Hearing loss can also contribute to other workplace safety problems, such as a lack of awareness and reduced concentration and leads to around 3400 successful workers compensation claims each year.

The good news is that hearing damage is entirely preventable with appropriate PPE. Correctly designed and fitted ear protection will keep industrial noise well below harmful levels, however choosing the appropriate hearing protection – whether ear muffs or ear plugs, disposable or reusable – is critical.

N95 Mask Shortage Brings Inventor Out Of Retirement In Search Of Safe Reuse Method

Tsai - who retired from the University of Tennessee last year after more than 30 years of teaching - says that researchers racing to find safe methods to sterilize the masks have been flooding his inbox, asking questions about his patented technology.

Commission publishes guidance on export requirements for personal protective equipment

On 15 March, the Commission introduced export authorisation requirements for exports of personal protective equipment outside of the European Union. This is a measure of temporary nature and not an export ban and is in line with all of the EU’s international obligations.

Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, the Commission has continued to keep its comprehensive response under review. In this respect, the Commission has reviewed various aspects of the new export authorisation measure to ensure that it fully meets its objective and operates in as effective a manner as possible.

Reflecting the integrated nature of the production value chains and distribution networks for medical and personal protective equipment beyond the boundaries of the European Union, especially in the four Member States of the European Free Trade Association – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland – the Commission has now decided to exempt exports to those countries from the export authorisation requirements. A similar exemption is being granted to Andorra, the Faroe Islands, San Marino and the Vatican, as well as the associated countries and territories that have special relations with Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (so-called Annex II countries). This change will be effective as of 21 March 2020.

This new regulation will likely impact brands like Petzl, IKAR and Skylotec's ability to supply certain Personal Protective Equipment sourced from their manufacturing operations in the European Union to customers in non-European Union countries.

3M Technical Bulletin

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR), which are sometimes called disposable respirators, are subject to various regulatory standards around the world. These standards specify certain required physical properties and performance characteristics in order for respirators to claim compliance with the particular standard. During pandemic or emergency situations, health authorities often reference these standards when making respirator recommendations, stating, for example, that certain populations should use an "N95, FFP2, or equivalent" respirator.

This document is only intended to help clarify some key similarities between such references, specifically to the following FFR performance standards:

European Union Export Restrictions and 3M Product Availability Update re: 2019 Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19

Dear Valued Customer,

On March 15th, the European Union introduced export authorization requirements for exports of certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) outside of the European Union in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The regulation is (EU) 2020/402 and is initially effective for a six-week period but could be extended. This regulation will be enacted by each country’s customs authority which will establish a process for receiving export licenses from EU to other countries.

This new regulation will likely impact 3M’s ability to supply certain Personal Protective Equipment sourced from our manufacturing operations in the European Union to customers in non-European Union countries.

Eye Protection for Infection Control

US CDC/NIOSH Recommendations

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has provided the following information concerning the use of goggles, face shields, safety glasses, and full face respirators for infection control purposes in their publication Eye Protection for Infection Control.

CDC/NIOSH recommends eye protection for a variety of potential occupational exposure settings where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular (eye) exposure. Eye protection is intended to provide a barrier to infectious materials entering the eye and is often used in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and respirators.

Eye Protection

The portfolio of 3M™ Eye Protection products promises quality eyewear that provides an optimal balance of comfort, protection and design. 3M™’s Engineers have worked hard to ensure that the level of comfort and style matches the standard of protection offered. The 3M™ portfolio offers the highest level of optical class. A broad range of eyewear products include durable anti-scratch and convenient anti-fog coatings.

About the range

Eye Protection products are used in many industries to protect against fl ying particles, liquids, chemicals, molten metals, radiated head and glare. The 3M™ range of safety spectacles and goggles off er the user protection from eye hazards including medium impact flying fragments. Our 3M™ safety spectacles and goggles can be used in conjunction with other Personal Protective Equipment products to give you added protection in diff erent situations. The 3M™ eye protection portfolio off ers an unrivalled range of products for companies looking for comfortable and high-quality solutions to meet a variety of industrial applications.

Differential Permeation. Applied to returning you home safely.

Science has the power to change the world, solve the toughest problems and shape the future. But science is just science, until you apply it to something. Make it do something, change something. No one knows this better than 3M. The average person uses 3M science many times a day and doesn’t even know it. But it is everywhere, supporting 46 separate technology platforms and continuously driving our innovations. No other company uses science like we do. That’s 3M Science. Applied to life.™

At 3M we have a select and high quality range of Coveralls, which provide protection against many hazards. The 3M range of Protective Apparel offers a variety of features, from the use of fabrics with specialist treatments for enhanced wear and added protection, to breathable back panels for increased comfort. Our experts can work closely with you, to help you identify hazards and best protect your workers against them.

Gold Coast coronavirus case is a beautician recently returned from Iran

A 63-year-old woman has been put into isolation on the Gold Coast after testing positive to coronavirus.

On Saturday it was revealed the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia has increased by two to 25, including the Queensland woman.

The beautician saw up to 40 people at a Southport salon on Thursday before she started to develop symptoms and went home.