Marking of masks that protect against particles. Marking FF (Filtering Facemask) in front of the P1, P2, P3 indicates disposable masks. The degree of permeability of the filter material is specified (how well are particles removed from the air we breathe?).
- FFP1: Transmittance 20% for solid and liquid particles
- FFP2: Transmittance 6% for solid and liquid particles
- FFP3: Transmittance 3% for solid particles and 1% for liquid particles
The D marking according to P1, P2, P3 stands for increased pollutant intake (according to the dolomite test) and lower inhalation resistances than with conventional disposable masks or interchangeable filters, i.e. more comfort in use.
Marking R (reusable, reusable) or NR (non-reusable)
Particle masks do not protect against gases and vapors! In case of such dangers, you must always wear a half or full face mask with the appropriate protective filter. We will be happy to advise you!
Hazard analysis respiratory protection
If the risk of inhaling pollutants in the air cannot be avoided by organisational measures in the work processes, effective respiratory protection must be worn by the person at risk. The oxygen content in the ambient air must be at least 17 – 19% by volume. The nature of all hazardous substances exposed to the person, their physical state (e.g. solid, liquid, gaseous) and their conditions of use must be determined. Changes such as handling temperatures and pressures can significantly affect the protective effect of the system used.
Other room and environmental conditions can influence the selection of protective measures, e.g. working in enclosed spaces without extraction, working in boilers or containers, and forced ventilation.
Selection measures may concern:
- Disposable masks for short wearing times or frequently changing staff
- Reusable masks for longer wearing times or permanent staff
- Use of blower emem protection systems for longer wearing times
- Coordination with the rest of the PPE, e.g. when wearing chemical protective coveralls
Classification of pollutant types
Particles (solid and liquid):
- Dry dusts (e.g. fibres such as asbestos, fine dust, fumes)
- Moisture-reactive (hygroscopic) dusts (e.g. salts), spores, germs, aerosols (e.g. spray mist), bacteria, enzymes, viruses
Gases and vapours:
- Free-floating molecules
- Water-soluble, fat-soluble, acidic and basic gases and vapours (e.g. solvents)
Lung permeability depends on the particle size.
The danger of particles lies in the permeability of the lungs. Respirable particulate matter and ultrafine particles are the most dangerous for humans. In addition to the chemical composition, the size and shape are therefore crucial. This determines how far the particles penetrate into the respiratory tract and what reactions they cause there. The smaller the suspended particles in the air we breathe, the deeper they penetrate into the lungs, possibly even into the bloodstream, where they exert their damaging effect, even at the lowest concentrations of particulate matter.
Particulate matter is divided into three categories:
- Inhalable particulate matter: diameter < 10 μm*
- Respirable particulate matter: diameter < 2.5 μm*
- Ultrafine particles: diameter < 0.1 μm*
*μm = micrometer, equivalent to one thousandth of a millimeter
Occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
EN standards such as EN 149, 143, 14387 etc., BGR 190 etc. must be met.
You can also find more detailed information about respiratory protection here in the 3M Occupational Health and Safety Primer .