Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol-Based Handrub Risks/Hazards
1Will over-use of alcohol-based handrubs result in resistance?
Unlike other antiseptics and antibiotics, there is no reported or likely resistance to alcohol-based handrubs. Indeed, the more it is appropriately used, the less antibiotic-resistant bacteria are able to spread.
2Does alcohol dry the hands or sting when applied?
Modern alcohol-based handrubs should not (if used correctly) dry the hands. Today’s formulations all contain skin softeners which help prevent drying.
Alcohol based handrubs will sting if the user has any cuts or broken skin. Such areas should be covered with waterproof plasters. Allergic contact dermatitis due to alcohol-based handrubs is very rare.
Alcohol based handrubs will sting if the user has any cuts or broken skin. Such areas should be covered with waterproof plasters. Allergic contact dermatitis due to alcohol-based handrubs is very rare.
3How many times can one use the alcohol rubs?
There is a common misconception that hands should be washed after every four or five applications of alcohol-based handrub. There is no reason to do this, other than personal preference.
4What advice do you have in light of the reports that some countries are considering banning ethanol due to theoretical harmful effects caused by inhalation?
On the basis of current evidence, both ethanol and isopropanol are safe to use for hand hygiene and due to the limited time of exposure to any alcohol in the formulation it is not absorbed in measurable quantities. These formulation have been recommended by the WHO.
5What are the fire hazards relating to alcohol-based hand rub?
All alcohol based products are potentially flammable and therefore they should be stored away from high temperatures and flames. The WHO suggests that all health-care organisations currently using alcohol-based handrub should undertake local risk assessments.
The benefits of the alcohol in terms of infection prevention far outweigh the fire risks
The benefits of the alcohol in terms of infection prevention far outweigh the fire risks
Face Masks FAQ's
1Compare N95 v KN95 v FFP2 face masks
It is important for the consumer to understand what kind of a PPE is most appropriate for their need and what the reference codes mean.
The most common masks that you will find are those rated by the European Union. These masks come in three different ratings, FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. Although the numbers on these masks don’t follow the same system as the NIOSH masks, the higher numbers are still better.
There are currently many suppliers of face masks and with these common code references “N95”, “KN95” or “FFP2” face masks.
In summary, they are basically all the same. They stop 95% of particles >0.3 microns in size.
The N95 is the reference used in the US markets
The KN95 is a reference for the same product in China
The KF94 is the reference for the same product in South Korea
The FFP2 mask is the EU code, and this includes the UK.
(KN95, KF94 and FFP2 face masks are N95 face mask alternatives & N95 equivalents. They are all the same)
The most common masks that you will find are those rated by the European Union. These masks come in three different ratings, FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. Although the numbers on these masks don’t follow the same system as the NIOSH masks, the higher numbers are still better.
- An FFP1 mask offers 80% filtration of particulates from the air,
- FFP2 offers 94% filtration and acts very similarly to an N95 mask,
- FFP3 offers 99% filtration and performs similarly to an N99 mask.
There are currently many suppliers of face masks and with these common code references “N95”, “KN95” or “FFP2” face masks.
In summary, they are basically all the same. They stop 95% of particles >0.3 microns in size.
The N95 is the reference used in the US markets
The KN95 is a reference for the same product in China
The KF94 is the reference for the same product in South Korea
The FFP2 mask is the EU code, and this includes the UK.
(KN95, KF94 and FFP2 face masks are N95 face mask alternatives & N95 equivalents. They are all the same)
2Can wearing a normal medical face mask protect you from spreading a Virus?
A regular loose fitting face mask can help you stop spreading sneezes, coughs and fluids to other people because this is how the virus spreads. Thus persons with these symptoms should consider wearing a face mask for the safety of others that they may be in close contact with. It is advisable to dispose of the masks after every use.
3Can a respiratory face mask stop the spread of a virus?
Yes, respiratory face masks (fit tightly around your nose and mouth) , commonly known as N95 face masks or FFP2 masks can protect against a virus and particulates but one should wear and use the masks correctly. You need to fit them correctly so they are tight to face.
- These masks are thicker than a normal medical mask.
- They need to be fitted properly, and they are not designed to be used for a long period.
- Dispose of the face when it gets wet or dirty.
- A typical respiratory face mask will last over 1 week.
- Wear when you are near to other people, for example, in an office or when travelling on public transport.