Hi all, just wondering if we introduced masks (potentially visors aswell) would this mitigate the neccessity of having screens between desks? Or is this down to individual risk assessments

Two weeks ago I spent three and one half days as an in-patient. The procedure was that masks were worn the whole time except for eating and drinking. We were even expected to sleep in them!  The only time I was asked to remove the mask was when on the table in the operating room. Of course the personnel present there were all fully kitted out with PPE.  Personally I did not find this a problem although I can understand how others might. 

I appreciate some wish to go above and beyond government guidance (do not use PPE as Covid control in most work settings). We also have the start of the hokey-kokey about face coverings in offices so goodness knows which route that will take.

However as a mask is a piece of PPE tested as either RPE or medical device you open a whole can of worms (verified sourcing, face fit, storage, disposal...). Then you have to consider employee discomfort not only wearing such equipment all day but from glare and eye strain trying to read screens through the bent plastic of a visor.

As to face coverings there are no real specifications or standards being described merely that it should cover the mouth and nose - so a brown paper bag with slits cut for eye holes would be suitable.

Chris as our resident skin expert have you been noting the issues being reported amongst health care workers from extensive mask wearing?

We are working to avoid this (unless the govt make it compulsory which wouldnt surprise me!) using social distancing or back to back working in all areas. It is reducing our capacity dramatically in offices and making some locations a real challenge but we dont want the expense of screens and masks would not be popular and not everyone can wear one. Fortunately the majority of our work can be done at home so the management challenge is a 'rota' to ensure that everyone has a desk if they come into the office.

A visor is acceptable under English face covering for shops rules - I am one of those with issues having my nose and mouth covered (very bad childhood experience with general anaesthetic) so have stocked up on my Chinese standard anti-fog visors as sported by the local supermarket staff.

Guidance from the Office for Product Safety and Standards:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/899806/Guidance-for-businesses-and-individuals-face-coverings-version-3.pdf

Edited by user 20 July 2020 18:54:00(UTC)  | Reason: OPSS link

I imagine that having a health reason (whether mental or respiratory or skin health) not to wear a face covering could expose you to challenge and abuse and be a further cause of anxiety in places where the expectation is to wear them, even though there is meant to be an exemption in such cases.

In response to the question directed at me, yes, I have had a number of requests for guidance on this. However, this is only for those masks that are PPE, i.e. protect the wearer, where there is a tight fit between mask and facial skin. The main issue here is that the occlusion inhibits the continuous water loss through the skin (TEWL - trans-epidermal water loss) which cannot evaporate plus the accumulation of moisture within inside the tight fitting mask. This creates hypehydration similar to that from wearing occlusive gloves and a consequent irritant response in skin cells. Where respiratory protection is required for long periods the only real answer to this is to avoid the masks and go for a powered hood. There are ones designed specifically for healthcare and I know of some hospitals that have adopted these. If anyone needs more PM me with an e-mail address.

Why dont you try using the hierachy

Work from home, sounds like an office environment so this is totally possible.

2m distancing between desk

rotate home working with office working if its down to space

Before you even consider screens and masks, you should not be thinking of going straight to the bottom of any hierachy.

Plan your work, plan your workplace

I am waiting for the first person to die while wearing one of these outfits. You wear these over the top of your normal clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus as it is airtight.