ATSM International has approved a new standard for reusable face masks. The committee on personal protective clothing and equipment (F23) developed the standard, which helps establish minimum design, performance, labeling and care requirements for barrier face coverings.
The new standard (F3502) is intended to apply to the general public and workers and includes specific requirements for reusable barrier face coverings including design and general construction criteria, particle filtration efficiency levels, sizing and fit testing criteria, labeling instructions, and guidance on cleaning and recommended periods of use.
“Members of the committee worked together to reach a consensus and address the gap that exists for barrier face coverings that are neither a respirator nor a surgical mask,” said Kathie Morgan, ASTM International president in a press release. “The standard helps to benchmark products and will inform consumers when selecting face coverings for their intended use.”
Several ASTM PPE standards have been recognized internationally by the World Health Organization and in the United States by health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, and the Food and Drug Administration.
The barrier face covering standard is available at www.astm.org/COVID-19 along with 28 other COVID-related standards. ASTM International also released a technical white paper outlining the need for collaboration on standards development.
