News

Warning issued over KN95 facemasks

Posted 12/06/20

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that KN95 facemasks are not suitable PPE.

The crux of the matter is that the KN95 performance rating relies on self-declaration of compliance by manufacturers. There is no independent verification that the products comply with the standard, according to HSE.

HSE reports that approximately 90% of queries and concerns surrounding PPE involve KN95 masks, with the executive finding many sold with fraudulent paperwork. So far, HSE has quarantined over 1.5 million KN95 facemasks.

Phil Owen, Service Director Profession Relationships at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: "Although the KN95 facemasks are available to purchase, they are not PPE as they do not meet PPE regulations and therefore will not necessarily protect persons against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic."

CTSI, in partnership with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), is running a series of 1 1/2 hour webinars for businesses focussing on the identification, classification and the current easements for placing PPE on the market. This training will also be run alongside webinars for businesses that are importing, manufacturing or retailing hand cleansing products.

To book a place onto one of the next CTSI Business Training Webinars please follow the links in the editor's notes.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

CTSI Press Office: [email protected], 01268 582240

22 June Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Product Requirements for Importers
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/personal-protective-equipment-ppe-product-requirements-for-importers-tickets-108449226556

22 June 14.00 – 15.30
Business Training Webinar - Hand Cleansing & Sanitising Product Requirements for Importers
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hand-cleansing-sanitising-product-requirements-for-importers-tickets-108732467738

24 June Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Product Requirements for Manufacturers
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/personal-protective-equipment-ppe-product-requirements-for-manufacturers-tickets-108450430156

24 June 14.00 – 15.30
Business Training Webinar - Hand Cleansing & Sanitising Product Requirements for Manufacturers
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hand-cleansing-sanitising-product-requirements-for-manufacturers-tickets-108837529982

26 June PPE Product Requirements for Retailers/Distributors
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ppe-product-requirements-for-retailersdistributors-tickets-108454309760

26 June 14.00 – 15.30
Business Training Webinar - Hand Cleansing & Sanitising Product Requirements for Retailers/Distributors
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hand-cleansing-sanitising-product-requirements-for-retailersdistributors-tickets-108841897044

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