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Network Rail asks UKFT to help raise face masks supply

09 Apr '20

3 min read

Pic: UKFT

The Network Rail has announced that its R&D team has asked UKFT to help it understand the capability of the market for alternative designs and manufacturing techniques for face masks and face visors, should the requirement arise to provide its workforce with this equipment. The Network Rail owns, operates, and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure.

Social distancing measures and appropriate PPE are needed to allow Network Rail and supplier staff to continue working to maintain essential rail services during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure PPE such as face masks and, quite rightly, the NHS is being prioritised. Therefore, Network Rail are urgently challenging the industry to propose innovative ways to increase the supply of face masks for situations where they are required by task specific risk assessments. Network Rail is looking to provide its control staff and maintenance staff with face visors to limit the spread of infection, according to an UKFT press release.

This initiative does not seek to influence or disrupt the supply chain for the traditional masks and visors as such, Network Rail are seeking to engage and collaborate with manufacturers who do not currently produce traditional face masks and visors but manufacturers in other industries or manufacturers who can suggest alternative materials, solutions or method of manufacturing that are still able to conform with specifications outlined below.

Network Rail is also seeking responses from suppliers who have additional capacity in supplying FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 respirator masks and 3-ply surgical masks. It is seeking alternative designs and manufacturing techniques for face masks which can conform to the technical specification EN14683 type 1 and 2 capability for filtration. (Options of higher protection could be considered for very specific tasks); and one, standard but adjustable size which ensures coverage from the nose to the chin.

Providing the above two requirements are met, Network Rail encourages the use of any type of manufacturing method material or construction. The mask should be easy to fit with minimal adjustment required; if disposable, the mask must meet regulations for landfill disposal; if a frame type is designed with disposable filter; all the surfaces must be washable, resistant to disinfectants and sterilisers; and the straps must be removable and replaceable.

CE marking is initially not required although Network Rail acceptance will be based on the capability of the product in line with the specification and the design being successfully certified in the fullness of time.

Network Rail is looking to provide its workforce with personal protective equipment to fight against Covid-19. There is an expectation that all of the workforce may want to wear such a visor therefore expected volumes for visor demand from Network Rail is around 5000 units. Network Rail are seeking visors for two possible use cases with varying specifications, mainly control room use and maintenance use. It is also seeking to understand the manufacturing capacity of the existing supply chain for FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 respirator and 3-ply surgical face masks.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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Network Rail asks UKFT to help raise face masks supply

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