Protection against Dusts and Particulates
Many types of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) can protect you against dusts. To help ensure you are protected, all respirators provided for use at work must be CE marked to show that the design has been tested to a recognised standard. They must also be marked with that standard, which for disposable respirators is EN 149: 2001. Additional markings, such as FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3, indicate the protection level that you can get if the respirator is a good fit and you use it correctly. The higher the number, the better the protection. FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 respirators can reduce the amount of dust you breathe by factors of 4, 10 and 20 respectively. An FFP3 respirator is advisable if you are exposed to high levels of dust or fine particles.
Manufacturers must provide written information with each box or pack that includes details such as the safe use of respirators and their limitations. They may also give details of how to fit them correctly and check for a good fit. You may not get this information if you obtain a single respirator from a larger pack. If you have obtained such a respirator from Engineering Stores make a point of asking for a copy of the manufacturer’s technical information.
Important Note: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 are designed to filter out dust only. They must not be used where there is an oxygen-deficient atmosphere or harmful gases and vapours.
You should discard disposable respirators at the end of the day or sooner if they are heavily contaminated. Never hang up a respirator in a dusty place for use later on.
If wearing a respirator interferes with spectacles, hearing protection or head protection, a powered visor may be more suitable.
What shouldn’t you wear?
Some retailers also sell products known as nuisance dust masks or comfort masks that look like dust respirators but are not marked with CE or with any standard. They often have only one head strap. These are not intended for use when a respirator should be worn. You should never use a nuisance dust mask instead of an approved respirator when working with dust or other material that could cause occupational asthma.
Manufacturers and reputable suppliers of protective equipment can help you to decide what type and level of respirator to use for your research or alternatively speak to a Health and Safety Advisor
