Surgical masks now mandatory indoors
Under the current public health order in NSW, face masks are mandatory at all times outside your home (with some exceptions such as when exercising) as well as at all workplaces and indoor setting across the state except your home.
While cloth masks can reduce transmission of respiratory droplets, research suggests that they are less efficient than surgical masks.
For this reason and to protect our people and customers, at Transport the wearing of disposable surgical masks are mandatory when indoors. Cloth masks are not permitted to be worn when indoors but can be worn when working outdoors. This is particularly important in our operationally critical locations such as signal boxes and the Rail Operations Centre and at all times where physical distancing is hard to maintain. Not only do surgical masks reduce the risk of transmission in our workplaces, they can help reduce the impact on our people when there is a positive case at work. For example, by reducing the number of days you may need to isolate.
Surgical masks are available for your use at work at all our workplaces. If you wish to wear your own P2/N95 or KN95 mask you may do so, as these offer even higher levels of protection. Please ensure you comply with the public health order to protect yourself and those around you. As well, to avoid fines which have increased under the new Police powers from $200 to $500.
You can read more on masks here in our Mask FAQs.
Guidelines on wearing surgical masks
- You may use a single-use surgical mask continuously for up to 4 hours, as long as it does not become moist, soiled or damaged.
- Do not store and reuse single-use surgical masks.
- For each new situation put on a clean single-use surgical mask. For example, you might wear a mask on public transport until you get to work. You shouldn't reuse the same mask during your journey home.
- Carry clean masks in a paper or zip-lock bag with you.
- Don’t touch your mask while you are wearing it. If you do touch it, wash or sanitise your hands.
- If your single-use surgical mask gets soiled or damp, replace it with a new one.
Why has Transport made surgical masks mandatory?
- Cloth masks are significantly less efficient than surgical masks according to research.
- There is limited evidence that certain types of cloth mask can reduce transmission of respiratory droplets.
- The effectiveness of different types of cloth mask, in blocking respiratory droplets, varies depending on the weave and the number of layers – at least 2– 3 layers are needed.
- Prolonged use of cloth masks, reused without washing and touching or adjusting masks can lead to self-contamination and infection (of the wearer). They are increasingly less effective as they become increasingly damp.
- Research showed a significantly higher rate of clinical respiratory infection, influenza-like illness and viral infections among those using cloth masks.
- Unlike surgical masks, the quality and effectiveness of cloth masks are not regulated in Australia and therefore their safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
