Does anyone know if this mask I’ve been given is appropriate PPE?

[Whisperingpoopoo]

Hello, I’m hoping someone in the know can advise me!

I work for an outside catering company in a secondary school. The students wear masks in communal areas and as I am sharing these areas with them sometimes, I asked my manager for a face mask.

I have been given what is called a “nuisance mask” which seems to be a basic dust mask.

I was expecting to have a disposable 3-ply mask.

Can anyone tell me if this PPE is ok? Thanks

Is it not just a face covering that you need? It would count as that

Thanks for your reply! My managers have a reputation for being cheap where PPE is concerned so I don’t quite trust them. However, this mask may be just fine, I’m really not sure.

www.premierhh.co.uk/premier-nuisance-face-mask-cone-type-50-1701.html is this them?

Well, it's a 'face covering' which is what people are required to wear. Face coverings are to protect others, not really yourself (though I think it does help a bit).

PPE is personal protection equipment. Designed to protect the wearer. Medical staff on Corona Wards need this.

I think for your use, it's fine. You could always buy yourself a washable mask & use a filter. But you're still wearing it to protect others, not yourself.

Yes, they’re the ones.

Thanks MJM, seems like the students are making an effort to protect me and each other by wearing masks so I should do the same for them!

It's not got a specific rating, so it's ok as a covering but won't filter all particulates. It depends how much at risk you are, presuming you can't keep distance for some reason?

Those kind of dust masks are hot. Do you not have your own masks for going to the shops etc, why not just wear them and swap out the filters?

Tbh I think bringing my own is the way to go because MRex like you say, those masks are hot especially for work in a kitchen. We are going 100 miles an hour most of the time!

I do have reusables for shopping but I expected more from my employer. They drum health and safety into us (which is good) but it just seems like lip service when we need them to provide the stuff that keeps us and others safe.

Anyway, this is kind of turning into a bit of a bitch about my employer now, oops

I think the turquoise surgical masks are better than those and also lighter to wear. They’re very cheap to buy.

I also bought some turquoise ones yesterday with the remains of a Boots gift voucher. I wanted to use that voucher frivolously damn it!