The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) in Coimbatore, one of the four approved laboratories to test coveralls, masks and fabric for personal protective equipment (PPE), is getting 100 to 150 samples a day from various states for certification. It has so far reportedly tested samples from nearly 2,000 firms and has approved products of 100 manufacturers.
There are about 20 certified fabric producers in the country who make non-woven fabric for the coveralls. Some are also trying out repellent finishes and anti-viral fabrics. Some companies make reusable coveralls with woven or knitted fabric with coating. But the demand at present is more for one-time use coveralls.The South India Textile Research Association in Coimbatore, one of the four approved laboratories to test coveralls, masks and fabric for personal protective equipment, is getting 100 to 150 samples a day from various states for certification. It has so far reportedly tested samples from nearly 2,000 firms and has approved products of 100 manufacturers.#
It takes less than 30 minutes to know if a coverall has failed the tests. In the case of masks, it takes three to five days to test a sample, according to a report in a top South Indian newspaper.
The tests are based on the requirements of Hindustan Latex Limited, which is the central government’s nodal agency for PPE. SITRA will soon ramp up its capabilities for synthetic blood penetration resistance test as it will acquire more machinery.
Unique certification codes are given to the samples tested and SITRA mentions that the testing is only for the sample produced.
Though SITRA continues to get mask samples for testing, the focus now is on coveralls, the report said.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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