Standards

This document recommends good practices for all elements of conformity assessment, including objects of conformity assessment, specified requirements, activities, bodies, systems, schemes and results. It is intended for use by individuals and bodies that wish to provide, promote or use impartial and reliable conformity assessment services. Providers of conformity assessment can include conformity assessment bodies, accreditation bodies, peer-assessment agreement groups, and organizations providing declarations of conformity. Individuals or organizations that promote or use conformity assessment can include, as appropriate, regulators, trade officials, and owners of conformity assessment systems and schemes.

This standard outlines minimum requirements for performance, labelling, construction and testing of non-medical face masks. These non-medical face masks are intended to reduce the risk of general transmission of infectious agents but do not fall under the ambit of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This standard is applicable to non-medical face masks made out of paper, plastic, fabric or any other breathable materials, synthetic or natural, that are disposable or reusable. It also applies to non-medical face masks that are stitched or bonded by any other methods.

This standard does not apply to the following types of face masks:

a)     folded without stitching;

b)     medical; and

c)      elastomeric particulate respirators.

This standard does not address flame resistance, high-heat, electrical arc or related hazards.