Coronavirus: Network Rail face mask manufacturing challenge
08/04/2020
Can you help Network Rail increase its supply of face masks and face visors for situations where they are required by task specific risk assessments?
Network Rail owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. The company’s R&D team has asked UKFT to help it understand the capability of the market for alternative designs and manufacturing techniques for face masks and face visors, should the requirement arise to provide its workforce with this equipment.
Social distancing measures and appropriate PPE are needed to allow Network Rail and supplier staff to continue working to maintain essential rail services during the Coronavirus Pandemic. It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure PPE such as Face Masks and, quite rightly, the NHS is being prioritised. Therefore, Network Rail are urgently challenging the industry to propose innovative ways to increase the supply of face masks for situations where they are required by task specific risk assessments. Network Rail is looking to provide its control staff and maintenance staff with face visors to limit the spread of infection
This initiative does not seek to influence or disrupt the supply chain for the traditional masks and visors as such, Network Rail are seeking to engage and collaborate with manufacturers who do not currently produce traditional face masks and visors but manufacturers in other industries or manufacturers who can suggest alternative materials, solutions or method of manufacturing that are still able to conform with specifications outlined below.
Network Rail is also seeking responses from suppliers who have additional capacity in supplying FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 respirator masks and 3-ply surgical masks.
Find details below…
Alternative designs and manufacturing techniques for Face Masks
Network Rail are seeking alternative designs and manufacturing techniques for face masks which can conform to the following technical specification:
- EN14683 type 1 and 2 capability for filtration. (Options of higher protection could be considered for very specific tasks);
- one, standard but adjustable size which ensures coverage from the nose to the chin;
- providing the above two requirements are met, Network Rail encourage the use of any type of manufacturing method material or construction;
- the mask should be easy to fit with minimal adjustment required;
- if disposable, the mask must meet regulations for landfill disposal;
- if a frame type design with disposable filter; all the surfaces must be washable, resistant to disinfectants and sterilisers;
- straps must be removable and replaceable;
- CE marking is initially not required although Network Rail acceptance will be based on the capability of the product in line with the specification and the design being successfully certified in the fullness of time.
In order to respond to this request for information, please email R&D@networkrail.co.uk with the following information:
- price including:
— development investment required to meet the above specification
— unit Price and any volume discounts.
- availability including:
— information on the origin location of components
— manufacturing capacity per week
- lead time – for development, manufacturing and delivery
- conformance to the specification above or activities required to meet this
- if frame type, confirmation on availability of straps, and filter materials.
Further information on the specification can be found here.
Alternative designs and manufacturing techniques for Face Masks
Network Rail is looking to provide its workforce with personal protective equipment to fight against Covid-19. There is an expectation that all of the workforce may want to wear such a visor therefore expected volumes for visor demand from Network Rail is around 5000 units.
Network Rail are seeking visors for two possible use cases with varying specifications as below.
1) Control room use
Network Rail are seeking designs which can conform to the following technical specification:
- EN166 class 1 optical quality and class S for mechanical properties;
- the design to shall be the similar to the NHS visor type design. Proposals for alternatives will also be considered;
- CE marking is initially not required although Network Rail acceptance will be based on the capability of the product in line with the specification and to be successfully certified in the fullness of time.
2) Maintenance use
Network Rail are seeking designs which can conform to the following technical specification:
- EN166 class 1 optical quality and class S for mechanical properties;
- the design shall be mounted on standard NR safety helmet (size to be confirmed);
- the visor must be removable from the safety helmet;
- perspex to be scratch and shatter resistant (class 1 impact B or A);
- all surfaces must be washable, will not be degraded by disinfectants and steriliser and the ability to clean daily is essential;
- straps must be removable and replaceable;
- size must protect the face but allow the worker freedom of movement to achieve work safely;
- CE marking is initially not required although Network Rail acceptance will be based on the capability of the product in line with the specification and to be successfully certified in the fullness of time.
In order to respond to this request for information, please email R&D@networkrail.co.uk with the following information:
- price including:
— development investment required to meet the above specification;
— unit Price and any volume discounts.
- availability including:
— information on the origin location of components;
— manufacturing capacity per week.
- lead time — for development, manufacturing and delivery;
- conformance to the specification above or activities required to meet this;
- if frame type, confirmation on availability of straps, and filter materials;
- availability of perspex cleaning materials; to avoid scratching and damage to surfaces.
Further information on the specification can be found here
Face Masks – Existing supply
Network Rail is also seeking to understand the manufacturing capacity of the existing supply chain for FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 respirator and 3-ply surgical face masks.
Please contact briony.toogood@networkrail.co.uk if you have current additional capacity for supply of these masks.
UKFT Statement on PPE Performance Requirements
UKFT is working to support the government as it starts to increase the availability of PPE. Read more here.
UKFT is in constant dialogue with the government and is outlining the latest support available for businesses on our website. We will update the details as and when the situation changes.