We wish to make sure this situation is highlighted and a fix provided. If FFP3 mask are not available, doubling or tripling standard surgical masks along with taping the edges (essentially a face fit) produces higher level of protection.
TEST CONDITIONS:
Face fit test with tracer smoke.
Breathing tube located in mouth beneath mask to indicate smoke exposure.
5 minute exposure in 8m2 area to simulate 8 hour working shift in close proximity to Covid patients / Covid ward.
Area cleared in-between each test.
SURGICAL MASK TYPE IIR MASK
1. PURPLE - NO TAPE
2. PURPLE - NO TAPE (LESS TRACER)
3. PURPLE - 3 X LAYERS - TAPED
4. ORANGE - NO TAPE - CONTROL
3M FFP3 8835
1. PURPLE - NO TAPE
FFP 2 MASK
1. PURPLE - NO TAPE
2. PURPLE - TAPED
R JAMES DOUGLAS MBChB, MD, FRCGP, FRCPE, DOccMed
Occupational Medicine to paper mill 33 years, Occupational Medicine to fish farming 10 years, Occupational Medicine to British Aluminium factory 5 years, Diving & Hyperbaric medicine the 1970’s years to 2017, Mountain Rescue 20 years, Pre Hospital /BASICS from 1980s to current, GP obstetrics to 1997.
