Particulate Filters

Particulate filters for respirators offer protection against particles such as dust, smoke and aerosols. They are available in 3 protection levels – P1, P2 and P3.

These levels are standardised across Europe according to EN 143:2000 + A1:2006. Particulate filters with a higher protection level offer more effective filtration and can therefore be used to protect against more harmful substances and higher concentrations of contaminants.

A particulate filter is a filter to remove particles that are present the air, for example in the exhaust of a diesel engine. The use of diesel particulate filters has become popular as a way of meeting new emissions standards. The engines are fitted with a particulate filter as standard for cleaner running.

COMBINING MASKS AND FILTERS

The protection offered by particulate filters also depends on the mask with which they are being used. This means it is always important to consider the intended mask-filter combination.

PARTICULATE FILTERS + HALF MASKS

P1 Filters + Half Masks

This combination may be used at contaminant concentrations up to 4 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL). It protects against non-toxic water and oil based particles, but not against carcinogenic and radioactive substances, airborne biological agents of risk groups 2 + 3 and enzymes. The total leakage permitted by this combination is a maximum of 2%. At least 80% of contaminants are filtered out of the air. This combination is typically used in environments with low levels of dust not harmful to health.

P2 Filters + Half Mask

This combination may be used at contaminant concentrations up to 10 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL). It protects against harmful water and oil based particles, but not against carcinogenic substances, radioactive particles, airborne biological agents of risk group 3 and enzymes. The total leakage permitted by this combination is a maximum of 2%. At least 94% of contaminants are filtered out of the air. This combination is typically used for handling softwood, metal, plastics (not PVC), and oil mists.

P3 Filters + Half Mask

This combination may be used at contaminant concentrations up to 20 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL). It protects against harmful and carcinogenic water and oil based particles as well as against radioactive particles, airborne biological agents of risk groups 2 + 3 and enzymes. The total leakage permitted by this combination is a maximum of 2%. 99.5% of contaminants are filtered out of the air. This combination is typically used for handling heavy metals, hardwood, brake dust, radioactive substances and pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria and fungal spores). It is also used for stainless steel welding.

ADDITIONAL MARKINGS

R (reusable)
Reusable, this means that the filter can be used for longer than a single shift.

D (has passed the Dolomite clogging test)
Filters bearing this symbol have fulfilled the requirements of the additional Dolomite clogging test, meaning lower breathing resistance over longer periods of use.

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Filters