Restraints 1.19 SPIT MASKS, SPIT GUARDS, SPIT HOODS, SPIT HELMETS Key Technical Features This equipment consists of a thick piece of material over the mouth and transparent material over eyes. The material covering the mouth should prevent the detainee spitting. The material covering the eyes should not impair the detainees’ vision. The use of this equipment carries a risk of suffocation or strangulation if it is used incorrectly, for excessive periods, or if the detainee is left unattended. Human Rights Concerns Risks from this equipment increase if it is used in conjunction with other restraints. If this equipment is used in conjunction with, or following, the use of chemical irritants there is a risk that the irritants may become trapped on or close to the face. There is a lack of research regarding the efficacy of different models in preventing transmission of any disease or infection the detainee may have. Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies CPT: "The CPT considers ‘spit helmets’... are not appropriate in a secure place of safety, such as police custody" and their use should be reviewed. 71 Examples of Existing Controls The EU Anti-Torture Regulation controls the export of this equipment. Manufacture should be controlled. Proposed Control Transfer should be controlled Use should conform with international human rights standards. CoE: CPT, Report to the Government of the United Kingdom on the visit to the United Kingdom carried out by the CPT from 30 March to 12 April 2016, 19 April 2017, CPT/Inf (2017) 9, para. 15. 71 47