
![]() |
Mark Sennett
Managing Editor |
![]() |
Kelly Rose
Editor |
Home> | Breathing Safely | >Face Masks | >50 million NHS masks wasted |
50 million NHS masks wasted
01 September 2020
SAFETY CONCERNS have halted the use of fifty million face masks, which were bought by the government in April for use by NHS workers, according to the BBC.

The ear loop fastening masks are said to not fit as tightly as those with a head loop.
The £252 million contract was for Ayanda Capital to supply the Department of Health and Social Care with two types of face masks, including FFP2 respirator masks.
To ensure the mask is effective, a tight seal between the mask and the wearer's face is required, and to achieve this the wearer needs to undergo a face fit test.
Alan Murray, chief executive of the British Safety Industry Federation, told the BBC, "The face fit is either a pass or a fail and there are more fails on products with ear loops than there are on products with head harnesses.
"That means that it wouldn't necessarily provide the protection that was required from it."
It is reported that the 150 million Type IIR masks that were also supplied by Ayanda Capital are unaffected.
- Farm Safety Partnership urges caution
- Olympics chief to boost PPE production
- Poor management lands fine
- HSE reports positive feedback on HCR challenge
- Government publishes landmark Building Safety Bill
- Practitioner viewpoint - June 19
- Workers at risk after unsafe LPG installation work
- Company sentenced after crush death
- Safety & Health Excellence Awards winners revealed
- Stop health and safety standards slipping, urges IOSH