Whilst the world rushes to buy protective face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic, here at Leedsafe we have been working flat out to help our customers keep their staff safe. We know that many want face masks to help protect and reassure staff returning to work in the Level 3 alert and beyond.  But what are the best available face masks for your staff and situation?

Types Of Face Mask

We currently have three types of disposable face masks available.

The KN95 mask is a one size fits all basic mask with adjustable nose clip and elasticated ear loops – it is the equivalent of the AS/NZ standard P2 or the US standard N95 masks. Its adjustable nose clip ensures a good, personalised fit and offers a good degree of protection.

The KN95 mask with valve is another option we are currently supplying. It offers the same protection as the basic KN95 but in this model the valve on the side releases air more easily when the wearer exhales and the concealed plastic nose is also anti-fog. This makes it ideal for workers that are doing more physical labour and breathing more heavily as a result.

We also have a supply of the standard, disposable Level 2 surgical masks with a protective 3-layer construction and elasticated loops to fit over the ears. These are effective in stopping the spread of droplets from wearers when they cough, sneeze or speak.

Do We Need Masks?

COVID-19, like regular colds and flu, can be spread from person to person. When a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or talks, they can spread droplets containing the virus. Whilst there has been some debate on the merits of wearing a mask for protection – most reliable sources are now advising that wearing a mask does, at the very least, help to stop those people with COVID-19 spreading the virus.

So it absolutely makes sense to encourage staff to wear face masks.  They can not only stop the spread of COVID-19 but also those other seasonal colds and coughs. It will help keep staff safe and healthy and reassure them that their employer is taking all the precautions they can. And healthy, safe staff keep businesses running.  

Using Face Masks Sensibly

Whatever face masks you use, it is vital that you ensure staff know how to put them on and how to dispose of them.

Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly before putting on your mask. Then place the mask over your nose and mouth and find the thin, metal nose clip that is in the top of the mask. Squeeze the clip to ensure a good fit over your nose – the mask should fit properly over your nose, mouth and chin. Remember that facial hair can mean that you may not have a good seal and you will potentially put yourself at risk.

Do not touch your face or fiddle with your mask when wearing it.

Masks should be replaced when they become damp – this can vary from user to user. For example, someone on site carrying out heavy physical work will have a higher breathing rate and as a result their mask will become damp sooner than someone who is mostly sitting in the site office. We recommend changing a disposable mask at least every 4 hours.

To remove your mask, first wash or sanitise your hands and then remove from the back of your head by unlooping the elastic straps from your ears. Do not touch the front of the mask. Dispose of mask immediately in a closed bin and wash your hands – again.

Masks are in heavy demand at the moment and you may find that masks you regularly ordered or used before the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer easy to find. This is likely to remain the case for the coming months. But, one thing hasn’t changed – Leedsafe staff are still here to help you find solutions.

So if you have a query about face masks then get in touch with the Leedsafe team to see how we can help.

To know more about the available COVID-19 products that we supply, feel free to visit this page.