FFP2 mask requirement | Use workers | Obligation employers
FFP2 masks commercial use
If FFP2 masks are worn during working hours, the employer must observe the regulations of the employers' liability insurance association. This must be taken into account, even if the legislature in accordance with the Infection Protection Act (in accordance with Section 32 Clause 1 in conjunction with Section 28 Paragraph 1, Section 28a IfSG) enacts a mask requirement by ordinance. This does not exempt the employer from preventive measures, the obligations to prevent accidents at work, occupational diseases and work-related health hazards.
FFP2 mask compulsory employee - duties and obligations employer
An FFP2 mask falls under DGUV rule 112-190 "Use of respiratory protective equipment". The Infection Protection Act (IfSG) does not abolish the rules of preventive measures and obligations, but can be viewed as supplementary and expanding. Changes can occur, however the following points must be observed:
- Provision of suitable FFP2 masks
- Creation one Risk assessment (Risk identification & risk assessment)
- Occupational medicine Medical check-up (Offer examination - no compulsory examination! Group 1)
- Wearing time limit (See DGUV 112-190)
- Operating instructions
- Instruction
Video instruction handling and correct use of an FFP2 mask
Video and page sharing
Current information regarding FFP 2 masks
Due to constant changes in politics and science, new rules, regulations or usage instructions for FFP2 masks are always being supplied. We always try to keep you up to date!
Note from RKI (Robert Koch Institute) January 22nd, 2021 regarding FFP2 mask during working hours:
How are FFP2 masks worn in a work context?
The protective effect of the FFP2 mask is only guaranteed if it is worn continuously and tightly (ie to match the shape of the face and finally on the skin). As part of occupational safety, the tight fit of the mask is ensured by the so-called FIT test.
If FFP2 masks are used correctly, there is increased breathing resistance, which makes breathing difficult. For this reason, an occupational health check-up should be offered before wearing in order to medically assess the risks for the user on an individual basis.
In accordance with the requirements of occupational safety, the continuous wearing time of FFP2 masks is limited in healthy people
(see manufacturer information, usually 75 minutes followed by a 30-minute break). This minimizes the worker's stress due to the increased breathing resistance.
Furthermore, FFP2 masks should not be used multiple times as intended, as they are usually single-use products.
Source: RKI
(Text passages have been highlighted by us in bold)
Current information regarding FFP2 masks - private use
People in the private sector, outside of commercial activities, should definitely pay attention to the wearing time. This particularly affects people with breathing difficulties or the elderly.
The Robert Koch Institute writes about this (as of January 22, 2021)
"What should be considered when using FFP2 masks in risk groups?
If FFP2 masks are used by people with impaired lung function or elderly people, negative health effects cannot be ruled out. "
Source: RKI (as of January 22nd, 2021)
Cleaning of FFP2 masks
A cleaning of FFP2 masks is not intended in the commercial area in accordance with occupational safety and manufacturer specifications. These are single-use products.
In an FFP2 mask there are several layers which, among other things, ensure that there is a static charge. This creates the filtering effect. Attempts to clean the mask render it inoperative and no longer have the desired effect.
Should the employee use an FFP2 mask several times due to a market shortage, the employer is fundamentally responsible and must write them down in operating instructions and in a risk assessment and attach suitable scientific sources and research results.
