Dust Mask: 3M
Accession Number
2011.10.3
Brief Description
One white dust mask with elastic strap to secure around the head. Black printing on the front reads: '3M 8000 / P1 / AS/NZS 1716'. Used by Student Volunteer Army in the clean up after 4 September 2010 earthquake.
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Production Role
Maker
Background
Face masks were recommended by Christchurch Public Health staff as a safety precaution for those handling liquefaction. Liquefaction posed a health risk if inhaled due to the fact it could have been contaminated by raw sewerage from broken drainage and sewerage systems across the city. This face mask is an example of those worn by students involved in the cleanup of the 4 September 2010 earthquake. One of the major roles of the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) was to shovel large quantities of liquefaction out of residential properties. Over 65,000 tonnes was removed by members of the SVA in the cleanup of the September earthquake alone.
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