PPE face mask testing services

NPL supports designers and manufacturers with the development of new PPE face masks and visors

The response by industry to support the government’s call to produce more PPE has been remarkable, with many new and existing manufacturers bringing new and innovative designs to market.

Getting safe to use and fit for purpose PPE face masks and visors to market is paramount and is just one of the many ways that NPL has been supporting the national effort and responding to the COVID-19 crisis. By helping companies who produce PPE face masks and visors to meet UK standards and achieve a CE marking*, we help bring new products and innovative solutions to market quickly and in volume.

As the country returns to work in the ‘new normal’, demand for PPE is expected to increase further as the use of PPE by the general population increases. This is encouraging new suppliers to enter the market with a wide range of innovative products. We can help manufacturers accelerate their product development process by screening early prototypes and help increase the probability that their final products will pass the required compliance tests provided by Notified Bodies. 

With many new products including features and functions not normally part of standard PPE designs, this also poses testing challenges that NPL can support through its wealth of measurements services.

NPL provides designers and manufacturers with a range of testing and consultation services, which includes:

• Screening early prototypes of PPE face masks and visors increasing the probability that final products will pass formal compliance tests and achieve the CE mark.
• Support to expedite the research and development process through design evaluation
• Testing services for the most critical aspects of face mask performance such as flow resistance, particle penetration and fluid resistance
• Assessing the impact of decontamination and cleaning methods on PPE materials
• Bespoke programmes to support new innovative PPE designs.

NPL is here to support manufacturers as they work to ensure the country has the PPE face masks and visors it needs.
 

With lead times on testing equipment being a major bottleneck in getting services up and running, NPL would like to acknowledge the support received from CMC Analytical Group, GSK, Ware in their supply of an Andersen Cascade Impactor to help NPL in its assessment of particle filtration performance of face masks.

Andy Morris, Operations Manager NPL North

_{*CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area before they can be used.}

Understanding the standards for PPE

PPE testing and consultation services