Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing for Flood Cleanup Workers

The hazards in flood waters are likely variable and can include sewage, household chemicals and cleaning solutions, petroleum products, hazardous industrial chemicals, pesticides, and flammable liquids. Workers must also be aware of dangers from physical hazards such as obstacles covered by flood waters (storm debris, depressions, drainage openings, ground erosion) and from displaced reptiles or other animals.

Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should avoid direct skin contact with flood waters if possible and through the use of appropriate PPE and clothing. In most instances, the selection of PPE will be dependent on site specific conditions, hazards, and tasks; the list below provides guidance on PPE and clothing for flood response workers:

• Electrically insulated, watertight boots with steel shank, toe, and insole. Tennis shoes or sneakers should not be worn because they will transfer contamination and will not prevent punctures, bites, or crush injuries. Hip waders may be appropriate to help prevent contact with flood waters;
• Heavy, waterproof, cut-resistant work gloves. Other types of protective gloves may be required if handling identified material hazards;
• Goggles, safety glasses with side shields or full face shields. Sun/glare-protective lenses may be needed in some work settings;
• Soft hat or other protective head cover. Wear a hardhat if there is any danger of falling debris or electrical hazards;
• Hearing protection (when working in an environment with any noise that you must shout over to be heard);
• Comfortable, form fitting, light weight clothing including long pants and a long sleeved shirt or coveralls;
• Under some work conditions, respirators may be necessary (e.g., for exposures to mold-contaminated materials/environments, or other recognised chemical, physical, or biological hazards).

Additional PPE, respiratory protection, or clothing may be required when specific exposure hazards are identified or expected at the work site. In some instances, the protective ensemble components (garment, boots and gloves) may need to be impervious to contaminated flood or other site-specific chemical, physical, or biological hazards. Waders should be cleaned with soap and water and air dried between uses. In all instances, workers are advised to wash their hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating or drinking. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available. Protect any cuts or abrasions with waterproof gloves and dressings. The use of insect repellant, sun block and lip balm may also be required for some work environments. Drink plenty of bottled water and take frequent rest breaks to avoid overexertion.

This range of Honeywell filters suit the legacy North half face and full face masks, including the 5500 & 7700 series half masks and the 7600 series full face mask.

West Australians need to embrace wearing masks along with a raft of other "COVID-fit" precautions when the State’s border reopens next week, according to Australia Medical Association WA president Andrew Miller.

From commuters crammed on trains and buses to punters at large public events, Dr Miller said West Aussies should adopt masks in their daily lives like Asian nations such as South Korea, Taiwan and China.

WA opens quarantine-free travel to most States and territories from November 14 under a new "controlled interstate border" plans announced by Premier Mark McGowan on Friday.

Speaking to The West Live, Dr Miller said masks should especially be used when someone has a common cold or even hay fever.

"Our community needs to get ready — COVID-fit — for the occasional outbreak," he told podcast host Jenna Clarke.

Frequently Asked Questions - Aura 9320A+ and 9322A+ Bulk Packs

How are CPS and rebate programs going to be managed?

The standard price per respirator and contract price arrangements per respirator remain unchanged regardless of the packaging.

What does this mean with our existing orders for 9320A+ and 9322A+ in the system / When will we be supplied with those orders / When current boxes run out what happens to back orders?

Stock delivered in June will have the standard box packaging. From July onwards, stock will be delivered in bulk packs.

An email from the distributor confirming willingness to receive the new codes instead of the old codes would suffice to update backorders.

Alternatively, the backorders with old codes can be cancelled, and new orders can be placed using the new codes.

Are all the back orders going to be consolidated and then shipped in new volumes?

For orders that would be supplied with 9320A+ or 9322A+ from July onwards, yes this can be done, provided the distributor confirms via email their willingness to receive the new codes

What happens to distributors who have their end users wanting less than case quantities of 9322A+ or volumes that are not a multiple of 200 units?

The intention behind bulk packing is to increase productivity and release orders faster. However, this comes at a cost of ordering by the case unfortunately.

How do distributors sell this product in less than carton QTY do they have the fitting instructions etc. on the packaging?

According to the TGA they cannot be sold loose either by 3M Au or by 3M authorised distributors.

Can distributors repackage into smaller volumes?

Yes

Can distributors sell individual masks?

As per TGA, neither 3M Australia nor 3M distributors would be able to sell individual units unless it comes with user instructions, 3M sponsor details, the required intended use, the product cat code, lot number and expiry.

Do you have any indication if this will be a permanent change considering the communication state effective July?

No changes until further notice

3M Aura 9320A+ and 9322A+ standard packs – update

Based on some customers feedback, a limited quantity of the 9322A+ (standard packs XA010017854 are on plan to be delivered in July.

Prioritization of stock

We continue to focus on Healthcare with support for critical industrial and key industries.

The majority of our stock on hand is being released to Healthcare/Frontline HC workers dealing with Covid-19 and Govt/Hospitals and the remaining to Critical Infrastructure and existing DR customers in Industrial markets

DR Quantities and ETAs cannot be committed to customers because demand from frontline customers is being prioritised.

Regards

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.

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.

Men's beards could render face masks useless, health authorities warn - one surprisingly comprehensive graphic reveals why 'walrus' is fine but 'mutton chops' won't do

• Sales of medical face masks are spiking around the world amid an outbreak of a new type of coronavirus, although experts say they’re not the most effective form of protection.
• A graphic from the CDC helps explains which facial hairstyle allows the masks to be more effective – and it’s very thorough.

Comfort Masks:

• Are not designed to protect your lungs from airborne hazards.
• Do not have the word NIOSH and the approval type (i.e. N95/P2) printed on the product.
• Are not cleared by the FDA for use as a surgical mask.
• Have not been tested to any government performance standards for filtration.
• Usually have only 1 head strap.
• Do not fit tightly to the face - there might be gaps around the edges.

Key Differences Between Respirators and Masks

Video

Dear Valued 3M Channel Partner,

As previously communicated, 3M is seeing very high demand for respiratory protection products due to the outbreak of a newly identified novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). In response, 3M is increasing respirator production and is working with 3M authorized channel partners to help ensure they have inventory to meet end-user demand. We remain committed to the balanced distribution of product so that your domestic industrial customers can receive the 3M respiratory protection products they have chosen to rely on to help facilitate their day-to-day operations.

3M P2 Respirators Update