Protective and safety clothing

Tender description

Since Covid-19, the need identified was for communicating with patients who rely on lip-reading and use facial expression to support communication; this includes people who are d/Deaf, have a learning disability, autism, dementia and other groups. Stage 1 will be an open market consultation held by the DHSC on Teams on 13 January 2021 and will include a Q/A stage. Stage 2 is the information gathering stage which will inform next steps for procurement. Since the Covid-19 epidemic the need identified was for communicating with patients who rely on lip-reading and use facial expression to support communication; this includes people who are d/Deaf, have a learning disability, autism, dementia and other client/patient groups. DHSC are seeking to understand the market and supplier capabilities to provide transparent face masks. We have no pre-determined requirements for the face mask regarding construction however the following guidelines are provided to assist with the respondent’s response: — Loop or tie-back depending patient/client group, could have a head harness which facilitates donning and removing easily, security of fastening, adjustable or self-adjustable, maintains position and face fit including comfort whilst wearing including walking and working under different conditions. — Has a transparent area that enables the person interacting with the user to see a large area of the users face (the mouth area). The transparent area should be kept clear and not ‘fogged’ through the user exhaling. — Is made of a construction that is comfortable for prolonged use, has no materials that in contact with skin will not cause irritation or adverse impact on health. Includes no latex rubber. — A valve is not a requirement but if fitted must be protected against dirt and mechanical damage. — Is constructed of materials that resist damage through mechanical handling and wear and tear over the period of intended use. No sharp edges or burrs. Passes testing to the appropriate standard. — Has bacterial filtering that provides protection for either the patient or wearer. — Protects against carbon dioxide build-up of the inflation air (dead air). — Have protection against inward liquid leakage and liquid splashes. — Must comply with standard flammability testing. — the mask may be single use or meets the requirements for re-use, — If disposable, the mask must meet regulations for landfill disposal. — If re-usable all surfaces must have the ability to be decontaminated to the appropriate standard, will not be degraded by disinfectants and steriliser and the ability to clean between patients is essential. — if a frame type design with disposable filter; all the surfaces must have the ability to be decontaminated to the appropriate standard, resistant to disinfectants and sterilisers. — Should be available in different sizes. — capability of the product and the design being successfully certified in the fullness of time. — Must meet the same performance standards as FFP2, FFP3 (EN149:2001) (and/or) Type IIR masks (EN14683:2019) and/or powered air purifying options (EN12941).