Hong Kong inmates produce facemasks

The Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD) has set up a facemask production line at the Chi Ma Wan Drug Addiction Treatment Centre (CTC).

The project is yet another step of the Department to enhance work rehabilitation and provide an opportunity for the inmates to serve the community.

CTC is a female institution situated on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula of Lantau Island.  In its Filter Mask Workshop, inmates are trained to work in an environment with disinfected and stringent quality control facilities.  They are required to follow procedures in handling materials and products with high hygiene standards.

The inmates develop good working and personal hygiene habits through the training process, while contributing to the community at the same time.

The demand for protective gear for medical practitioners is high at the moment. Disposable protective gowns produced by Department's Correctional Services Industries (CSI), which is responsible for supplying various products and services to the public sector, are well appreciated by users.

Facemasks are also in need by most healthcare workers.  However, the quality of supplies in the market is varied and inconsistent.

In May 2003, CSI conducted a study on the feasibility of making facemasks in penal institutions.  Solutions for the technical problems and the production difficulties in the penal environment were found. Suitable production machinery and equipment were installed, and production begun.

CSI's facemask has three layers of different non-woven fabrics merged by ultrasound device. These materials are air permeable but fluid repellent, and prove highly efficient in guarding (95% as required by the medical standard) against bacteria. Its center layer serves to filtrate particles.

To gain customers' satisfaction and confidence in CSI products, tight process control is in place to ensure the product serviceability.  The initial batch of masks will be supplied to correctional institutions and CSI commercial laundries. Subsequent batches will be provided to public hospitals and clinics for trial use.

An inmate works at the Filter Mask Workshop in Chi Ma Wan Drug Addiction Treatment Centre.