What types of RPE are available?
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required for workers in many environments where airborne substances pose a hazard to health. With a range of RPE available, an understanding of the general features offered by different respirators helps with selecting adequate and suitable protection.
Learn more about different types of RPE below.
Particle filtering half masks / Disposable dust masks
These respirators are certified to EN 149 and provide protection against particulates. Masks are divided into three classes according to performance:
-??????? FFP1: Low filter performance (80% efficiency)
-??????? FFP2: Medium filter performance (94% efficiency)
-??????? FFP3: High filter performance (99% efficiency)
Disposable dust masks are tight-fitting RPE, requiring wearers to be clean-shaven in the area of the face seal and fit testing to be carried out.
Reusable half masks
Half mask respirators are certified to the EN 140 standard. They are designed to be used with compatible filters certified to EN 143 or EN 14387. The level of protection provided is determined by the type and class of filters used.
Half masks are tight-fitting RPE, requiring wearers to be clean-shaven in the area of the face seal and fit testing to be carried out.
Reusable full face masks
Full face respirators are certified to EN 136 which classifies masks according to use:
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-??????? Class 1: Light Duty
-??????? Class 2: General Use
-??????? Class 3: Special Use
These respirators are designed to be used with compatible filters meeting EN 143 or EN 14387. The protection level provided is determined by the type and class of filters used.
Full face masks are tight-fitting RPE, requiring wearers to be clean-shaven in the area of the face seal and fit testing to be carried out.
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
PAPR devices with a helmet or hood are certified to the EN 12941 standard. A motor delivers filtered air to the head top, maintaining an atmosphere of positive pressure.
Respirators are classified by performance level:
-??????? TH1: Maximum inward leakage performance, 10%
-??????? TH2: Maximum inward leakage performance, 2%
-??????? TH3: Maximum inward leakage performance, 0.2%
A range of filters can be fitted to PAPR devices, offering protection against gas and particulate hazards.
PAPR devices certified to EN 12941 are loose-fitting RPE. They do not require face fit testing and can be used by wearers with neatly trimmed, well-groomed facial hair.