FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01: What dust mask do I require?
It is vitally important that the correct grade of dust mask protection is selected dependent on the particulate hazard.
Respiratory masks for dust protection can be either disposable or reusable dust half masks & are rated based on the level of respiratory protection provided against airborne particles such as fine dusts & powders.
The masks are classified as EN 149 with either FFP1, FFP2 & FFP3 dust rating, FFP3 dust masks providing the highest level of protection.
Reusable masks will have the relevant filters classified as follows FFP1 (P1 Protection) FFP2 (P2 Protection) & FFP3 (P3 Protection)
02: Why should you wear a dust mask?
Whilst wearing any dust mask on your face may feel uncomfortable, the correctly selected RPE will help protect you against developing serious long term lung conditions such as mesothelioma, farmers lung & cancer.
03: What are FFP1 Dust Masks?
FFP1 Dust Masks (P1 filters) protect against low levels of non-toxic dust & liquid aerosols. FFP1 masks provide an APF (4) x TLV protection level with a filtration efficiency of 80% for airborne particles. The particle sizes filtered are larger than 5 microns.
FFP1 mask are often used in demolition, sanding & DIY jobs involving plaster or filler dust.
04: What jobs use FFP1 Dust Masks?
FFP1 mask are often used in demolition, sanding & DIY jobs involving plaster or filler dust.
05: What are FFP2 Dust Masks?
FFP2 Dust Masks (P2 filters) provide higher protection than FFP1 masks & protect against slightly toxic dust & liquid aerosols. FFP2 masks provide an APF (10) x TLV protection level with a filtration efficiency of 94% for airborne particles. FFP2 will filter smaller particles between 2-5 microns.
FFP2 masks are used more widely than FFP1 masks due to the increased protection levels they provide & are used in construction such as demolition & groundworks: metal working such as grinding, polishing: trades requiring protection such as boiler maintenance, soft wood dust or glass fibre.
06: What jobs use FFP2 Dust Masks?
Construction such as demolition & groundworks: metal working such as grinding, polishing: trades requiring protection such as boiler maintenance, soft wood dust or glass fibre.
07: What are FFP3 Dust Masks?
FFP3 Dust Masks (P3 filters) provide higher protection than both FFP1 & FFP2 masks, protecting against toxic dust & aerosols. FFP3 masks provide an APF (20) x TLV protection level with a filtration efficiency of 99%. FFP3 will filter smaller particles smaller than 2 microns.
FFP3 masks are used more widely than either FFP1 or FFP2 masks due to the increased protection levels they provide. This grade of protection is used for protection in very dangerous environments & is the correct grade of protection for viruses such as Covid 19, SARS etc.
FFP3 (P3) masks provide the highest level of protection from aerosols (coughs/sneezes). NHS & dental guidelines stipulating FFP3 masks (P3) for aerosol protection. FFP3 masks are used in healthcare, pharmaceutical industry as widely for all construction jobs, metal working or trades requiring the highest dust mask protection.
08: What jobs use FFP3 Dust Masks?
FFP3 masks are used in healthcare, pharmaceutical industry as widely for all construction jobs, metal working or trades requiring the highest dust mask protection.
09: What are the best Dust Masks for work?
|
WORKPLACE
|
HAZARD
|
FFP1 (APF 4)
|
FFP2 (APF 10)
|
FFP3 (APF 20)
|
| CONSTRUCTION |
DEMOLITION
GROUNDWORKS
MAINTENANCE
|
x
x
|
x
x
x
|
x
x
x
|
| METAL WORKING |
MACHINING
MOLTEN METAL
GRINDING
POLISHING
|
|
x
x
x
|
x
x
x
x
|
|
TRADES / DIY
|
CONCRETE DUST
RUST DUST
PAINT DUST
SOFT WOOD
HARD WOOD
BOLIER MAINTENANCE
PLASTIC DUST
|
|
x
x
x
x
x
x
|
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
|
10: Will a dust mask stop asbestos?
Dust masks come in a number of grades ranging from simple convenience masks through to FFP1, FFP2 & FFP3 masks each increasing in the level of filtration & protection provided. Only the FFP3 dust mask provides the correct level or protection APF 20 for unlicensed asbestos.
11: How to wear a dust mask correctly?
Wash your hands prior to putting on your mask, always check the dust mask for damage. If the mask appears damaged use a different mask. Place the mask onto the face positioning the straps 1. Around the neck, 2. Around the back of the head. If the dust mask has a nose clip, this needs to be pinched and slipe your fingers down either side to mold to the nose.
Checking for a good seal. Place both hands on the mask and take a breath. You should feel the masks seal against the face & then exhale. If you feel leakage above the nose re pinch and mold the nose clip. If you feel leakage around the sides, readjust the head straps until a proper seal is achieved.
12: How to wear a dust mask with glasses?
When the mask is placed on the head it is important that the correct procedures are followed & importantly that the nose clip is pinched over the bridge of the nose and molded down the sides. Glasses will very often mist up due to the fact that this has not been done correctly.
13: Are N95 dust masks APF 10 ?
N95 is a US safety standard which is not legally allowed to be sold in the UK. Products sold in the UK must pass strict safety standards. The UK safety standard FFP2 mask provides an AP 10.
14: Can a dust mask protect you from asbestos?
Not all dust masks will protect against asbestos so it is very important for long term health that the correct dust mask is selected. The only dust masks that can be used are FFP3 masks with and APF 20.
15: Do dust masks work?
Dust masks are a lightweight alternative to the heavier reusable masks. All disposable dust masks should have the CE markings EN 149: 2001 that show that the masks have been tested to a recognised standard for the UK. The masks will also be tested to the different protection levels.
16: Which masks protect me from viruses?
FFP3 masks provide the highest level of protection available filtering out particulates as small as viruses such as Covid 19 & SARS.
