EN 149 standard: FFP1 standard filtering respiratory masks

Worker health must be at the heart of employers' concerns. It is for this reason that Personal Protective Equipment has been created and its wearing has been made compulsory in certain cases. The employee is equipped with a filtering respiratory mask when the air quality is poor, but it can still be purified by wearing the appropriate mask. Today, we are going to be particularly interested in the FFP1 class of this type of mask.

The importance of the respiratory mask and standards

The air in some work areas may contain more or less dangerous particles. If, in some cases, a bad smell is the only inconvenience suffered, this is not always the case. Inhaling these particles can harm the health and even the life of the worker.

The effects are not necessarily felt in the short term. On the other hand, some diseases appear a few months or even a few years after an exposure. This is particularly the case when the particles are radioactive or carcinogenic. It is therefore important to equip yourself adequately according to the specificities encountered in a given work environment.

The principle of operation of the filtering respiratory mask

There are two types of respirators: the insulating mask and the filtering mask. If the air the insulating mask breathes comes from an external source, the filtering mask purifies the air in the very area where the wearer is located so that it is breathable.

This purification will protect the lungs from dusts, fumes and oily and watery aerosols (liquid sprays), on the other hand, it does not protect from anything gas or vapor.

Which mask to choose and why to use it, FFP 1, 2 or 3?

Because the level of protection must adapt to potential risks, the EN 149 standard which governs this PPE has defined 3 categories of mask: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. FFP being the acronym for Filtering Facepiece Particles.

The different classes and categories of surgical / medical masks

These classes are divided according to the effectiveness of the filter integrated in the disposable mask. The class of mask used will depend on its total leak rate, as well as its ability to filter particles in the air. However, all these masks have 2 points in common: they filter particles with a size of up to 0.6 µm and they are always intended for short use.

The type of protection offered by FFP1 masks

The FFP1 masks filter up to at 80% particle size, a particle size of 0.6 µm and protects against non-toxic and non-fibrogenic dust. This dust therefore does not cause disease, but inhalation can cause irritation in the respiratory tract or create discomfort due to foul odors.

It will also provide total protection to its wearer as long as the concentration of the pollutant does not exceed 4 times the occupational exposure limit value. The protection it offers is still valid as long as its total leak rate is less than or equal to 25%. Beyond that, it will be necessary to move to the next class of PPE to continue to ensure maximum protection for employees.

The FFP1 mask is often used in the food industry or construction and also in the face of Covid19.

Where to find and buy your FFP1 disposable masks at the best prices?

Find our range of mask boxes on Oxwork.com