Keep Calm and Breathe Easy With the Right Face Mask

Until recently, face masks were mostly for professionals in the industrial and medical sectors. The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed that.

People from all walks of life are now wearing face masks and coverings when going out in public or attending social gatherings.

With the increasing demand of face masks, employers must ensure a stable supply for their workers. This is particularly important for the construction industry, where the risk of breathing in harmful dust particles is high.

Bryson offers a range of disposable face masks,  airshield respirators and valved masks that can protect workers from inhaling harmful construction and silica dust.

The different types of face masks by professionals

Face masks or dust masks are vital for a number of workplace settings. There are mainly three types of masks, which are assigned with specific respiratory ratings. The standard term that is used to help communicate these ratings is "Filtering Face Piece" or FFP.

• FFP 1 - A face mask with this grade can protect workers from minimal dust, as well as solid and liquid aerosols. People who engage in drilling or cutting activities may utilise this type of mask.
• FFP 2 - This grade offers a higher level of protection. Workers who plaster or sand can use FFP2 respirators to avoid breathing in moderate levels of dust.
• FFP 3 - This grade provides the greatest protection. Masks and respirators with this rating help workers sufficiently protect themselves from highly hazardous airborne particles.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), face masks across the FFP spectrum are suitable for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Disposable ones like medical masks or surgical masks have at least three layers of synthetic non-woven materials that prevent aerosols from infiltrating. Additionally, respirators that have a performance grade of FFP2 or FFP3 are ideal for those who work in facilities where contact with patients is frequent.

On the other hand, non-medical masks can also be used. The WHO refers to these types of masks as fabric or home-made masks. However, they generally fall short of the standards required by more effective options like the ones mentioned above. A non-medical mask does not offer sufficient levels of protection against COVID-19.

Are there instances when a face mask and respirator is not enough?

According to the Health and Safety Executive, Dust Masks are designed to protect workers against airborne particles such as dusts and powders, and FFP2 and FFP3 masks can be used by healthcare professionals against influenza viruses such as coronavirus. FFP1 face masks are not designed to filter out dangerous gases, vapours, bacteria and viruses.

Areas where there is little or no oxygen are not ideal for face masks and respirators, in which case if workers simply need additional protection from dust and airborne particles; there are a number of options that can complement the use of masks. Full face visors, for instance, can help cover the entirety of a person's face while ensuring sufficient oxygen flow.

With Bryson you can breathe easy

At Bryson, we have a range of top quality personal protective equipment that protects your employees from harmful dust and airborne particles. We serve the needs of several industries and comply with the highest safety standards.

Feel free to call us on 020 8660 9119 or email us at sales@bryson.co.uk for more information on our products.