104
Inhalation of materials comprised of components harmful to the human body may result in coughing, irritation, inflammation,
breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, poisoning, lung disease, organ damage, development of cancer or even sudden
death. Equipment protecting the respiratory organs against particles and gases includes air-purifying respirators and air-
supplied (self-contained) respirators. Air-purifying respirators include particle filters, gas respirators or the combination of
the two, which work on the principle of mechanical and electrostatic or chemical filtering. They are not to be used in anoxic
conditions (below 17 tf%) or in confined spaces lacking ventilation or for contaminants having an imperceptible odor or
being present in unknown concentrations or in higher then permitted levels. The two groups of self-contained protective
equipment include compressed air-tank apparatuses allowing unrestricted movement and a limited amount of time for use
and apparatuses connected to the mains for air supply allowing work all through the day.
Harmful substances to the respiratory system
Material
Description
Permitted respirator
Dust
Coarser and finer solid particles
Particle filter masks, half masks and full face masks, self-contained
apparatuses
Mists Liquid particles generated through the
atomization of substances
Particle filter masks, half masks and full face masks, self-contained
apparatuses
Vapors Liquid particles generated through the
evaporation and heating of substances
Particle filter masks, half masks and full face masks, self-contained
apparatuses
Gases
It is a state of matter generated from
solids and liquids as a result of chemical
processes and burning
Half masks and full face masks, self-contained apparatuses
(nothing but these latter ones protect against certain gases)
Shelf life and duration of use:
Shelf life
of air purifying respirators: as prescribed by the manufacturer in the user manual (indicated expiry date is normally
3-5 years under the required conditions).
Duration of use
of gas and combined respirators of air purifying type: there is
usually no fix period indicated as the duration of the unit’s protective capacity depends on a great deal of variables (such
as external temperature, humidity and concentration of harmful substances, the intensity of work, lung capacity of the user,
etc.) As a main rule, you must immediately leave the contaminated work area and replace the respirator if you experience
any change in your breathing (e.g. you begin to smell or taste the harmful substance, have difficulties in breathing, suffer
from fatigue, experience nausea or if air flow slows down in the mask or if any component of the respiratory system gets
damaged, etc.). Where the standard specifies maximum permitted duration of use for gas respirators (Hg, AX, NO), such
duration must obviously be strictly adhered to.
Markings and area of application of particle filters (EN143, EN149)
Type
letter
Color
code
Max.
protection
factor
Particle
size
(micron=10
-3
mm)
Penetration
of filter
(NaCl test)
Separation
performance
Field of application
FFP1
P1 white
4
> 5µ
20%
SL
For use against non-hazardous but potentially
irritating solid particles (dust) and liquid
particles (mist)
FFP2
P2 white
12
> 1µ
6%
SL
For use against solid particles (dust) and
liquid particles (mist) causing moderate health
effects
FFP3
P3 white
50
< 1µ
1%
SL
Solid particles (dust) and liquid particles
(mist) classified as being toxic (verified by
paraffin oil vapor test)
Additional
markings
D • Filter has higher resistance against dust and clogging in line with breathing resistance hence it is
available for use for longer periods (dolomite dust test for each reusable particle filter)
VO Protection against organic vapors and odors up to the maximum limit of concentration
GA Protection against acidic vapors and gases up to the maximum limit of concentration
R Particle filtering half mask reusable after one shift
NR Particle filtering half mask for use in max. one single shift (8 hours)
MK value: maximum permissible concentration of the specific air contaminant, which does not result in health effects even
if work is performed regularly and all day long. The nominal protection factor related to the specific workplace is the ratio
of using the particle filter to the occupational exposure limit. For full face masks, this ratio is higher (16 for P2 and 200 for
P3) due to having a more efficient face seal and the lack of inward leakage.
As per the requirements of supplementary standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009, the protective equipment must be marked
with either “NR” (non-reusable) or “R” (reusable). If a product carries the “NR” mark, then it must not be used longer
than 8 hours, i.e. a normal single shift. Half masks with mark “R” passing the exposure test specified by the standard are
suitable to be reused after the shift as long as their breathing resistance is adequate. Perfect fit when putting the mask
on and appropriate storage before and after use (in its own packaging, in a dry and clean environment keeping it intact)
is a prerequisite of such use. Regardless of duration, all respirators whether their use is restricted or reusable should be
immediately replaced if breathing resistance increases.
Performance levels of gas respirators
Filter class
Gas and vapor concentration
1
0,1 tf% (1000 ppm) maximum permissible concentration of harmful substance
2
0,5 tf% (5000 ppm) maximum permissible concentration of harmful substance
3
1,0 tf% (10000 ppm) maximum permissible concentration of harmful substance
SUPAIR
®
• RESPIRATORS
