Appropriate PPE for hairdresser, and where to get it?

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Paul1977

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#270396 7-May-2020 14:13

My partner is a hairdresser and we have just learned she will be allowed to operate under Level 2 with PPE.

So the obvious question - what sort of masks does she need to get and where us the best place to source them?

I’m assuming she’ll need 2 disposable masks per client (one for her and one for the client), but what standard does she need?

ASTM Level 1, 2, or 3?

N95?

Having to use 2 per client she’ll go through a lot so can’t afford to spend a fortune on them.

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#2478620 7-May-2020 14:19

i'm not aware that hairdressers or their customers need PPE, at least i am unable to find it online

Jase2985

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#2478621 7-May-2020 14:19

you need to find out what the MOH say the level of the mask needs to be, it could be as simple as a surgeons mask or it could be a N95 mask. but most places that are open in level 3 look to be using simple surgons masks.

https://www.lifepharmacy.co.nz/home/shop-by-category/health/first-aid/first-aid-devices--kits/surpuri-medical-face-mask-50s/

and example of what ive seen most who are working under level 3 wearing likely to be cheaper out there

though is it even a requirement?

Batman

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#2478624 7-May-2020 14:27

here it says

Bloomfield said mask wearing for hairdressers and in beauty salons made sense at level 2, but at the moment there was no intention to make mask-wearing compulsory.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12330222

Journeyman

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#2478637 7-May-2020 14:32

Paul1977: I’m assuming she’ll need 2 disposable masks per client (one for her and one for the client), but what standard does she need?

Would it not hinder the hair cutting process if the client were wearing a mask?

davidcole

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#2478642 7-May-2020 14:38

Journeyman:

Paul1977: I’m assuming she’ll need 2 disposable masks per client (one for her and one for the client), but what standard does she need?

Would it not hinder the hair cutting process if the client were wearing a mask?

Doesn't matter if everyone is getting military haircuts (buzz cuts). Styles are now out the window

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KrazyKid

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#2478646 7-May-2020 14:45

Here is is a link to the government covid site stating MBI will provide advise in the future for hairdressers

Personally I'd imagine gloves and mask. Maybe disposable plastic covers that keep the hair off people. Or at least the hair covers washed between customers. Also disinfecting seat/scissors/etc between customers.

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tripp

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#2478649 7-May-2020 14:50

I would also be making sure there is 15 minutes between customers for cleaning and so there are not to many people sitting around waiting. Max number of people that can be in there and the rest need to wait outside or in their car. Maybe a text to let them know to come in.

Oh and please remove magazines and papers etc for people waiting. If people want to read things they can bring their own stuff in.

Paul1977

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#2478651 7-May-2020 14:54

Thanks guys. Listening to briefing today the mention PPE for hairdressers. I assumed it was compulsory, but even if not seems sensible (if it’s workable).

Even if not practical for the client to wear it, still makes sense for the hairdresser to.

With us likely only getting 48 hours notice before level 2 we’d like to get it sorted before then so we have it in time.

networkn

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#2478746 7-May-2020 15:48

Paul1977: Thanks guys. Listening to briefing today the mention PPE for hairdressers. I assumed it was compulsory, but even if not seems sensible (if it’s workable).

Even if not practical for the client to wear it, still makes sense for the hairdresser to.

With us likely only getting 48 hours notice before level 2 we’d like to get it sorted before then so we have it in time.

