This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
July 26, 2020 - In a bid to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has approved and released five new standards to guide the manufacturing of nebulizers, sanitization booths, and face shields.
The new standards, which include Publicly Available Specification KPAS 2920:2020 for sanitization booths and KPAS 2919:2020 for face shields, aim to ensure that local manufacturers produce safe and effective products for local use.
According to Lt Col (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini, Managing Director of KEBS, sanitization booths are an essential safety equipment used in public places such as hospitals, supermarkets, and open marketplaces to stem the spread of the virus.
“By prescribing the construction, performance, and safety requirements for the manufacture of sanitization booths, local manufacturers stand guided to rapidly manufacture and supply safe products for local use,” Njiraini said.
The approved standards will also guide manufacturers on the key requirements of face shields, including construction, performance, and safety requirements, to offer protective benefits to medical personnel and patients receiving treatment.
Additionally, three Kenya Standards for nebuliser machines have been approved and released for use, which will help in the dispensation of medicines in mist or spray form that are pivotal in providing respiratory assistance to patients during emergencies.
These five standards bring to a total of sixteen standards being availed for free access to interested parties, including manufacturers and the public, to help in the fight against COVID-19.
