The use of masks is of vital importance in terms of preventing transmission and providing maximum protection in the COVID-19 pandemic (WHO, 2020). The information on mask use in the "Recommendations for Mask Use Guide" of the World Health Organization (WHO) is summarized and presented below:
Whatever type of mask it is, the necessity of appropriate production, use and disposal in terms of preventing contamination,
Before putting on the mask and after removing it, especially hand hygiene should be done with water and soap,
The necessity of using the mask correctly (carefully putting it in place, covering the mouth and nose, placing it on the nose bridge and tightening it so that there is as little space as possible between the mask and the face, and removing it without touching the front),
Not reusing disposable masks, replacing any moistened mask with a new and dry one.[1]
Although FFP2 and FFP3 masks are the masks that provide the most protection and thus reduce the risk of infection the most, they are produced for certain target groups in terms of the user, the duration of use and the environments used.[1]
Health workers are one of the most risky groups at this time, when the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and countries are taking strict measures to protect themselves from infection. Protection of healthcare workers from infection is an extremely important issue both for their own health and for their patients, colleagues and families. Of course, the most important step in the fight against diseases is primary prevention. Primary prevention includes all the measures taken to avoid the disease; however, the fact that the vaccine against COVID-19 is currently under development requires attention to the use of personal protective equipment and the adoption of behavioral measures for protection. Correct and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for healthcare professionals. There are materials such as gloves, masks, visors, glasses, aprons in the PPE. Especially those working with patients at risk for infection should use masks with high protection[2].
FFP (Filtering facepiece respirators) filtered face masks are used to prevent or minimize the transmission of pathogens in the respiratory air. Particles with the most penetrating particle size of 0.3 mm (micrometer) under test conditions; It provides filtering at FFP1 (80%), FFP2 (94%) and FFP3 (99%)[2].
The condition for both FFP masks and medical masks (surgical masks) to provide the prescribed level of protection and reduce the risk of infection is production in accordance with the standards. If this cannot be achieved, it is possible to encounter unforeseen infection increases[1].
In order for masks to provide the expressed protection, they must be produced in accordance with the technical regulations (technical legislation, ISO, EN, TS standards) to which they are subject[1].
Surgical (medical) masks, which are envisaged and recommended for widespread use, reduce the risk of infection and provide maximum protection, provided that they are produced in accordance with the TS EN 14683 standard, and on the condition that they comply with maximum hand hygiene and physical distance during the use process[1].
It has been observed that the masks produced and used in accordance with the standards provide protection against COVID-19 and reduce the risk of infection. However, the level of protection varies according to the type of mask and the material used in production[1].
Half masks with filters belonging to the FFP2 classification are currently the most commonly used personal protective equipment (PPE) items in the medical field. They aim to protect the wearer from particles, droplets and aerosols, but they can also prevent the spread of aerosol-borne viruses if the wearer becomes infected [3].
With our Safetouch brand, we produce FFP2-FFP3 masks in accordance with TS EN 149 standard, TYPE IIR - Surgical masks and laminated overalls, gowns in accordance with TS EN 14683 standard. Used in the production of all of our medical products in our factory; Nonwoven Sponbond and Nonwoven Meltblown fabrics are produced.
Safetouch quality control laboratory meets the quality requirements in the sectors served, by making reliable, environmentally friendly production in line with the ISO standards we have; We can offer our customers a product range of desired quality and performance.
Safetouch can examine all its own retrospective records such as input controls, final controls, shipment and warehouse exit information of the products, through the traceability system it has established.
At every stage of production, product features and the accuracy of the results obtained with the test methods used are controlled by our new generation test devices.