FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a half Mask?
Reusable Respirators that cover both the nose & mouth are termed half mask respirators. Reusable masks that cover the whole face are called Full Face masks & provide protection for the eyes against dusts & irritants. Full face masks also provide a higher level of protection with an apf 40 vs apf 20.
Filters & gas cartridges are required for both masks, the type of filter required dependent on the hazard encountered.
What are the safety standards required for reusable masks?
All full face masks are required to reach the minimum safety standard EN 136:1998
Half masks except escape apparatus and diving half masks are required to reach EN 140:1998 safety standard.
Respiratory protective mask gas and particulate filters are required to be at EN 14387:2007 standard for unassisted respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Should I use a disposable mask or a reusable mask?
The respiratory mask required for the job in hand is dependent on the hazard encountered. This is also true as regards the level of protection required.
Dust masks are lighter to wear than half face masks and the appropriate protective grade should be selected. Full masks & half masks are the only respiratory protective equipment (RPE) that should be worn when protection is required with airborne substances and vapours. Full face masks will always offer a higher level or protection.
SOLID PARTICLES
Dust-solid particles or general sizes
Mist-Aqueos mist created by evaporated liquid
Dust masks FFP1/FFP2/FFP3
or
Half & Full Face Masks + P Filter
AIRBORNE SUBTANCES
Gas & Vapours-substances that are
normally airborne or generated through evaporation or boiling
Half mask & P filter + A/B/E/K or combined filter
Full Face Mask & P filter + A/B/E/K or combined filter
See our filter section for the relevant filters required.
Do I need a Full Face Mask or a Half Mask?
Full Face masks offer a higher level of protection than half face masks due to improve seal created around the whole face rather than just the nose and mouth. The full face mask also provides protection for the eyes against liquid splashes as well irritating vapours and dust.
When working with hazards that can irritate the eyes such as fine dusts or spray paint for example a full face mask maybe more appropriate to use.
A half mask provides an APF (Assigned Protection Factor) APF UK 20 whereas the Full Face Mask provides the higher level of protection APF UK 40.
What filters do I Require for my reusable Mask?
| DUST & AEROSOL FILTERS |
| TYPE |
APPLICATION |
| P1 |
Protects from non-toxic dust & water based aerosol |
| P2 |
Protects from slightly toxic or irritating solids, aerosols or liquids |
| P3 |
Protects from solid aerosols and toxic liquids |
| GAS & VAPOUR FILTERS |
| TYPE |
APPLICATION |
| A |
Organic vapours & gases with a boiling point of 65C & above (Solvents) |
| B |
Inorganic vapours & gases (Excluding Carbon Dioxide/Monoxide) |
| E |
Protects against Sulphur Dioxide & other Acidic Vapours & Gases |
| K |
Ammonia & its Organic Ammonia derivatives, Vapours & Gases |
