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European Standards for respiratory protection

The European Standards for Respiratory Protection - EN Standards, define the certification of the corresponding Personal Protective Equipment. These PPE are intended to protect the user from hazardous substances present in the workplace atmosphere in the form of solid or liquid aerosols or gases, fumes or vapours.

The user of respiratory protective equipment must be aware of the nature and nature of the risks (composition and concentration of toxic substances) in the atmosphere of the workplace and of the performance and limits of the protective equipment. It is important to take into account the time during which protection should be ensured and the user's physical workload (breathing rate) in order to select the respiratory equipment with the appropriate autonomy.

Each toxic substance has a concentration limit in air that must not be exceeded without the use of a respirator. This limit expressed in mg/m3 or ppm (parts per million) is called the Average Exposure Limit (AEL) and is the average concentration that should not be exceeded during an 8-hour exposure.

In summary, to select the appropriate respiratory protection device, it is necessary to:

  • Identify the type of hazard: dusts, fumes, etc.
  • Identify the toxic product.
  • Identify and record the toxicity (concentration).
  • Identify and identify the toxicant, identify and identify it.
  • Select the type of filter (e.g. P1, P2, P3).

During the above procedure, the environment in which the work is carried out (humidity, temperature, etc.) must be taken into account.

Categories and types of Respiratory Protection Equipment

Respiratory protective equipment is divided into two categories:

  • Devices with filters, which depend on the atmosphere of the working environment (filtering equipment).
  • Respiratory equipment with filters, which are not dependent on the atmosphere of the working environment (isolation equipment).

These two categories include three main types:

  1. Respirators with a filter to clean the inhaled air of the immediate environment from suspended toxic gases or dust e.g. masks covering half or the whole face and fitted with a mechanical or chemical filter. They may be disposable or reusable with the possibility of cleaning or replacing the filter when it becomes damaged or expires (in the case of a chemical filter). The air is usually drawn in through the filter, either naturally when the worker inhales or as an auxiliary by means of built-in fans. Breathing masks should not be used when the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is less than 17%. In such a case, choose one of the following types.
  2. Self-contained breathing devices. The device itself provides, by means of a suitable internal circuit, the air or oxygen needed for the worker's breathing (e.g. a face mask connected to an individual oxygen cylinder).
  3. Breathing apparatus with a continuous supply of clean air through a hose from the external environment outside the contaminated workplace (e.g. a tubed respirator).

Basic specifications and standards for respiratory masks

EN 136: Full-face masks

Includes tests relating to resistance to temperature, impact, fire, thermal radiation, abrasion, cleaning and decontamination products. In addition, it includes an inspection of the visual part of the mask which must bear the logo and manufacturer's information.

EN 140: Half-face masks and quarter-face masks

This concerns tests for resistance to impact, cleaning and disinfection products, temperature, fire and respiratory resistance.

EN 141 / EN 14387: Gas filters and mixed filters

Includes laboratory tests to confirm compatibility, resistance to impact, temperature, humidity, corrosive environments and resistance to mechanical and respiratory hazards.

EN 143: Particulate filters

Refers to resistance to impact, temperature, humidity and corrosive environments, as well as resistance to mechanical and respiratory hazards.

EN 149: Half-face masks with filter

Includes tests for resistance to impact, cleaning and disinfecting products, temperature, fire and resistance to respiratory hazards.

EN 405: Half-face masks with filter, fitted with valves and gas filters or mixed filters

Clarifies the tests for resistance to handling, use, impact, fire and resistance to respiratory hazards.

A FILTER (Color Code: Brown)

For gases and vapors of organic compounds with a boiling point above 65°C (solvents and hydrocarbons)

Examples of specific hydrocarbons: toluene, benzene, xylene, styrene, turpentine, cyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene. Some solvents are often used as mixtures, such as solvents containing benzene, mineral essence, mineral turpentine, white spirit, and naphtha solvent. Other organic compounds include dimethylformamide, phenol, furfuryl alcohol, diacetone alcohol. Some raw materials and plastic additives: e.g., phthalates, phenolic resin, epoxy plastics, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB isomers).

B FILTER (Color Code: Grey)

For inorganic gases and vapors, except carbon monoxide.

Examples include: sulfur dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), hydrochloric gas (HCl), cyanide compounds, phosphorus and phosphoric acid.

E FILTER (Color Code: Yellow)

For sulfur dioxide and certain acidic gases and vapors.

Examples include organic acids, toxic acids, and acidic gases in general, nitric acid, propionic acid, formic acid.

K FILTER (Color Code: Green)

For ammonia and certain amine derivatives.

Examples include organic amines such as methylamine, ethylamine, ethylenediamine, diethylamide.

