We hear and see the term face covering almost every day, but do we know what a face covering actually is?
Over the last 6 months the world of PPE and Safety supplies has been turned upside down, and the demand for safety masks has never been higher, panic buying of PPE safety masks has led to a break down in certain supply chains where demand was higher than production and Understandably manufactures prioritised the NHS and healthcare providers.
The question is do we really need to take away a PPE Safety mask from those that need them the most? Do we need a PPE classified Face Mask?
The answer is no, according to the UK GOV a face covering is not classified as PPE and therefore
In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.
Face coverings are instead largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
A face covering should:
- cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably
- fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
- be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
- be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
- ideally include at least two layers of fabric (the World Health Organisation recommends three depending on the fabric used)
- unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged
For a full list on where and when to wear a face covering, visit the UK Gov website.
Click here to view our range of PPE and Face Coverings Online