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Guidance

OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities

Guidance on PPE, face coverings, face visors, and hand cleaning and sanitising products, for the protection of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is focusing on the key issues surrounding Government measures to protect the public during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

During this challenging period, we are working with business to understand where regulatory requirements are preventing them delivering the products the public and NHS need.

OPSS COVID-19 guidance for businesses

Placing hand cleaning and sanitising products on the UK market (PDF, 375 KB, 5 pages) - version 3, 14 May 2020

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations - Northern Ireland

Manufacturers and makers of face coverings (PDF, 151 KB, 4 pages) - version 6, 14 January 2022 - also applicable to individuals

Manufacturers and makers of face visors (PDF, 152 KB, 4 pages) - version 3, 14 January 2022 - also applicable to individuals

Read technical specifications for PPE published by the Cabinet Office and Department of Health and Social Care.

OPSS COVID-19 guidance for local authorities

The enforcement guidance for local authorities on face masks and coverings published on 12 June 2020 was removed on 15 April 2021 as it was no longer applicable due to developments. A revised version is under consideration.

Letters OPSS has sent to stakeholders:

Letter to Notified Bodies concerning PPE (PDF, 205 KB, 2 pages) - 25 March 2020

Letter to Health and Safety Executive concerning PPE (PDF, 193 KB, 2 pages) - 25 March 2020

The letter to Local Authority Heads of Service, regional coordinators and National Product Safety Group members concerning PPE published on 27 March 2020 was removed on 15 April 2021 as it was no longer in line with our current advice.

OPSS has developed hand sanitisers and PPE guidance for Trading Standards, as well as businesses.

Email: opss.enquiries@beis.gov.uk for further information.

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