Masks are in a shortage worldwide, leading to subpar products being sold in the markets worldwide. A face mask can be used for multiple reasons; it is used by doctors in surgeries while higher quality masks such as N95s are being used to help prevent the spread of disease. A mask can only serve its purpose if it is defect free and are produced using international quality standards and Quality Inspection has been done for them.
The quality of masks should be thoroughly checked before being sold to the public and health professionals. We will first explain how these masks are produced and then explain how Quality Inspection should be done for these masks. We will also provide you with a mask inspection checklist below.
What Is The Basic Structure Of The Mask?
Normal medical masks are made of 3 different layers of non-woven fabric. The layer on the inner side is a common non-woven fabric, the main purpose of which is to absorb the moisture. The layer on the outside consists of a waterproof non-woven fabric the main purpose of which is to isolate liquid from a sneeze, cough or any other liquid sprayed by the wearer. The middle and the most important layer which is also the filter layer is made of melt blown polypropylene non-woven fabric. It is also the main barrier against germs.
What Are The Most Common Standards For Testing And Specifications For Masks Produced In China?
- GB 2626
- EN 14168
- CFR 42 Part 84
- EN 14683
- EN 14683
- ASTM F2100
How Are Medical Masks Produced?
1. The non-woven raw materials are hung on the mask sheeter rack, the machine produces automatically after debugging, The sheet for the masks comes out which is then transferred to the machine that will add ear bands. The production is then sterilized by a compound called ethylene.
2. When a mask is worn, the ear band is in a tight state hence in order to make sure the strength of the rope is sufficient. Adhesives are then added by four corners of the mask. This is done automatically by during the pressing process and mechanically transported. After following these steps a mask is produced, however this mask still cannot be classified as a medical mask. The next step is very crucial.
3. Disinfection: After the production of the mask is completed it has encountered various machines and artificial inks. At this stage, the mask is full of bacteria and is an ordinary mask. For medical treatment use the mask needs to be sterilized. An environment with 440 mg/ L of ethylene oxide and alkylation is applied in order to deactivate any microbial macromolecules in order for the masks to be disinfected and sterilized.
The compound ethylene oxide can be explosive and flammable, it can also be harmful to humans, hence the production needs to sit there for 7 days, only after that can it be analyzed. The residual ethylene oxide needs to be lower for it to be ready for shipment. Only masks produced the way explained above can be classified as medical masks.
How Can Mask Quality Be Controlled Before Mass Production?
- Get the quality of filter materials checked and tested, ensure the materials were produced as per standards. This is key when inspecting quality of masks.
- Ensure the supplier of filter materials is authenticated and quality as per standards
- Conduct sampling inspection of non-woven fabrics, ensure the breath-ability and waterproofing capabilities of fabric.
- Ensure standards are being followed in the fit of the mask i.e. proper bands are used.
What Should A Pre-Shipment Quality Inspection Checklist Of Masks Include?
For medicals masks that are to be sold to hospitals and the public, there should be strict testing conducted not only factory audits for mask factories but also pre-production and pre-shipment inspections. We have provided a complete mask Quality Inspection checklist below that should be used when buying masks.
- Packing method- Total quantity of masks and masks per export carton
- Shipping marks- Shipping marks on cartons of masks that are to be exported
- Gross weight- Check total weight in kilograms
- Dimensions- Check dimensions of cartons
- Barcode scan – Scan and check all barcodes
- Drop test on cartons containing masks
- Inner packing contents- Check quantity of masks inside cartons
- The Inner packing gross weight- Check weight of inner packing of masks
- Inner packing dimensions- Take measurements of dimensions of inner packing
- The Inner packing barcode scan- Scan barcodes on individual masks packed inside
- Inner packing sticker- Check stickers which are on the inner packing
- Instruction manual- Ensure instruction manual is included and is the correct one
- Appearance & workmanship Check for defects on the mask and report findings with pictures
- Dimensions- Measure the masks and check dimensions
- Weight – Check the weight of the masks
- Certification- Ensure mask factory has certification for medical masks
- Fitting- Check fitting of the mask using machine or dummy
- Color – mask colors match as per purchase order
- Material – Ensure the materials required by client were used
- Smell – Check all cartons and packing for smell
- Printing- Ensure printing has been done as per requirement
- Straps- Ensure correct and high-quality straps were used. Without any loose threads
- Function- Ensure mask works as required
- Waterproof test- Check if mask absorbs water as required
- Fatigue test- Ensure mask does not fall apart after use
- Adhesive test- Ensure adhesive does not stick to markings
- Heat seal/Rub test- To ensure any logos or marking don’t fall off the mask
Are you planning to import face masks?
If you would like us to conduct a mask quality inspection for you or an audit for a mask factory contact us now or use the live chat option on our website. Our inspection service in China will ensure you only receive high-quality masks.