A quick query for my colleagues in the health care profession... Having had a look at the masks being worn in the photos here http://www.thescottishsu...ital-for-third-time.html it looks as though a number of the masks are fitted with exhalation valves. As such, they would offer little/no protection to 3rd parties, as opposed to protecting from hazards external to the wearer of said RPE. Is this a different type of disposable filtering face piece respirator?

OK - my understanding is that the exhausted breath displaces a membrane and does not pass through the filter i.e. a mask fitted with an exhalation filter is providing filtration in one direction only. It provides protection to the user, but - if that is the intention - it does not provide protection from the user. I was seeking clarification as to whether FFPRs provided for medical use have filtration for exhaled breath.

The last photograph in the article suggests a lack of credible risk control. Note the fully suited and booted "evac crew" accompanied by 2 local staff wearing plastic aprons, and some random bloke in the background wearing...............a fleece jacket. Reminds me of an asbestos cement roof dismantle I witnessed some years back. Those at height were fully suited and booted etc. and were engaged in carefully handing roof sheets down to the labourer at ground level who was wearing.......... a football shirt.

I agree, clearly no one thought this through Its just there for "show" isn't it?