I'd be happy getting a haircut if my barber and I both wore reasonable face masks.

mdf

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#2478781 7-May-2020 16:25

FWIW, I found this article _extremely_ useful (although long): https://fastlifehacks.com/n95-vs-ffp/

TLDR version (assuming I have acceptable reading comprehension. Do your own research. Your mileage may vary etc.):

"N95" is a US standard. The approx European (and more common in NZ) is standard is "P2" or "FFP2". This standard isn't the best (N99, N100 and P3 exist), but seems to be very effective at filtering COVID.
You need a respirator (dust mask style) to protect yourself. These filter when you inhale.
Surgical style "sheet" masks will provide some protection to others, as they filter when you exhale, but will only provide limited protection to you as they do not filter nearly as well when you inhale
Even then, not all surgical style masks are made equal (some only provide very limiting filtering either way)
Some dust mask style respirators have an exhalation valve that make it easier to breathe out. This still provides protection to you, but will not protect others as you exhalations are now unfiltered. You can stack with a surgical style mask if you want to get around this.
COVID can get in through any mucous membrane, including the eyes. Glasses will provide some protection. Sealable goggles are better. Full masks are primarily intended to deal with coughing and sneezing scearios.

I have no knowledge about the requirements, but if the rules are designed to protect customers, a surgical style mask may be sufficient to meet the rules. If going down this route, I'd suggest it would be prudent for both hairdresser and customer to wear one.

I would guess that a non-valved P2 mask is probably you're actually aiming for. Theoretically, a hairdresser wearing one would deal with both inhalation and exhalation.

The article suggests one mask per day rather than one mask per customer, so long as you are careful. Touching the virus barrier = very bad idea.

Glasses/face shields may also be required.

It will be a pain wearing a disposable one all day. You might want to look at the proper painting respirator masks with silicon seals. I have one for DIYing and much more comfortable to wear for longer periods than a disposable one.

Finding stuff is going to be a challenge any which way. Certainly Bunnings + Mitre 10 were out of stock last I looked. Is there a Hairdressers Association or similar that could do a group order?

JayADee

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#2478812 7-May-2020 17:03

If I were the hairdresser I'd want a mask and goggles and probably some light coveralls to strip out of and wash, swapping out for a clean pair daily for personal safety. As a customer I'd probably wear similar (minus the coveralls) but being immune compromised I'll be cutting my own hair for some time yet!

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mattwnz

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#2478864 7-May-2020 18:51

I think in the media conference the PM said they would be proving details on PPE and suppliers for them for hairdressers . But I think it would need to consist of aproper mask that seals around the ace, and without a front valve, and not just a 'cloth mask' . Also eye protection. Plus perhaps front protection to the body to protect clothing. In China they were using more basic full coverage hazmat suits to cut hair as a precaution. The risk for anyone cutting hair IMO is quite high if the virus is in the community, because just a customer coughing and talking, they could breath it in, or it could get onto their eyeballs.

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#2478903 7-May-2020 20:29

mattwnz:

I think in the media conference the PM said they would be proving details on PPE and suppliers for them for hairdressers . But I think it would need to consist of aproper mask that seals around the ace, and without a front valve, and not just a 'cloth mask' . Also eye protection. Plus perhaps front protection to the body to protect clothing. In China they were using more basic full coverage hazmat suits to cut hair as a precaution. The risk for anyone cutting hair IMO is quite high if the virus is in the community, because just a customer coughing and talking, they could breath it in, or it could get onto their eyeballs.

i'm not sure how, as the PPE will cost more than the haircut

ben28

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#2478937 7-May-2020 21:12

I suspect based on risk in NZ it will be a simple mask , its not an emergency room with confirmed Covid patients spluttering over everyone.

Even the scissors , you cut someones hair , you dont get covid from peoples hair and even if you did and its transferred to another customers hair the chance of that customer transferring a dose to their hands and then to their eyes/nose is real low

And I don't see how a customer can were a mask and have their haircut, as the mask will need to be around their ears. Mucking around moving the mask during the haircut will create more risk than it avoids

I'm no expert but that's my common sense view

ben28

mattwnz

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#2478940 7-May-2020 21:21

Batman:

i'm not sure how, as the PPE will cost more than the haircut

I doubt they need to change it for each haircut, didn't someone above say once a day? Guessing teh MOH will provide advice on how it should be done closer to the time. Disposable PPE shouldn't be expensive. I purchased 10x N95 masks for about $10 several years ago, although I understand from someone importing PPE from China for the horticulture industry, that they have really ramped up the prices of masks recently. .

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