The Ministry of Labor (MOL) and the Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health (ILOSH) conducted a fit test involving 70 subjects wearing ear loop N95 masks, in which only one subject successfully passed the test. Therefore, the ILOSH calls for business entities to be cautious when choosing the masks for use, and implement the respiratory protection plan to ensure that the workers get respiratory protection.

In accordance with the "Guidelines for Respiratory Protection Plans and Implementation Precaution" promulgated by the MOL, business entities shall effectively control hazardous substances' concentrations in the air through engineering control or administrative management. If the hazards in the environment cannot be reduced then an appropriate respiratory protection measure shall be applied according to the characteristics of the hazardous substances. To protect workers who work in high risk dust environments, business entities shall use masks that have passed inspection or been certified to ensure the filtration efficiency. Furthermore, workers should select appropriate mask types that have passed fit testing, and ensure the mask can closely attach to the worker's face to achieve effective protection.

The ILOSH tested commercially certified ear loop N95 masks and found that the filtration efficiency of the filter material met the requirements. However, only a minority of the subjects could pass the fit test when wearing them. Thus, it is clear that these types of masks may not achieve the expected protective performance. Therefore, business entities are urged to be cautious when selecting such masks. To comply with respiratory protection related regulations, high-risk workers must pass the fit test before using these masks.

Keywords: Ear Loop N95 Mask, Respiratory Protection, N95 Mask