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.
SAFETY STANDARDS OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PROTECTIVE MASK FFP1
- 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.
PROTECTIVE MASK FFP2
- 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.
PROTECTIVE MASK FFP3
- 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.