COVID-19: SON Leads ECOWAS Harmonisation, Sets Out Standards For Quality Barrier Masks For Producers, Users

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is leading the ECOWAS Harmonisation as it sets out standards in published extract of the international standard AFNOR SPEC-S76-001:2020 for quality barrier masks for producers and users.

The extract of the international standard AFNOR SPEC-S76-001:2020 had earlier been made available to the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Sustainable Production and Delivery of Essential Materials.

This is in furtherance of efforts to ensure production and use of quality Barrier Masks by Nigerians and those in ECOWAS sub-region to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

A statement from the office of the Director General,  Osita Aboloma Esq. disclosed that the 6-page handbill is to serve as quick guide to users as well as makers of Barrier Masks across the length and breadth of the Country, particularly the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises involved in the production.

Aboloma stated that the extract became necessary in view of the emergency situation occasioned by the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The document according to him focused on scope, description, coverage, materials, safety features and test of Barrier Masks as well as instructions on the proper usage and disposal of the masks.

The SON Chief Executive said the document is being disseminated through social media platforms as well as the regular media to ensure its rapid spread.

He stated that this became imperative in view of the mass production being commissioned by some State Governments, Corporate Bodies as well as smaller units by families across the country.

Aboloma concluded that the SON is already working with all other 14 member countries of the Economic Community of West African States and the ECOWAS Commission to harmonise the Standard for Barrier Masks in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region.

The ECOWAS Standards Technical Management Committee has thus set up a Task Force to be Chaired by Nigeria while Mali serves as Secretary, to harmonise the standard within the shortest possible time through virtual meetings online, he said.

Other members of the Task Force according to the SON Chief Executive are, Senegal, Cote D’ Voire, The Gambia, Ghana and Cape Verde.

The six-page handbills are as below: