France Specifies Requirements for Face Masks with Windows

On July 22, 2020, the
French Government updated its Cross Ministries Note relating to ‘community
masks’ to include specific requirements for face masks with a clear window.

According to the update, masks with a clear window must conform to the
following criteria:

  • Impermeable
    material must not exceed 50% of the mask surface
  • Impermeable
    material must not exceed 50% of an 8cm diameter circle. The center of the
    circle is the midpoint between the nose and mouth of the wearer
  • Permeable
    material must make up at least 50% of the mask surface and must have an air
    permeability greater than or equal to 300 L/m2/s
  • Interface
    between the permeable material and the impermeable material must not leak
  • Impermeable
    material should not be pierced, to avoid leaks
  • Filtration
    efficiency at 3µm for the permeable material shall be the same as for other
    ‘general public’ masks defined in previous versions of the Cross Ministries
    Note (Annex I): 90% for Cat 1 and 70% for Cat. 2 according to DGA test method
  • To avoid
    leakage along the edges of the mask, it must allow a fit on the face that
    includes the nose and chin and the adjustment at the mouth must not create a
    retention zone that can accumulate carbon dioxide
  • Washable window
    masks must be able to be cleaned as other kinds of washable masks except for
    ironing (Annex I)

[if !supportLists]

‘Community masks’ are face masks used by the general public in daily
life. They do not meet the standards necessary for medical use.

The latest update ensures face masks with a clear window maintain the
required standards for breathability and filtration.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant many of us are now wearing face masks
regularly in our daily lives. One issue associated with this is that people
cannot see the mouth and lips of the speaker. This can create problems for lip
readers.

It also hides facial expressions, which can be a major problem for both
adults and children, who often need the reassurance of seeing a smile.

SGS PPE Services

SGS offers a full range of
services to help manufacturers and suppliers of PPE, including face masks,
deliver high quality, safe, and compliant products to markets around the world.
Learn more about SGS
PPE Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with
the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the
France Defines Specific Requirements For Face Covering
Masks With Window
SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Valerie CIMETIERE
SGS Textile Expert
Tel:
+33 (0)6 82 90 18 99
Email:
crs.media@sgs.com

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

SGS
is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification
company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity.
With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices
and laboratories around the world.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top