2. Methods

2.1 Equipment List 

• Powerful Spray bottle 

• 20 sheets of paper marked with equally spaced lines and points

• Reusable cloth mask without filter

• Reusable cloth mask with filter

• 3 ply disposable mask

• 2 ply disposable mask

• N95 respirator

• Bandana

• 3 retort stands

• Bucket of water

• Blue dye

2.2 Experimental setup  

Figure 2.2.1: Our experimental setup. In this picture, the mask is shown attached to the retort stand. 

2.3 Procedures

Put the 3 ply surgical mask on the retort stand. 

Place the spray bottle on another retort stand 3cm behind the mask. 

Tape the paper marked with the point system to the board 1cm in front of the mask.

Spray the maximum amount of mist coloured with blue dye by pulling the trigger back all the way.

Repeat Step 3 to 4 with the N95 mask, Bandana, cloth masks and 2 ply surgical mask

Repeat Step 3 to 5 for three more times for each mask

2.4 Data Analysis

1. Add up the number of points for the left and right side of the paper.

2. Multiply the total number of points by 0.7cm to find the spread of the water mist (as described in 1.1 Background Research.

3. Fill in the table with the spread of the water mist for that mask.

2.5 Risk, Assessment and Management: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken.

Table 1: Risk Assessment and Management table 

Risk	Assessment	Management
Razor blade is sharp and hand might get cut	Medium	Be careful when handling the razor blade, being mindful of where our hands are in relation to the blade/ wear cut-resistant gloves
The mirror might shatter and we might get cut by its shards.	Medium	Be careful when handling the mirror, keep the mirror away from the edge of tables
The retort stand and tripods holding the mask, mirror and camera might topple and trip us	Low	Be mindful of our step and not run into the stands.
Bright light can temporarily blind someone, making people stumble into other hazards like the razor blade, retort stand and tripods.	Low	Do not look directly at the light