Face masks serve an important purpose for those people who are ill, and those attending to the sick and vulnerable.
For those who are not ill or caring for the vulnerable, then wearing a mask can in fact increase your risk and provide a false sense of security. Wearing a mask that is inadequate to the situation offers the wearer no benefit, plus wearing a mask does increase the likelihood the wearer is touching their face and adjusting it constantly – thus transferring germs from the hands to the face more regularly.
As all healthcare professionals know, masks are graded for suitability. The varying levels provide different degrees of protection.
P2/N95
P2/N95 are respiratory masks and require testing to standards AS/NSZ 1715/1716. They need to meet certain performance levels for characteristics such as Particulate Filtration Efficacy % (PFE), high fluid resistance, and fit.
PFE is tested with smaller particles (e.g. 0.1um in size), which is why P2/N95 masks are generally recommended for flu outbreaks or when treating people with airborne diseases.
(AS) 4381: 2015 SINGLE USE FACE MASKS
Level 3 – High Protection Barrier
Suitable for procedures where the risk of levels of fluid, spray and aerosols is high.
Level 2 – Moderate Protection Barrier
Suitable for procedures where the levels of fluid, spray and aerosols is low to moderate.
Level 1 – Low Protection Barrier
Suitable for general purpose, short procedures only, where the levels of fluid, spray and aerosols is very low.
Be aware, the wrong protective face mask could be no protection at all.
If you have been approached to purchase face masks, there are some things for you to consider:
- Does the product meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements for safety, quality and performance?
- Has the product been manufactured under the required manufacturing controls?
- Has the product been manufactured using the appropriate quality materials?
- Is the product covered by warranty?
- Has the product been stored and packaged correctly and is within its expiry date?
- Is there any chance the product is second hand (used)?
- Is the product genuine or is it a copy of a recognised brand name?
Bunzl will not be importing any products without verifying that they have been fully tested by a certified laboratory and adhere to the relevant Australian standards. Nor do we import any products without going through the relevant process required by the TGA.
Bunzl’s mission is to serve our customers with integrity, respect and expertise, to help build better businesses. We believe we have a duty of care to our customers, and this care includes not putting our customers at risk by providing inferior products.
