20220616 position paper fitting respiratory protection

Main points of attention

PPE (incl. RPE) is the last element in risk control hierarchy --> In practice often the only or primary mitigation of the risk (mainly small and medium enterprises and healthcare sector).

  • Based on 89/656/EC PPE (incl. RPE) must fit the wearer correctly --> Not implemented in all Member States by obligatory face-fit testing.
  • CE marked “Ear loops” masks will not provide the expected protection for wearers --> Need to strengthen the enforcement of fit assessment (mandatory face-fitting tests are the solution, this for all types of tight fitting respiratory protection).
  • Some European countries are consciously reacting --> Widespread implementation of the approach based on experience from countries and ESF local organizations (UK, Italy, and partially France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Spain). Also outside Europe several countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) made face-fit testing mandatory while others (e.g. India, China) made it a recommended practice.
  • A revision of the standard EN 149 should include a better definition for ‘adjustable head harness’ in order to make sure that the fit of the mask on humans can be achieved.

202202 Position paper : COVID-19 : use of FFP masks by general public

Background

Due to the current situation with the Omicron variant of the virus, in more and more situations the use of FFP2 masks by the general public is required. This is not always a government decision, but also specific organisations/facilities require this for the public visiting (e.g. healthcare facilities, universities/schools, …).

Therefore, the European Safety Federation considers it necessary to repeat some concerns we already made a year ago, and also add a few following recent evolutions.

First of all, we want to refer to our paper dated 04/02/2021 (see attached as annex) as the vast majority of the points made at that moment are still valid. 

20210616_Brexit / UKCA information

 

The UK Office for Product Safety & Standards publishes Guidance for PPE being supplied in or into Great Britain as well as for PPE being supplied in or into Northern Ireland. For the latest version of the guidance, see : Guidance for businesses on Regulation 2016/425 and the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 

 

Link to the official list of Approved Bodies for PPE 

 

Our effective member in the UK, BSIF, published a some Q&A concerning Brexit on their website (News section) - see www.bsif.co.uk/newsarticles 

 

202112 : ESF organises on 16/02/2022 a webinar on UKCA for its members - see https://www.eu-esf.org/services/workshops/ukca-workshop-16th-of-februari-2022 

202108 : The UK Government has extended the deadline by one year, through until the 1st of January 2023, for the placing on the market of CE marked product to still be acceptable in GB (England, Wales and Scotland). This means UKCA certification is necessary latest 1/1/2023 instead of 1/1/2022. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking#check-whether-you-need-to-use-the-new-ukca-marking 

20201118 : find here the ESF note concerning UKCA mark

20190611 : find here the paper ESF prepared on the consequences for certificates in case of a no deal Brexit

202102 Position paper FFP2 masks for general public

 

ESF would like to bring to your attention that the obligation (or recommendation) to wear FFP2 masks for the general public might not result in the intended protection and could even be a step back, due to the created false sense of protection. We urge all involved authorities to carefully consider all aspects and make sure that a potential obligation (or recommendation) is accompanied by the necessary supporting measures. 

202101 Use of C8 fluorocarbon chemistry for PPE

Some types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), mainly protective garments, require a finish (with possible reapplication after the cleaning process) to maintain the protective characteristics. This is typically a fluorocarbon finish.

201905 Flowchart Transition period - English version

20170427: ESF Proposal for guidance on how to deal with certficates in the transition from Directive to Regulation.

20190507: An updated version is available 

201801 Flowchart Who am I? (FR)

ESF flowchart: Who am I (FR) [cliquez download]

201801 Flowchart Who am I? (EN)

ESF flowchart Who am I (EN) [click on download]

Contact us

Do you want to have more information, don't hesitate to contact us:

E.S.F. ivzw
Bavikhoofsestraat 190 - 8531 Bavikhove - Belgium
Phone +32 56 70 11 03 -www.eu-esf.org - email: info@eu-esf.org

VAT: BE0454 000 382 - RPR Business Court Gent - Division Kortrijk
Transparency register EC: 91447653655-65


Disclamer ESF

The information contained in this communication (letter, e-mail, on the ESF website or in documents available for download on the ESF website or as attachment to letter or e-mail, etc..) is intended for guidance only and whilst the information is provided in utmost good faith and has been based on the best information currently available, is to be relied upon at the users own risk.ESF will not accept any direct or indirect liability deriving from it. No representations or warranties are made with regards to its completeness or accuracy and no liability will be accepted for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information. The guidance is based on available legislation and information and the interpretation of that legislation/information by ESF. Each company based on its own decision-making process may decide to use the guidance in full, partially or not, as it suits its needs but no liability shall be attributable to ESF.
   

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