West Buckland School’s Design and Technology Department has responded to the urgent need for PPE (personal protection equipment) for key workers in North Devon, by making plastic face masks using the school’s 3-D printer.
In addition, the science departments at the school have donated safety goggles and glasses to local doctors surgeries in North Devon, and the school’s caterers have donated fruit and veg waste to nearby Exmoor Zoo. Having just come out of one of the wettest winters on record, the zoo is struggling now that it has had to close its doors to visitors because of the pandemic.
Initially approached by a local GP surgery, West Buckland School’s DT team sourced a template for the PPE face masks off the internet and used PLA (polylactide), a biodegradable material which is both suitable to protect medical staff when treating potential Covid-19 patients and can also be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. Production is in full swing and already the school has been able to supply protective masks to North Devon Hospice and South Molton Community Hospital.
A spokeswoman from the hospice said: “Thank you so much. This is very thoughtful and innovative of you.”
The school are hoping to continue to produce more masks as long as there is a need and has begun to co-ordinate a small team of individuals and local companies who own 3D printers. There are several other companies across the region who are doing similar work, ensuring that as many key workers across the region can receive the vital protection they need.