Respiratory protection mask How to choose it well?

The professional respirator mask for: dust, chemicals, toxic products, gases, etc.

Anyone working in a space where the air quality is poor (dust, chemicals) must necessarily wear a PPE respiratory protection mask. But all protective masks are not the same, and the choice of model must be made according to the specific conditions encountered. The employer is required by law to equip its employees, but wearing a mask may also be recommended for simple DIY. As its name suggests, a respiratory protection mask is a device consisting of protecting the respiratory tract of the user against inhalation of dust, pathogenic agents, fumes, vapors or gases. Wearing a mask limits health hazards (skin irritation, respiratory problem, etc.) in the workplace. It usually consists of multiple layers of filter materials.

This article aims to help you understand the characteristics of different types of masks and choose the right mask.

Which breathing mask to choose?

The 4 steps to choosing the right respiratory protection mask

1. Identify the hazard
Dust= Solid particles of various sizes generated by crushing solid materials
Mist= Particles of evaporated liquid (water or organic base)
Fume= Small particles of evaporated or molten solids, usually from combustion
NB: Gas and vapours = Substances that are normally in the air. It could be fluid, generated by passing from liquid or solid to air, by evaporation or boiling

2. Identify the toxic agent

3. Identify the concentration and compare with the exposure limit
(TLV = concentration of contaminant to which the user can be exposed without health effects)
a) Exposure Value-Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA): Average Exposure based on working 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week
b) Exposure Value-Short-Term Exposure Limit (TLV-STEL): Localized exposure for a duration of 15 minutes, which cannot be repeated more than 4 times per day with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods
c) Exposure Value � Ceiling Limit (TLV-C): Absolute exposure limit which must not be exceeded at any time

4. Choose the type of protection
Type: application, dust and aerosol filters

Gas and vapor filter: absorption capacity
Class 1: low capacity filter (pollutant concentration <0.1% OR 1000 ppm*).
Class 2 : medium capacity filter (pollutant concentration <0.5% or 5,000 ppm*).
Class 3: high capacity filter (pollutant concentration <1% or 10,000 ppm*).

What is the difference between FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks?

Indeed, there are three categories of FFP protective mask, each with specificities. The protection objective must be adapted according to the risks, moreover the means of breathing as well as the effectiveness of the integrated filter of each of them is different. Depending on the masks, you have to change the filter or the cartridge so that the safety it brings you is always optimal. Here are the differences between these 3 categories of mask / half-mask:

The categorization will be made according to the total leak rate and the ability to filter the different particles in the air of each mask.

FFP masks are made up of 3 categories:

• FFP1 : mainly used as a dust mask. FFP1 masks filter up to 80% of particles, its leakage rate is limited to 25%, a particle size of 0.6 �m and protects against non-toxic and non-fibrogenic dust.
• FFP2 : used in the field of industry, glass or agriculture. Wearing FFP2 masks becomes mandatory when the worker works in an environment in which liquid and solid dust, fumes and toxic aerosols are present. The leakage rate must be less than or equal to 11% and its capacity to filter 94%.
• FFP3 : used to protect against very fine particles such as asbestos and ceramics, among others. The leakage rate is 2% maximum. The FFP3 level mask has a filtration capacity of 99.95%.

Did you know?

What is the difference between Low/Medium/High Capacity Filters?

A large capacity / Class means:

• larger quantity of activated carbon inside the filter
• longer filter life
• higher filter weight volume
• superior breathing resistance

Example: a B2 filter gives the same protection as a B1 filter, but it will have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, it is probably less comfortable to use because it is heavier and the breathing resistance is greater.

Full face masks-Requirements, testing, marking
European standard for full face respiratory protection masks

Respiratory protection � Half mask and quarter mask. Requirements, test, marking
European standard which defines the minimum requirements for half masks and quarter masks, except cylinder and evaluation devices.

Respiratory protective devices � gas filters and combination filters � Requirements, testing, marking
This European standard concerns gas filters and combination filters used as components of unassisted breathing apparatus

Respiratory protection devices � particulate filters
This European standard specifies particulate filters for use as components in unassisted breathing apparatus, excluding escape and breathing apparatus. filter masks.

Today, respiratory masks have evolved and adapt to the shape of the face. Find all our respiratory protection masks here

Purchase & Help: Oxwork the PPE professional

Oxwork offers on its website a wide range of protective masks adapted to everyone's professional environment, so you will find several types of respiratory masks that fight against fine dust; suspended particles, etc. All of the personal protective equipment that we offer complies with the standards in force, it is important for your health that our products follow European directives. Each model on our site is compliant and ensures your safety and comfort on a daily basis. Beyond professionals, we also offer models of protective masks for the general public.

Remember, masks should be complemented with workwear: Work Pants, work overalls, or by more specific work clothes such as clothes high visibility, as well as other PPE such as: headphones, or even safety shoes, safety trainers. Find our ranges of men's and women's anti-cut gloves.