April, 13th 2020
As one of the leading sewing thread manufacturers worldwide, AMANN Group is now using its know-how for the production of FFP2 certified face masks. The so-called FFP masks (FFP = Filtering Face Piece) protect against particulate pollutants such as dust, smoke and aerosol. They are available in the three protection levels FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. These are standardised throughout Europe according to EN 149:2001+A1:2009. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends FFP2 masks and FFP3 masks for the treatment and care of patients* with a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further information on FFP masks can be found at the end of this article.
In its highly modern Sewing Technology Center in Bönnigheim, AMANN has the necessary machinery as well as competent employees with excellent sewing skills. Therefore, the switch to processing new materials got completed at short notice.
To AMANN CEO Bodo Bölzle, this short-term entry into production is very positive: "The production, which we have shortly ramped up, is relatively small within the scope of our laboratory. However, for AMANN it is very important that we are committed to improve the supply situation with protective equipment within the framework of our possibilities. Because every contribution counts."
The production is carried out under strict hygienic conditions. The FFP2 masks are certified by Dekra and approved for medical personnel during the pandemic to combat the COVID-19 virus. The distribution is carried out by the state of Baden-Württemberg.
By producing face masks, AMANN is supporting the Hauber Group, which produces urgently needed protective equipment in the current crisis situation on behalf of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The Hauber Group, Nürtingen, is a founding member of the Fight Covid 19 consortium, whose aim is to establish a resilient mask value-added network in Germany. Within a short period of time, it united competent medium-sized (German Mittelstand) companies in order to be able to produce certified protective clothing in Germany.
We are happy to be part of this project and hope that it will help to improve the supply of protective equipment for medical staff - because every mask can save lives!
Further information on the distinction between FFP masks:
FFP1 masks may be used in accordance with DGUV rule 112-190 at pollutant concentrations of up to 4 times the occupational exposure limit (OEL). They protect against non-toxic water- and oil-based particles, but not against carcinogenic and radioactive substances, airborne biological agents of risk groups 2 and 3 + enzymes. The total leakage (leakage) is a maximum of 22%, at least 80% of the pollutants are filtered out of the air.
FFP2 masks may be used in accordance with DGUV rule 112-190 at pollutant concentrations of up to 10 times the occupational exposure limit (OEL). They provide protection against harmful water- and oil-based particles, but not against carcinogenic substances, radioactive particles, airborne biological agents of risk group 3 and enzymes. The total leakage (leakage) is a maximum of 8%, at least 94% of the pollutants are filtered out of the air. Typical applications for an FFP2 mask are, for example, handling soft wood, glass fibres, metal, plastics (not PVC) and oil mist.
FFP3 masks may be used according to DGUV rule 112-190 at pollutant concentrations up to 30 times the occupational exposure limit (OEL). They provide protection against harmful and carcinogenic water- and oil-based particles, radioactive particles, airborne biological agents of risk group 2+3 and enzymes. The total leakage (leakage) is a maximum of 2%, at least 99% of the pollutants are filtered out of the air. Typical applications for an FFP3 mask are, for example, handling heavy metals, hardwood, brake dust, radioactive substances, pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungal spores, and stainless steel welding.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends FFP2 masks and FFP3 masks for the treatment and care of patients* with a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection.
(Source: https://www.moldex-europe.com/de/moldex-know-how/schutzstufen-ffp1-masken-ffp2-masken-ffp3-masken)
April, 13th 2020