Face masks are one of the most widely used PPE items across Australian workplaces. While often associated with hospitals and healthcare, they are also used in aged care, home care, NDIS support, dental clinics, beauty salons, tattoo studios, laboratories, education, cleaning, food service and general workplace environments.
Although face masks may seem like a basic supply, different types are designed for different tasks. Some support general hygiene and barrier protection, while others provide higher fluid resistance, closer facial fit or added eye and face coverage. Choosing the right mask can help teams stay prepared for the task, setting and level of exposure.
Why are face masks used across different industries?
Face masks help create a barrier between the wearer and their environment. Depending on the type, they may help reduce exposure to droplets, splashes, sprays, dust, particles or respiratory droplets.
In healthcare, aged care, home care and NDIS support, masks can support care delivery where close contact or respiratory illness risks may be present. Dental, beauty and tattoo environments may use masks during treatments where workers are close to the client’s face or where exposure to splashes, sprays or treatment products may occur.
Laboratories, schools, cleaning teams and food service environments may also use face masks as part of broader hygiene, safety and PPE routines.
Why does choosing the right face mask matter?
Each task carries different risks. A general workplace interaction does not require the same protection as a clinical procedure, dental treatment or setting where fluid exposure may be more likely.
When selecting face masks, workplaces should consider the task, level of close contact, splash or spray risk, length of wear, comfort, fit and whether eye or full-face protection is needed.
What are the main types of face masks?
Ear loop face masks
Ear loop masks are quick to put on and remove. They are often suitable for general workplace, care, beauty, food service, education and shared environments where everyday hygiene support is needed. 3-ply ear loop face masks may suit routine use across busy workplaces.
Tie-back face masks
Tie-back masks secure behind the head, allowing the wearer to adjust the fit. They are often used in clinical, dental and procedural settings where a more secure fit may be preferred. Tie-back face masks can support adjustable wear across different users and tasks.
Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 masks
Some procedural and surgical masks are available in different protection levels, often referred to as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 mask ratings. These levels help guide selection based on barrier performance and fluid resistance, including how suitable a mask may be for tasks where splashes, sprays or droplets are more likely.
Level 1 masks may suit general tasks with minimal fluid exposure. Level 2 and Level 3 masks are generally used where there may be increased exposure to fluids, splashes or sprays. Some products may also refer to ASTM or AAMI Level 1, 2 or 3, depending on the standard they are tested against. Workplaces should check product specifications and follow relevant workplace or infection prevention guidance when choosing mask levels.
Level 3 anti-fog tie-back masks may be considered where higher fluid resistance and visibility support are important.
Face masks with eye shields
Face masks with attached eye shields combine mouth and nose coverage with added eye protection. They may be useful where splashes, sprays or droplets could reach the eyes, such as dental, clinical, pathology, beauty, tattoo or cleaning tasks. Workplaces may consider tie-back masks with visor protection or ear loop face masks with visor protection, depending on fit preference.
N95 face masks and respirators
N95 face masks are designed to provide a closer facial fit and higher filtration performance than standard masks. They may be required in higher-risk environments where respiratory protection is needed. Duckbill N95 respirator masks and cupped cone N95 respirators with valve offer different fit and wear options.
Respirators must fit correctly to work as intended, so workplaces should follow relevant guidance around selection, fit checking, fit testing and staff training.
Full face shields
Full face shields provide a physical barrier across the face and eyes. They are not usually a replacement for a face mask, but may be used alongside masks where added splash or spray protection is needed.
How should workplaces choose the right mask?
The right face mask depends on the task, not just the industry. Ear loop masks may be practical for general use. Tie-back or higher-level masks may suit clinical or procedural work. Masks with eye shields or full face shields may help with splash-prone tasks. N95 respirators may be required where respiratory protection is needed.
Supporting everyday protection with the right supplies
Face masks are a basic necessity across many industries, but choosing the right type can make a practical difference. The right mask can help support hygiene routines, workplace safety, wearer comfort and task-specific protection across healthcare, aged care, NDIS support, dental, beauty, tattoo, laboratory, education, food service and general workplace settings.
Livingstone supports Australian workplaces with a wide range of face masks and face protection options to help teams stay prepared for everyday workplace needs.
References
Safe Work Australia 2026, Personal protective equipment, Safe Work Australia, viewed August 2026, https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/overview
Therapeutic Goods Administration 2023, Understanding the standards for face masks and respirators, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed August 2026, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/understanding-standards-face-masks-and-respirators
