Rank: New forum user 
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I'm having a bit of difficulty deciding on what sort of Mask / Respirator would be sufficient for somebody that is going to undertake a house clearance. The house in question contains a lot of cat faeces, decaying food and fleas have been identified. There could be other hazards but my main concern is to protect workers from any possible hazard from the cat faecas. Anybody got any ideas on what sort of mask would be sufficient?
The worker will be wearing a disposable body suit, gloves etc it is just the type of mask necessary that I am unsure of.
Any help greatfully appreciated
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I would contact an agency such as RSPCA for their advice. Cat "manure" will smell, and may not give off any other airborne hazards - however a possibility is fungal spores.
Hence, you probably require to filter out particles of 2 microns, so FFP2 or FFP3 disposable masks would probably do.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I suspect odour may also be a significat issue for those expected to work in such conditions; maybe check with your current PPE supplier just to confirm that the mask will also remove odour before purchasing?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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A simple cheap dust mask should suffice - it fill not filter odours but can hold a smear of menthol (Vick), which helps with smell. Wearing a mask reminds them not to put their fingers in their mouths!
Consider eye protection.
Biggest issue is basic personal hygiene. Appropriate gloves or gauntlets; shoes or boots; elasticated wrists and ankles to body suite; bagging of waste; avoid generating dust and splash/spray. Thorough washing with warm water and soap after glove and body suit removal; no handling or discarded items after handwashing.
An initial spray of a biocide is probably unnecessary and almost certainly ineffective. Spraying with a knockdown insecticide before and during work is more appropriate.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Disposable boot covers are also a good option as you can then tape round the anles to keep a seal and round the wrists to prevent wrist exposure. A second footwear option is wellingtons with the overalls over the outside of the wellington.
I would use some of the waterless cleaning gels in the vehicle for personal hygiene after PPE removal.
Most void clearance teams should already be familiar with the process but make sure you get their views and needs clearly integrated into the whole package - without them every system will fail.
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user
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Incidentally, I would suggest using sticky tape to cover the joint between gloves and sleeve and maybe the boots too.
Fleas jump.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Kim Hedges wrote:Incidentally, I would suggest using sticky tape to cover the joint between gloves and sleeve and maybe the boots too.
Fleas jump.
Neither, so I'm told, do dead budgies fall out of cages!
Ian.Blenkharn wrote:Spraying with a knockdown insecticide before and during work is more appropriate.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi
And don't forget face fits and the one hour rule for none powered respirators if you decide on a orinasal half mask or disposable
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