{"id":8086,"date":"2020-03-22T16:51:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-22T16:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.protrainings.uk\/blog\/?p=8086"},"modified":"2020-03-22T16:51:43","modified_gmt":"2020-03-22T16:51:43","slug":"ffp-face-masks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.protrainings.uk\/blog\/ffp-face-masks\/","title":{"rendered":"FFP face masks and COVID-19 Coronavirus"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"FFP<\/a>Before you panic-buy masks like there\u2019s literally no tomorrow, you need to read this article. There are lots of myths about wearing of medical masks and FFP face masks and protecting yourself from COVID-19<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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You should always follow the latest guidance – this currently says that if you have symptoms of coronavirus or suspect you could have the virus, you can wear a mask (in the correct way) to limit the spread of your germs.<\/div>\n
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There is no<\/b> evidence to suggest that wearing a mask when you have no symptoms will protect you. The exception to this is if you are caring for someone with the infection – a mask is a part of the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) for doing so.<\/div>\n
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Using masks correctly<\/b><\/div>\n
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Masks and FFP face masks<\/a> only serve their purpose if they\u2019re used correctly and disposed of in the right way to avoid cross-infection. Wearing the same mask for days (or even hours) when wet or damaged will reduce its efficiency.<\/div>\n
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New ones should be stored in a clean, dry place so they do not become contaminated before you even put them on.<\/div>\n
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Properly inspect a mask before putting it on. There should be no holes, the mask should have a fixed strap\/s to keep it held on to your face, and it should be the right size to cover your nose and mouth simultaneously.<\/div>\n
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When you decide it\u2019s right and go to apply it, make sure it\u2019s the right way up and not inside out. Anything less will not do; the mask will not be effective.<\/div>\n
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Once you\u2019ve put a mask on, do not touch it unless you are removing it. Should you touch it, it instantly becomes a harbour for infection. This then does more harm than good. Do not keep it hanging the mask under your chin or around your neck either. It needs to be worn to work! It should cover your nose and mouth at all times.<\/div>\n
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Never<\/b> share masks, and make sure that you are not using an old mask you\u2019ve used before. Old masks must be disposed of correctly. Do not just leave it on the side where anyone can come along, pick it up and put it on.<\/div>\n
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Remove the mask by touching the edges, straps, loops, ties or bands only. Do not touch the front portion of the mask, as this may be contaminated. If the mask has ear loops, you can use these to remove it from your face.\u00a0If there are bands, first bring the bottom band over your head then pull the top band off and remove the mask, holding the top band whilst doing this.\u00a0If there is a tie, untie the bottom one first then the top and hold the top band to remove it from your face.<\/div>\n
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The mask should be disposed of correctly and you then wash your hands straight away.<\/div>\n
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Masks should not be the only measure you take in terms of infection control either: Regularly wash your hands and be aware of any other risks of spreading infection or diseases. Before and after you use one, wash your hands fully and use alcohol hand gel<\/a> correctly.<\/div>\n
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Types of mask<\/b><\/div>\n
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FFP masks are available in three main types – 1, 2 and 3.\u00a0They\u2019re mainly used in industries for protection against airborne particles. The higher the number, the better the protection.<\/div>\n
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All of them should be CE marked to show that the design has been tested to a recognised standard. They must also be marked with the applicable standard, which for disposable respirators is EN149:2001. Additional markings, such as FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3, indicate the protection level available if the respirator is a good fit and you use it correctly.<\/div>\n
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FFP3<\/b><\/div>\n
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FFP3 respirators are recommended for use in UK healthcare settings by the Health and Safety Executive, to protect healthcare workers from infectious aerosols. So, with viruses like COVID-19<\/a>, the FFP3 will give the best level of protection – there is still no guarantee that it will protect you.<\/div>\n
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As above, you should carry out a pre-use check every time you put on your respirator. Always check that it is fitted according to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions, so ensure that the straps and strip for moulding the respirator around your nose are correctly adjusted. To test the effectiveness, hold the mask in place and breathe in or out sharply. You should readjust the FFP face masks if you detect any leakage around your face or your glasses steam up when you breathe out.<\/div>\n
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Medical<\/b><\/div>\n
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Medical masks<\/a> (also known as surgical masks) are mainly used by healthcare professionals but are being used more and more outside of a clinical setting to protect the public from things like the novel coronavirus<\/a> Covid 19<\/a>. They can offer protection against the spread of airborne infectious diseases, bodily fluids and particulate matter. During a bad disease outbreak, health departments may recommend that members of the public wear surgical masks to protect both themselves and others.<\/div>\n
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Most of these masks are white on the side that you place against your face and coloured (often blue) on the side that faces outwards. This makes it easier to put them on correctly!<\/div>\n
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There are different types of straps to hold them in place: Tie back or elastic straps, that either go over the ears or behind the head.\u00a0If the mask has ties or straps, secure the top one then the lower one at the base of your skull.<\/div>\n
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Step by step fitting instruction for an FFP3 respirator(or other<\/b> FFP face masks).<\/strong><\/div>\n
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