Free N95 Masks for uParcel Motorcycle Riders During the Haze
Er Cai Fang
Senior Product Manager
Free N95 Masks for uParcel Motorcycle Riders During the Haze
uParcel is giving free N95 masks to all its motorcycle riders while the haze affects Singapore. Riders can collect them at the uParcel warehouse at 6 Defu South Street 1, #05-24, from Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Motorcycle riders spend hours on the road breathing outdoor air, so a well-fitted N95 mask is one of the simplest ways to cut their exposure to haze particles.
This article covers how to collect your masks, why we are giving them out, and how to wear an N95 properly under a helmet.
Where and when can riders collect free N95 masks?
Drop by the uParcel warehouse in Defu Industrial City on any weekday between 10am and 5pm.
|
Detail |
What you need to know |
|
Who |
All uParcel motorcycle riders |
|
What |
Free N95 masks |
|
When |
Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Closed on weekends and public holidays. |
|
Where |
uParcel warehouse, 6 Defu South Street 1, #05-24, Singapore 533757 |
|
Cost |
Free |
If you ride through Defu during the day, plan a quick stop between jobs. Collection is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
What is the haze situation in Singapore right now?
The haze has worsened this week. On 9 October 2026, the 24-hour PSI in the central region reached 181, the highest reading so far this year and well inside the Unhealthy range.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has linked the haze to smoke from fire hotspots in Sumatra and West Kalimantan, carried to Singapore by south-easterly and southerly winds. As long as those winds continue, readings can stay high or rise further. Check the latest PSI on the NEA website or the myENV app before each shift.
Why is uParcel giving away free N95 masks during the haze?
Because riding is outdoor work, and our riders cannot work from home when the PSI goes up. A motorcycle rider breathes outdoor air for the whole shift, often in traffic, with no cabin or air-conditioning between them and the haze.
Riders are outdoors for hours, not minutes
The Ministry of Health (MOH) says N95 masks are not needed for short exposures such as commuting. The picture changes for people who spend several hours outdoors. MOH advises that healthy people outdoors for hours in hazardous conditions can reduce their exposure by wearing a well-fitted N95 mask. A full delivery shift is exactly that kind of prolonged exposure.
Outdoor workers need protection at lower PSI levels
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recommends masks for outdoor workers at a lower PSI than for the general public, because their work keeps them outside for long periods on a regular basis. When the 24-hour PSI is in the Very Unhealthy range (201 to 300) and outdoor work cannot be avoided, MOM strongly urges that masks be provided.
Having masks ready before PSI spikes
We would rather riders have masks in their bags before readings climb than try to find them on a bad haze day. Giving them out now means every rider can start their shift protected.
When should motorcycle riders wear an N95 mask?
Our advice is simple: mask up when PSI is up. If the 24-hour PSI is in the Unhealthy range or higher and you will be riding for several hours, wear your N95. The table below matches MOH’s advice for healthy persons with what it means for a rider.
|
24-hour PSI |
MOH advice for healthy persons |
What it means on the road |
|
0–100 (Good to Moderate) |
Normal activities |
Ride as usual. Keep a mask in your bag in case readings rise. |
|
101–200 (Unhealthy) |
Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion |
Wear your N95 on long shifts. Take indoor breaks and drink water. |
|
201–300 (Very Unhealthy) |
Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion |
Wear your N95 whenever you ride. MOM strongly urges masks for outdoor work that cannot be avoided at this level. |
|
Above 300 (Hazardous) |
Minimise outdoor activity |
Wear your N95 and keep time on the road to a minimum. |
Riders who are older, pregnant, or have heart or lung conditions should check with a doctor before using an N95 mask, as MOH and MOM both advise.
How do you wear an N95 mask properly under a helmet?
An N95 only works if it seals against your face. A loose mask lets haze leak in around the edges, so take a minute to fit it properly before you put your helmet on.
- Pinch the nose clip. Shape the metal strip firmly around the bridge of your nose with both hands.
- Use both straps. Fit the straps as the mask is designed so it sits snugly over your nose and under your chin.
- Check for leaks. Breathe out sharply. If you feel air escaping at the edges, adjust the nose clip and straps until it stops.
- Put your helmet on carefully. Make sure the chin bar or cheek pads do not push the mask out of place. Check the seal again once the helmet is on.
- Watch your visor. If your visor fogs up quickly, air is probably leaking out at the top of the mask. Pinch the nose clip again.
When to change your mask
Replace your N95 when it is dirty, wet or damaged, or when it becomes hard to breathe through. Facial hair can stop the mask from sealing properly, so a clean shave gives a better fit.
Know when to stop
N95 masks make breathing harder work. Take regular breaks indoors and drink plenty of water. If you feel breathless, dizzy or unwell while riding with a mask, pull over somewhere safe, remove the mask and rest.
Frequently asked questions
Who can collect the free N95 masks?
All uParcel motorcycle riders.
Can I collect masks on Saturday or Sunday?
No. Collection is on weekdays only, from 10am to 5pm. The warehouse is closed for collection on weekends and public holidays.
Do I need an N95 mask for a short ride?
MOH says N95 masks are not needed for short exposures like commuting. Riders are different because they are outdoors for hours, so wear your mask for full shifts when the PSI is high.
Where can I check the PSI before my shift?
Check the NEA website or the myENV app for the latest 24-hour PSI and 1-hour PM2.5 readings.
Sources
- NEA, Haze Situation Update (8 October 2026): https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/advisories/index/haze-situation-update-8-october-2026
- MOH, Haze health advisory: https://www.moh.gov.sg/others/haze/
- MOM, Guidelines on protecting employees from haze: https://www.mom.gov.sg/haze/guidelines-on-protecting-employees-from-haze
- MOM, Why are masks recommended for outdoor workers at lower PSI: https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/haze/why-are-masks-recommended-for-outdoor-workers-at-lower-psi-than-for-the-general-public
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