UMS Face Covering Guide
Adapted from the UMaine System's Together For Maine website.
Face coverings are required at all times on University of Maine System campuses, property and facilities, both indoors and outside and if traveling on university business in a vehicle with others or engaged in official university business or activities away from campus. The chart below describes face coverings that are both allowed by and not allowed by the University.
It does not address respirators and other personal protective equipment required to protect the employee from exposures in the workplace. Face coverings are intended to limit transmission of disease between people, not only to protect the wearer but also to protect others.
What should cloth face coverings be made of?
In general, face coverings should have multiple layers covering the nose, mouth, and chin and be secured snugly with ear loops or ties behind the person’s head.
Reference:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
- For more information about the protocols for ‘voluntary use’ under the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard of such equipment, please review the video UMS Protocols for Voluntary Use of Filtering Facepieces.
To request a medical and other accommodations as required by law, contact
adacoordinator@maine.edu.
| Type | Description | Meets the University’s requirement |
|---|---|---|
 |
Cloth Face Covering “Cloth Face Covering” per Maine civil authorities is a protection that covers the nose and mouth; fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; is secured with ties or ear loops; has multiple layers of fabric which cover the nose, mouth and chin; allows for breathing without restriction; and is able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to its shape. Clear masks, dust masks, and disposable masks (pictured), and or KN95s (non-NIOSH certification) |
Yes (See Note #1) This category best meets the University’s requirement for face coverings on campus. |
 |
N95 / N100 / P100 filtering facepiece (with exhalation valve) | No Any respirator that has an exhalation valve does not provide source control. |
 |
N95 / P100 filtering facepiece (without exhalation valve) | Only with special permission and approval. See Note #2 |
 |
Neck gaiter or bandana style covering open at bottom | No |
 |
Half-Face and Full-Face Respirator | No See Note #3 |
 |
Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) | Yes, with specific approval of appropriate university officials. See Note #4 |
 |
Face Shield | No, not by itself. UMS does not allow face shields as a replacement for cloth face coverings. They may be worn in combination with a cloth face covering. |
 |
Other methods | No |
- Employees who work in a setting where cloth face coverings may increase the risk of heat-related illness or cause safety concerns due to introduction of a hazard (for instance, straps getting caught in machinery) may contact UMS Safety Management to determine the appropriate face covering for their setting.
- Requires additional regulatory Respiratory Protection Program (OSHA Voluntary Use) requirements. Employees must consult with their Licensed Health Care Professional and their supervisor prior to use.
- These respirators have an exhalation valve that do not provide source protection. They are for workplace exposures and their use is regulated by the UMS Respiratory Protection Program.
- These units are not permitted generally but may be permitted with approval of the appropriate university officials if necessary for some reason as an alternative to more typical cloth face coverings.