EN 149 standard: FFP3 filtering respiratory masks
Working in a dusty environment with the presence of cement, coal, silica, aluminum and iron ores requires wearing a mask such as the FFP mask or Filtering Facepiece Particles.
FFP dust mask category:
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,
- FFP2 mainly used in the field of industry, glass or agriculture
- FPP3 is the most filtering of the FFP masks. Used to protect against very fine particles such as asbestos and ceramics, among others.
To claim the EN 149 FFP3 standard:
The FFP3 standard stems from the EN 149 standard. The mask must then meet rigorous conditions so that it meets both the EN 149 standard and the FFP3 standard, which certify the requirements of a device respiratory protection:
- Percentage of aerosol filtration must be 99.95%,
- Percentage of inward leakage is 2% maximum,
- It must have the quality and guarantee of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 manufacturing,
- Its contours must be ergonomic.
FFP mask respiratory protection:
The FFP mask covers the chin, nose and mouth. It is especially suitable for the filtration of dust, aerosols and other fine particles, solids or liquids that can be encountered in the workplace. Compact in size, it can be used in very dusty work or in a pharmaceutical environment.
The FFP mask is a respiratory protection disposable device that is mainly used against particles and against various airborne diseases. The FFP3 level mask has a filtration capacity of 99.95%. FFP3 is the highest level of filtration, so it is difficult for breath to pass through the different layers. This is the reason for the presence of a valve to facilitate the effort of breathing. Unlike the surgical mask, the FFP mask protects against the inhalation of infectious agents or pollutants.
Where solid or liquid particles are very present, wearing FFP3 mask is required. Thus, work in the glass industry, in foundry and in construction requires the wearing of this equipment. It protects, among other things, against influenza viruses such as avian flu, pneumonic plague, tuberculosis or even Covid-19. The mask belongs to the category of filtering devices, that is, which filter the outside air breathed in by the user.
For obvious reasons of hygiene, the mask is for strictly personal use. As the mask does not supply oxygen, should not be used in an environment where the oxygen content is less than 19%.
Duration of use of an Ffp3 mask:
The FFP class mask is a respiratory protection disposable device. Wearing the ffp3 mask must comply with the instructions for use. The FFP3 category respirator masks known as "duckbill" can be used for approximately 50 8-hour sessions and retain their effectiveness.
What is the difference between an Ffp1, Ffp2, Ffp3 mask before purchase:
Indeed, there are 3 categories of FFP dust mask and therefore significant differences. For good reason, the protection objective must adapt to the potential risks of more the means of breathing as well as the effectiveness of the integrated filter of each of them is different. Here are the differences between these 3 mask categories:
- FFP1: mainly used as a dust mask. FFP1 masks filter up to 80% of particles, their leakage rate is limited to 25%, a particle size of 0.6 µm and protect against non-toxic and non-fibrogenic dust.
- FFP2: used in industry, glass or agriculture. Wearing FFP2 masks becomes mandatory when the worker works in an environment where 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%.