Guidance on respirator use for exposure to the swine flu virus for the United Kingdom and Ireland
1 May 2009
Swine influenza – face masks and respirators
Extensive recent media coverage of swine influenza and associated protective measures has prompted a sharp increase in enquiries to 3M, the UK’s leading supplier of respiratory protective equipment, from the general public.The UK’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) guidance should be followed regarding the use of medical face masks, respiratory protection and eyewear. This guidance may be subject to change according to circumstances and should, therefore, be monitored regularly. Such guidance should be reviewed thoroughly when making decisions regarding the use of personal protective equipment.
Currently the use of respirators is being recommended for health care workers in certain situations. The use of respirators is not being recommended for individuals in the general public.
Official advice
The HPA is providing the following information for members of the public who may be considering taking measures to protect themselves against any possible risk of swine influenza:- Stay at home if you have symptoms of the flu.
- Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning products.
- Make sure your children follow this advice.
Face masks
- The primary purpose of surgical face masks is to prevent particles being expelled by the wearer into the environment.
- They act as a barrier to larger particles expelled during coughing and sneezing.
- They offer little or no protection for fine airborne particles and are not necessarily designed to seal tightly to the face - therefore air leakage around the edges is likely.
- Some surgical masks are also designed to be fluid resistant to splash and splatter of blood and other infectious materials.
Disposable particulate respirators (filtering facepieces - FFP)
- These are designed to help reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles.
- Different classes of respiratory protection offer different levels of protection. FFP3 disposable respirators offer the highest level of protection available from this type of device. When properly used by trained fitters and wearers they are designed to reduce exposure to particles by a factor of 20.
- FFP3 respirators are recommended for use against airborne viruses in certain occupational settings.
- Some respirators are designed to have the characteristics of both an approved respirator and a surgical mask.
Fitting and fit testing
- Disposable respirators are only effective when an adequate seal is established between the wearer’s face and the product.
- Disposable respirator must only be used by clean shaven wearers.
- Occupational users should be fit tested in accordance with the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
Advice for the general public
Although there has been no official UK recommendation for respirator use by the general public, individuals who chose to use respirators with the aim of reducing their exposure to the swine flu virus should read and follow all user instructions.Customers should consult the manufacturer’s guidance for detailed information regarding use. However, please be aware that, in order to work effectively, respirators must fit tightly to the face. Incorrect fit may reduce the effective use of these products, potentially leading to a false sense of security.
For further information, please visit www.3M.co.uk/swineflu; Call 3M’s Health and Safety Helpline on 0870 60 800 60 (UK) or email ohes.helpline.uk@mmm.com. Customers in Ireland should call 1 800 320 500.