Filter Absorption Levels for Gas and Vapor Filters (Types A, B, E, K)

These filters are classified into 3 categories based on their absorption capacity (e.g., A2, B1, etc.):

  1. Low Capacity Filter (Contaminant concentration < 0.1% or 1000 ppm*)
  2. Medium Capacity Filter (Contaminant concentration < 0.5% or 5000 ppm*)
  3. High Capacity Filter (Contaminant concentration < 1.0%)

*ppm: parts per million (individual concentration per million parts)

These filters are marked with white color and are classified as P1, P2, or P3 depending on their filtration capacity (low, medium, high).

Types of Particles:

  • Dusts: Solid airborne particles generated during the processing of raw materials, either inorganic or organic. These may consist of metals, carbon, wood, or various fibers (asbestos, fiberglass, etc.).
  • Metal Fumes: Metallic particles formed from the evaporation of metals that cool and oxidize upon contact with air oxygen. For example, lead oxide fumes from lead melting, or iron oxide fumes from metal soldering.
  • Smokes: Fine carbon and soot particles including liquid droplets.
  • Mists: Airborne droplets formed by atomization into fine particles. Example: oil mists caused during metal machining, cutting, or grinding.
  • Microorganisms: Such as bacteria, viruses, spores.
  • Radioactive Particles: Caused by radioactive emissions.

Mixed filters offer protection against both gases/vapors and particles. The air first passes through the particulate filtering elements and then through the gas absorption elements. The particulate filter traps particles such as paint droplets, while spraying liquids requires the use of mixed filters.

Standards for other categories of respiratory protective equipment

There are many more (more than 20) standards for respiratory protection which also refer to the categories for self-contained or tubed respirators and in special cases. You can find more information here.

Detailed specifications for masks and filtering devices (SUP-AIR)

  • Single-use half-face masks made entirely or mainly from filtering material.
  • With or without an exhalation valve.
  • Certified according to EN149:2001+A1:2009
  • Categorized as FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 based on filtering efficiency.
  • Marked "SL" for solid and liquid particles, "VO" for organic vapors, "GA" for acidic gases.

All Half-face masks available from Axion Cotton meet these requirements:

  • Certified according ΕΝ149: 2001 + Α1: 2009.
  • Tested for allergens.
  • Not suitable for environments with oxygen concentration below 17% Vol.

Pros

  • Passing the optional Dolomite (D) clogging test of EN149:2001. Designed for user comfort and compatibility with eyewear.
  • No exposed metal parts inside.
  • Perimeter design reduces fogging with glasses or goggles.
  • Pre-shaped nose pad and soft foam lining for comfort.
  • Inner layer of soft polypropylene (PP).
  • Adjustable headband with neck-hanging option.
  • Full-face masks: EN136 certified.
  • Half-face masks: EN140 certified.
  • Proper shaving and removal of obstructions (beards, glasses) is required for optimal fit.

Replaceable filters comply with EN141 & EN14387 (gas/vapor & combined filters) and EN143 (particulate filters).

Filters marked with color codes and filtration classes (1 = low capacity, 2 = medium capacity, 3 = high capacity).

Not suitable for environments with oxygen concentration below 17% Vol.

General advice on respiratory protective devices

In general, the following should apply to respiratory protective equipment:

  • The constituent materials and other components of these types of PPE must be selected, designed and combined in such a way as to ensure the function and hygiene of the user's breathing during use, under the intended conditions of use.
  • The degree of tightness of the mask, the inhalation pressure and, in the case of filtering devices, the cleaning capacity must be such that, in the event of a contaminated atmosphere, the penetration of contaminants is low and does not pose a risk to the health of the user.
  • For filtering devices, the manufacturer must indicate in the information note the time limit for storing the filter in new condition when kept in its original packaging.
  • It should be as personal as possible, i.e. used by the worker himself at all times.
  • It must be cleaned at least once a day, when it is not of course disposable, and it must be disinfected regularly and in any case before it is given to another worker for use.
  • It must be checked and maintained at frequent intervals and replaced immediately when it is found not to meet the requirements for safe and effective operation.
  • When not in use, it must be kept in clean enclosed spaces or closed containers that meet hygiene requirements.
We have the necessary expertise on Personal Respiratory Protective Equipment to assist you with the appropriate choice.

If you have any questions about the Standards for Respiratory Protection - EN Standards or need our help to make the right choice, Axion Cotton's expert consultants are at your service. For more information please contact us.

Resources

General information on respiratory devices:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respirator

Legislation and information on Standards for Respiratory Protection - EN Standards:
- http://www.elinyae.gr/el/lib_file_upload/220A-94.pdf
- http://www.elinyae.gr/el/lib_file_upload/TYPOP.1103193105796.pdf

More resources on Personal Protective Equipment and in particular Standards for respiratory protection - EN Standards:
- Directive 89/656/EEC – use of personal protective equipment of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace, OJ L 393 , 30/12/1989 P. 0018 – 0028.
- HSE – Health and Safety Executive, A practical guide, “Respiratory protective equipment at work, HSE Books, 2005.

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