P420 Vancouver Half Mask

Face Masks and Respirators

Choose from IIR medical masks, FFP2/3 respirators, clear masks, valved masks and more, all our masks and face coverings can be purchased in bulk orders to supply entire teams of people. Nursing homes and care homes, offices, restaurants, educational institutes such as schools or universities, construction sites and hospitals can all benefit from ensuring their staff have the best PPE, face masks and coverings that are tailored to their workplace needs without having to compromise. Facemasks can also be purchased for personal use whilst shopping or visiting friends with both reusable and disposable masks available to put your mind at ease. Take responsibility for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 and stay safe with a mask. Respirators are available in three classes: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3, with the higher numbers corresponding to better filtering efficiency. As with all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sold in the UK, they must comply with the EU PPE Directive 89/686/EEC. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or person placing the RPE on the European single market to ensure  compliance. For FFPs this is invariably achieved by compliance with the harmonised standard EN149:2001+A1:2009. If you would like more information please see our blog Face Coverings – what you need to know about face masks….or see our other range of Masks and Respirators here. We are proud to be the preferred supplier of PPE for the Alzheimer’s Society, keeping their frontline workers prepared when working with dementia patients.

Medical Surgical Masks 

EN 14683 is a standard that medical face masks in Europe are required to comply with. The testing requirements for this standard include bacterial filtration efficiency, differential pressure (breathability), splash resistance and microbial cleanliness. Medical masks are surgical or procedure masks that are flat or pleated (some are like cups); they are affixed to the head with strapsa. Wearing a medical mask is one of the prevention measures to limit spread of certain respiratory diseases.

Type 1 & Type IIR Differences

FFP1 Masks

FFP1 masks may be used with contaminant concentrations up to 4 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL).

FFP2 Masks

FFP2 respirator masks from the leading brands. Fully certified and available with next day delivery. Low prices and good stock levels.

Disposable mask FFP2 level, protects against solid and liquid particles of average toxicity. Minimal % of filtration 94%. Protects up to 10 times the TLV (Assigned Protection Factor for FFP2 masks). Examples of applications: Sanding of soft wood, composite materials, rust, putty, plaster, plastics /cutting, deburring, grinding, drilling of metal. Our Biztex brand ensures exceptional quality and performance across our full range of disposable masks.

FFP3 Masks

The need for FFP3 Mask (oral nasal disposable mask respiratory protection) to be worn is identified through clinical risk assessment. The mask is used to protect against respiratory borne pathogens. To use these masks, relevant staff must be ‘face fit tested’ to ensure that they can achieve a suitable face fit of the mask and that it operates at the required efficiency. Filtering Facepieces (FFPs) are disposable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for protection against dusts, particles and aerosols. They are often referred to as ‘disposable dust masks’, are widely used, and generally require no cleaning or  maintenance. They are available in three classes: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3, with the higher numbers corresponding to better filtering efficiency. As with all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sold in the UK, they must comply with the EU PPE Directive 89/686/EEC. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or person placing the RPE on the European single market to ensure  compliance. For FFPs this is invariably achieved by compliance with the harmonised standard EN149:2001+A1:2009.                                                                                                                             

Half Masks

Half masks are respiratory protection masks that can be used in combination with gas and particulate filters. Depending on your choice of filter, they can offer protection against harmful substances such as dust, aerosols, gases and/or vapours. The masks cover the mouth and nose. In comparison to full masks, half mask respirators are relatively lightweight and compact. They can be used for a range of applications requiring gas and particulate filters. 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.

Full Face Masks

Full face mask respirators are mask bodies that can be combined as needed with particulate filters, gas filters and combination filters.

Filters – RR – Combi/Stack

The Portwest industrial range of disposable and reusable respirators includes Half Masks and Full Face Masks designed to offer the most comfortable and best fitting products in the marketplace.

Filters – Gas

Gas respiratory protection filters for half masks and full face masks offer protection against harmful particles, gases and vapours. Filters are divided into two main types: particulate and gas filters. A third option is to use a combination filter, which combines a particulate filter and a gas filter in one.

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.

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