3 Effective Filtering Facepiece Respirators standards
Undoubtedly, in order to well prevent and reduce people from the risks of contacting hazardous substances, it’s very important to choose the correct particulate filtering facepiece respirators based on different working environment conditions.
In this article, we compile the general classifications of the filter efficiency of airborne particles by different International or National standards which suits for each applicable markets:
USA Standard
N95 mask is most commonly used in basic no oil-based particulates working conditions or to prevent people from virus infection.
According to the test criteria and standard regulated by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), N95-rated filtering facepiece respirators are the minimal level of filtration which have at least 95% against non-oily particles of filtration efficiency.
Further to the N respirator rating class, other ratings such as R (resistant to oil for 8 hours) or P (oil proof) are also classified as below chart:
[wpdatatable id=6]
EU Standard
PPE CE masks are mandatory to be certified under EU Type Examination Certificate according to the EN 149:2001+A1:2009 harmonized standard (Respiratory protective devices – Filtering half masks to protect against particles) by a qualified Notified Body.
Manufacturers should Keep supervising and updating the EU Type Certificate if applicable such as modifications, changes in standards, or the latest technical developments, or the timing to renew the certificates every 5 years prior to the date of expiration.
On the basis of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and Council relating to personal protective equipment (PPE), additional approvals in accordance with Annex V (Module B-EU type-examination), and either of Annex VII (Module C2- internal production control plus supervised product checks at random intervals) or Annex VIII (Module D-quality assurance of the production process) for CE masks (Category III) is required.
The classification of filter efficiency between NIOSH masks and CE masks are different. Filter class of CE marks is defined by FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 with different levels of filter efficiency and inward leakage values as below chart:
[wpdatatable id=3]
Australia & New Zealand Standard
The standard of AS/NZS 1716:2012 Respiratory protective devices specifies requirements, performance and testing criteria for the manufacture of respiratory protective devices (respirators) intended to provide protection against atmospheres containing substances that may be harmful if breathed and atmospheres that may be deficient in oxygen.
[wpdatatable id=4]
Summary
Different standards perform certain different test criteria and performance requirements. Referring to the manufacturer’s guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of respirators will be a good choice.
General recommendations for selection are listing as below chart:
[wpdatatable id=2]
Find more about what Yuanyi can support for you with various type of masks.