BSI updates community face coverings standard

The second version of the standard, called Community Face Coverings – Specification, is freely available for use to help UK manufacturers, test houses, retailers and consumers to ensure single-use and re-usable face coverings are safe and fit for purpose.

Its publication coincides with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, where due to the COVID-19 pandemic people are wearing face coverings to reduce the projection of exhaled air and the spread of infection. They are designed to offer a level of protection for those around the wearer, but they can also limit penetration by respiratory droplets from another person into the wearer’s nose and mouth. A face covering can also minimize the amount wearers touch their nose and mouth. 

BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, brought together a UK Advisory Group¹ of expert healthcare, consumer and retail representatives to develop the specification.

Download the standard here: BSI Flex 5555 v2.0 Community face coverings — Specification

¹Advisory Group

Bolton Consultancy Ltd; National Childrenswear Association; Shirley Technologies Ltd; Intertek; Cabinet Office; CPIN; University of Leeds, UK; University of Huddersfield; UK Hospitality; University College London; Nestle UK; SMTL; Rocialle Healthcare Limited; Which?; BSI; Pennine Healthcare.