The HSE has issued a safety alert concerning "a substantial number" of KN95-standard facemasks or "filtering facepiece respirators" because they provide "an inadequate level of protection and are likely to be poor quality products accompanied by fake or fraudulent paperwork"1. KN95 is a performance rating under the Chinese standard, GB2626:2006, the requirements of which are broadly the same as for the European FFP2 standard, BSEN149:2001+A1:2009. KN95 products are, however, declared compliant by the manufacturer and there is no independent certification or quality assurance. The HSE's June alert is clear that KN95 masks must not be used at work because "they are unlikely to provide the protection expected or required". If any of the products are CE marked, suppliers "must be able to demonstrate how they know the documentation and CE marking is genuine, supported by Notified Body documentation showing compliance with the essential health and safety requirements".
展开▼
