Choosing the right type of face mask has never been more crucial than now. Not all masks are graded and ungraded masks may look like a medical grade (surgical) mask but may only offer 50 – 80% filtration. Surgical masks are graded in Australia according to Australian Standard AS 4381:2015. Not all masks are graded so make sure you check that your product of choice complies with the relevant standard and has also been listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a level 1 medical device. This will ensure you are comfortable that you have the appropriate level of protection. 

Which is which? 
Level 1: Low barrier protection 
General use. Not used for aerosols, spray or fluids

Level 2: Moderate barrier protection 
For low to moderate levels of aerosols, spray and/or fluids 

Level 3: Maximum barrier protection 
Used for high risk of fluid, spray or aerosol exposure

Testing Metrics: 
Masks are tested according to the below criteria: 
– Bacterial Filtration 
– Fluid Resistance 
– Breathability

The more resistance the mask offers to any of these criteria, the higher the grade and thus the higher the protection. Higher protection masks are more suited to surgery or working with chemicals, however, will not protect against vapours, which will need a respirator. 

TEST	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
BFE: Bacterial Filtration Efficiency	≥ 95%	≥ 98%	≥ 98%
Splash Resistance (mmHg)	80	120	160
Breathability/Differential Pressure (mmH2O/cm²)	<4	<5	<5

What about a respirator? 
The decision whether or not to use either respirators or surgical masks must be based upon a hazard analysis of the person’s specific environment and the protective properties of each type of personal protective equipment.

Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer’s respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases, or vapours. Respirators and filters must be selected based on the hazards present. They come in various sizes and styles, and should be individually selected to fit the wearer’s face and to provide a tight seal. A proper seal between the user’s face and the respirator forces inhaled air to be pulled through the respirator’s filter material, thereby providing protection.

Surgical masks are designed to help prevent contamination to and from the environment or to a sterile field from particles. Surgical masks may also be used to help reduce the risk of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions from reaching the wearer’s mouth and nose. Surgical masks may also be worn by patients to help limit the
spread of infections.