Face Masks
Face Masks for the Medical Industry
We have being testing disposal masks for a while now. Generally disposable masks called tri-panel masks tend to fit different faces more universally. Essentially, they have 3 folds horizontally and are flat out of the packet. When stocked at work, they are more likely to fit a greater proportion of people. Generally, the feedback is that this type of mask is more a comfortable disposable mask to wear compared with pre-moulded paper masks.
For that reason, it appears to two masks are prominent in the P2 range, and in the medical industry:
3M Aura 1870+ P2/N95 Hospital grade mask
Trident P2/N95 Level 3 Medical Respirator
Differences between P2, N95 and surgical masks
There are similar respiratory protective standards around the world. Here are some equivalents to the P2 respirator in various countries:
- United States: N95
- Europe: FFP2 (Filtering Face Piece 2)
- Australia/New Zealand: P2
During COVID there were various sources of masks that were noted to be equivalent to the above also, but have not been endorsed as compliant with respect to the Australian P2 requirements, not due to the standard they represent, but the quality that was produced or not readily verified.
Hazard warnings were raised, in particular about the Chinese made KN95 in the US suggesting that the manufacturing quality was sub-par. Hence our recommendation is to stick to the most recognised ones above.
Please ignore the use of the below respirators, from various other countries, unless verified independently for the specific brand and model that it is safe to use, from a quality perspective.
- Brazil: PFF2
- Japan: DS (Dust and Spray)
- South Korea: KF94 (Korea Filter)
- India: FFP2
- China: KN95 (China GB2626-2006 standard)
N95
The term “N95” specifically refers to the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) certification standard in the United States. However, many generic disposable respirators bought from overseas markets and labelled as N95 may not have been properly tested according to NIOSH (the US – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
P2
In Australia, it is best to select and purchase a P2 respirator with the Standards Australia mark to be sure the product is a genuine certified and tested product.
Surgical Masks
A surgical mask is more loose-fitting and is intended to be used in medical environments to protect others, not the wearer, from saliva and respiratory fluids. Unlike a P2 Respirator, a surgical mask has no seal around the face and so airborne particles can enter from loose gaps.
What face mask to buy for Australian WHS compliance?
In Australia, it is best to select and purchase a P2 respirator with the Standards Australia mark to be sure the product is a genuine certified and tested product.
