type of face covering is necessary, their effectiveness, and the proper care and maintenance of cloth face coverings in agricultural settings.

Use cases

• Determining which type of face covering is required for specific agricultural tasks or settings (e.g., fieldwork, packing houses, livestock care)
• Training workers on correct use and maintenance of respirators, masks, and cloth face coverings
• Updating farm safety protocols to include CDC and FDA recommendations during disease outbreaks

Why it works

• Clarifies the specific protections and limitations of each face covering for agricultural environments
• Aligns with CDC and FDA guidelines to support compliance and worker safety
• Promotes proper hygiene and use practices, reducing viral spread and protecting farm operations