Face Mask Testing
In the wake of Covid-19 crisis, the Indian government has made the use face mask mandatory for people when they leave their homes in the large states and cities in the country. The World Health Organisation also said that everyone should wear a fabric mask containing three layers of different materials. Creative Analytical Labs and Consultants provide comprehensive testing and certifications for the effectiveness and compliance of masks to relevant regulations.
Surgical Mask:
This mask is also known as medical mask or procedure mask that protects the face of the wearer from contact with bodily fluids. These masks are worn by patients, medical staff and others who come in contact with the former two to avoid the risk of infections.
Surgical face masks are regulated by national medical device regulations. Hence, they must ensure the minimum protection level against infections.
The areas that must be evaluated for producing surgical masks are:
- Approval and registration
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)
- Biocompatibility
- Blood penetration resistance
- Classification designations
- Differential pressure also known as breathability
- Flammability
- Labelling and marking
- Microbial cleanliness
- Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE)
Reusable Fabric Mask:
These masks are used for basic protection in day to day life. Due to its contact with the skin for long periods of time, it is highly encouraged that they undergo biocompatibility and relevant restricted substances testing. The elastic ear loops attached to these masks should also be tested for it durability and secured attachment.
These fabric masks should also undergo relevant performance testing which include:- Barrier performance
- Breathing resistance
- Colourfastness testing
- Ear loop attachment strength
- Functional testing
- Restricted substances
Areas evaluated for this type of respirators are:
- Approval and certifications
- Breathing resistance
- Classification designations
- Flammability
- Leakage
- Marking and labelling
- Particle filtration efficiency