Respirator filters: Increased respiratory safety
Buying respiratory protection equipment is essential to avoid poisoning and accidents. Being well protected not only requires using a mask with filters, but also knowing how to take care of them and how long the filters must be used for them to fulfil their function.
There are many sectors where, due to the large quantities of particles and gases that are generated, the use of filters in masks makes it possible to capture these harmful molecules to prevent them from reaching the respiratory system.
So to maintain maximum safety in our protective equipment, we must follow the recommendations and change the filters frequently to generate greater protection and provide greater peace of mind to workers.
When to change mask filters?
Filters in respirators are designed to protect for a longer period of time, but it is important to know when to change them. Depending on the type of work we may face different particles. A risk assessment should be carried out for each job, which will dictate how often it is advisable to change the filters.
However, as soon as it becomes difficult to breathe through the mask, the filters should be changed immediately. This is because the filter is already saturated and no longer protects.
Also, as soon as we start to notice the smell of pollutants, the filter should be changed to avoid intoxication. This is a key sign that it has outlived its usefulness. Similarly, if the filter is damaged or very dirty, its use is not recommended.
Classification of the different types of filtering facepiece filters
Protection against gas and vapour:
- Class 1: For gas content of less than 0.1% by volume.
- Class 2: For gas content between 0.1% and 0.5% by volume.
- Class 3: For gas content between 0.5% and 1% by volume (large capacity containers presented on the belt).
Protection against particles, dusts and aerosols:
- Class 1 (P1 or FPP1): To protect from solid coarse particles without specific toxicity (calcium carbonate).
- Class 2 (P2 or FPP2): To protect against solid and/or quoted aerosols such as hazardous or irritant liquids (silica, soda ash).
- Class 3 (P3 or FPP3): To protect against solid aerosols and/or toxic liquids of beryllium chrome, hardwood.
Filters for 3M respirators. Quality and protection
We would like to highlight 3M filters for respirators because of their high quality and protection capacity.
Masks with interchangeable filters guarantee safety at all times due to their filtering efficiency and breathing resistance. 3M filters provide protection against solid particles and liquids and are suitable for half masks and full face masks.
They perfectly combine protection and comfort and are easy to attach to the mask.