search.noResults

search.searching

dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
FEATURE DUST & FUME EXTRACTION COVID-19: FACE MASKS AND EXTRACTION


BOFA International informs on the benefits and limitations of using face masks and how the use of extraction systems with high grade HEPA filters can provide added protection


T


he COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the need for protective equipment against viruses. Many businesses


and individuals have turned to face masks as their primary defence. While these are a very useful tool, they do have their limitations. Extraction systems with high grade HEPA filters can provide an added (and in some cases higher) level of protection.


COVID-19 VIRUS The World Health Organisation (WHO) states “The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.” Droplets generated by coughing and sneezing are typically 0.1-900


microns across (0.0001-0.9mm). However, once the droplet has settled (e.g. on a surface or filter), the moisture will start to evaporate, exposing the virus. The COVID-19 virus itself is 120-160 nm (0.00012-0.00016 mm) making it much harder to filter than the droplet it is transported on.


TYPES OF MASK There are several types of masks being used but two of the most common are surgical masks and N95 masks.


protecting the wearer than surgical masks. However, they do not protect the eyes which is a vulnerable mucus membrane.


HEPA FILTERS HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate in Air. BOFA extraction systems use HEPA filters rated to remove 99.997 per cent of 0.3 micron (0.0003 mm) particles. 0.3 microns is the established Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS) and therefore the filtering efficiency increases for particle sizes larger and smaller than this. The major role of HEPA filters in laboratories is to remove a range of microorganisms from the air and to prevent their release into uncontrolled areas.


SURGICAL MASKS Surgical masks are designed to protect others from the wearer. In surgery they are used to prevent the operating staff from coughing or sneezing into the patient’s open wound. They do not fit to the face so air (and potentially viruses) can enter around the sides.


N95 MASK These are fitted to the face and therefore (if fitted correctly) the only path for air to enter is through the filter. These are much more effective at


ENHANCED PROTECTION: MASKS + EXTRACTION The hierarchy of control tool (see above) is used widely across industries to minimise exposure to hazards. Extraction comes higher than the use of PPE, such as masks. Use of an extractor is an example of protection through use of an


engineering control. These types of controls generally take time to produce and implement so administrative controls (some may be temporary) and PPE may be appropriate supplements as they are quick to implement, until more effective controls can be put in place.


BOFA International bofainternational.com


12 AUTUMN 2020 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE


/ INDUSTRIALCOMPLIANCE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32