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Understanding of safety standards for FFP masks

UNDERSTANDING SAFETY STANDARDS FOR FFP MASKS

Whether you've tied a scarf over your face or used a protective mask at work, there's no doubt that everyone has worn a respirator at some point. Respiratory protection is mandatory in many industries. Dangerous chemicals, paints, aerosols, asbestos, wood and metal dust can be present in the workplace... These can damage the lungs and respiratory tract and cause irreparable damage to the body. Respiratory protection, which is used in many workplaces, is part of the personal protective equipment that is mandatory for the use and protection of workers. There are many different protective products on the market, including disposable masks, surgical masks, thermoplastic masks, silicone masks and various filters. Each individual or person responsible for occupational health and safety must decide which respiratory protection is appropriate for a specific activity. Respirator masks only protect if used correctly. Improper use can lead to illness and injury. In Slovenia, the most common occupational diseases are diseases and injuries of the respiratory tract, such as asthma, infections caused by exposure to asbestos, siderosis and sicosis.

wearing a FFP protective mask




SAFETY STANDARDS OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The most popular and frequently worn masks are filter masks (FFP). They can be classified as FFP1 protective masks, FFP2 masks or FFP3 masks, each with different features and characteristics. They may only protect against respirable dust, while others may protect against smoke and aerosols. The higher the number, the better the protection. It is important to note that this respiratory protection method does not protect against vapors or gases.
All three comply with the EU standard EN 149. The European standard EN 149 specifies the minimum requirements for filtering half-masks for protection against particles, where harmful particles can consist of solid or liquid particles. Laboratory tests and practical performance tests confirm the standards. Below you can read the differences between FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks.



PROTECTIVE MASK FFP1

The FFP1 classification is reserved for the most basic filter masks, which retain up to 80% of particles smaller than 0.6 micrometers. The standard requirements are: 
  • They protect against atoxic and non-fibrogenic types of dust.
  • Inhaling through the mask, however, can lead to the development of health problems, irritates the respiratory system and emits unpleasant odors.
  • They allow a maximum of 25%.
  • Intended for use in an environment where a maximum of 4. higher occupational exposure limit values (OEL) may occur.
FFP1 respirators are commonly used in light jobs at work and home, such as painting, sanding and erecting light structures. They are usually used to prevent dust from entering the mouth and lungs and are often disposable.


 




PROTECTIVE MASK FFP2

The FFP2 classification is reserved for filter masks with significantly higher levels of protection, which retain up to 94% of particles smaller than 0.6 micrometers. The standard requirements are:
  • Protection against solid and liquid harmful forms of dust, smoke and aerosols.
  • Particles can be fibrogenic, irritating the airways in the short term and causing a decrease in lung tissue elasticity over a long time.
  • The total leakage can be a maximum of 11%.
  • Masks can be used in environments where a maximum of 10 times the occupational exposure limit (OEL) may occur.
Due to the increased level of protection, FFP2 masks are often worn in industries such as mining and metallurgy, where exposure to aerosols, mists and smoke is common.





PROTECTIVE MASK FFP3

The FFP3 classification is reserved for filter masks that offer exceptional protection against air pollution and retain as much as 99% of all particles smaller than 0.6 micrometers. The standard requirements are:
  • Protection against toxic and harmful types of dust, smoke and aerosols, which can be liquid or solid.
  • Filtration for oncogenic and radioactive substances or pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungal spores.
  • The total leakage can be up to 5% maximum.
  • The masks can be used in environments where a maximum of 30. the higher occupational exposure limit value (OEL) may occur.

FFP3 respirators are widely used in the chemical industry for their advanced and specialized protection.