Personal Protective Equipment - Guide and Bundle Offers...

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is becoming part of our everyday lives and there are now lots of products on the market. 

For many, deciding on what PPE is needed and where to buy it can be a dauting task, so we have produced this user-friendly guide to help.

Bear in mind, there are many ineffective and overpriced products out there!

Protective Masks

1. European Standard EN 14683 (often referred to as IIR/2R masks):

Protective Mask EN 14683

The distinguishing feature of masks produced to this standard is that they offer two-way protection and therefore commonly used in environments where there is a risk of toxic or infectious particles being transferred to or from the wearer.

Produced in 3 and 4 ply for single use, they are designed to prevent large particles (e.g. spit, mucous) being transferred to the wearer from people and physical objects in the vicinity, and vice-versa. However, depending on the circumstances, it does not protect from inhaling the very small particles suspended in the air that potentially carry the coronavirus.

There are three models of this mask, each offering a different level of protection:

• Type I: bacteria filtering effectiveness > 95%. (Good)

• Type II: bacteria filtering effectiveness > 98%. (Better)

• Type IIR/2R: bacteria filtering effectiveness > 98% and splash resistant (Best)

Your choice of mask category will depend on the settings in which they are being used. For example, where exposure to blood and/or bodily fluids from person(s) or work environment the mask wearer is interacting with is a risk, Type IIR mask will be applicable.

2. European Standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009* (often referred to as FFP/N95/KN95 masks):

The distinguishing feature of masks produced to this standard is that they offer single-way protection to the wearer and therefore commonly used in environments where there is a risk of toxic or infectious particles being transferred to the wearer from people and physical objects they are working in the vicinity of, but less risk of transference from the wearer.  Often referred to as FFP masks (Filtering Facepiece Particles) and are used in both healthcare and other industry settings (chemicals, construction, agriculture, etc), these 2 and 3 ply masks are designed as respirators to protect the wearer against the inhalation of both droplets and particles suspended in the air, specifically solids, water-based aerosols, and oil-based aerosols. Certain models can have exhaling valves fitted. They do not offer protection to persons or physical objects in the vicinity.  Because of the mask’s tightness on the face, there can be implications for wearer wellbeing in situations of prolonged use. Therefore, risk assessments should be carried out on potential users, taking into account existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, etc.  There are three models of this mask, each offering a different level of protection:    FFP1 masks which filter at least 80% of aerosols (inward leakage < 22%) (Good) FFP2 masks which filter at least 94% of aerosols (inward leakage < 8%) (Better) FFP3 masks which filter at least 99% of aerosols (inward leakage < 2%) (Best)     NB. The FFP2 mask has a US standard certificated equivalent called N95 and Chinese standard certificated equivalent called KN95.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends FFP2 or FFP3 masks during outbreaks of infections such as SARS, Avian Flu and Coronavirus.  Certain models of this mask can be reused, and this will be indicated in the certification and/or packaging. On 1 August 1, 2010, an amendment to EN 149.2001 standard entered into force concerning the reusability of masks’ dust filters, indicated by “R”, reusable, and “NR”, non-reusable, and tagged as EN 149:2001+A1:2009.    Your choice of mask category will depend on the settings in which they are being used. For example, an FFP3 respirator mask would filter out at least 98% of the airborne respirable particles, whereas an FFP1 respirator mask would filter out at least 80% of the respirable particles. FFP3 respirator masks are, therefore, the most efficient in filtering out fine particles including viruses, mould spores, and asbestos.    IMPORTANT Whatever mask you decide you need, make sure it has the appropriate European/US/Chinese Standard conformity - usually indicated by 'CE' and/or the European Standards number marked on the packaging. Also, be aware masks can be packaged as non-sterile, meaning they have not been individually pacakged in a sterile environment.   A summary table of this information is provided below. ​

Hand Sanitiser

There is no substitute for washing your hands thoroughly in soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, making sure to access the areas between your fingers. 

However, if you cannot wash your hands, alcohol hand sanitiser is the next best thing and will help eliminate any infectious particles. The key though is that the sanitiser must have an alcohol content of at least 60% (as stated by the World Health Organisation and the NHS), preferably at least 70%. 

Do not confuse anti-bacterial handwashes for hand sanitiser. They do not contain alcohol and therefore less effective.

PPE Bundle Packs - Protection For You and Your Family

5 x Protective Masks (Water Resistant) Type I (EN 14683)

5 x Nitrile Protective Gloves

4 x 50ML Pocket-Size Hand Sanitiser (70% Alcohol)

£14.99 - Free Delivery G74/G75

5 x Protective Masks (Water Resistant) Type I (EN 14683)

5 x Nitrile Protective Gloves

4 x 50ML Pocket-Size Hand Sanitiser (70% Alcohol)

1 x 500ML Family-Size Hand Sanitiser (70% Alcohol)

£24.99 - Free Delivery G74/G75

All items are manufactured to European/ CE Standards

To make a purchase please email info@ek4me.co.uk

The information provided in this guide is done so for awareness only and should not be taken as medical advice.

For further information, please email us at info@funandfitbike.com or send us a message here