Dust Masks & Respirators

Dust Masks and Respirators

Engweld stock a broad range of high quality of CE marked disposable and re-useable 3M respirators to meet EN149:2001 FFP1 standards.

3M Dust Masks & Respirators

Disposable Respirators from 3M combine ergonomic design for comfort with proprietary technologies, that help deliver easier breathing and comfortable protection against particle hazards. 3M™ Disposable Respirators meet the requirements of European Standard EN 149:2001 + A1:2009, filtering facepiece respirators for use against solid and non-volatile liquid particles only. Products are classified by filtering efficiency and maximum total inward leakage performance (FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3), also by usability and clogging resistance. Speak to our expert Engweld sales team about your needs and discuss the correct solution for your application and workers needs.

Which protection factor suits your needs?

FFP1 Respirators: Low level fine dust/oil or water based mists (hand sanding, drilling & cutting)
Easy identification: Identified by YELLOW straps.
Protection Factor: APF 4

FFP2 Respirators: Moderate level fine dust/oil or water based mists (plastering, cement, sanding and wood dust)
Easy identification: Identified by BLUE straps or valve lettering.
Protection Factor: APF 10

FFP3 Respirators: Higher level fine dust/oil or water based mists (hazardous pharmaceutical powders, biological agents and fibres)
Easy identification: Identified by RED straps or valve lettering.
Protection Factor: APF 20
 

Classification explained:

When correctly used by a wearer who has passed a face fit test, an FFP1 respirator should reduce exposure to airbourne particles by a factor of 4, an FFP2 by a factor of 10 and an FFP3 by a factor of 20.
 

Valved or unvalved respirator?

Benefits of a valved respirator: Reduces exhalation effort, cooler to wear, stays comfortable for longer, less likely to mist up eyewear.
Benefits of an unvaled respirator: Lower cost unit, prevenets the wearer from contaminating their environment.

Respirator face fit testing:

Do you have workers who wear tight fitting respirators (those that rely on a seal with the face) such as Disposable, Half Mask or Full Face Masks (including those fitted to a powered respirator)? If so, you are required to fit test them. Fit testing is a means of checking that a respirator facepiece matches a person’s facial features and seals adequately to their face. There are several methods available and the Health and Safety Executive’s information document HSE 282/28 provides information on how the HSE expect fit testing to be conducted. The performance of tight fitting respirators relies on achieving a good seal between the facepiece of the respirator and the wearer’s face. If the seal is inadequate, contaminated air will take the path of least resistance and will travel through leaks in the face seal. Consequently, a poor seal to the face will reduce the level of protection provided to the wearer.

Contact your local Engweld sales centre about how we can help you carry out the required face fit tests for your employees nd provide the correct respirators for the correct application.