This European Standard specifies minimum requirements for filtering half masks as respiratory protective devices to protect against particles except for escape purposes. A particle filtering half mask covers the nose and mouth and chin and may have inhalation and/or exhalation valve(s). The half mask consists entirely or substantially of filter material or comprises a facepiece in which the main filter(s) form an inseparable part of the device. It is intended to provide adequate sealing on the face of the wearer against ambient atmosphere when the skin is dry or moist and the head is moved. Air enters the particle filtering half mask and passes directly to the nose and mouth area of the facepiece or via an inhalation valve(s). The exhaled air flows through the filter material and/or an exhalation valve (if fitted) directly to the ambient atmosphere. These devices are designed to protect against both solid and liquid aerosols.

Particle filtering half masks are classified according to their filtering efficiency and their maximum total inward leakage. There are three classes of devices; FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. In addition, particle filtering half masks are classified as single shift use only, marked with symbol ‘NR’ or as reusable (more than one shift) – marked with symbol ‘R’.

Performance tests within this Standard include filter penetration, extended exposure (loading) test, flammability, breathing resistance and total inward leakage. Reusable products are also subjected to cleaning, storage and mandatory clogging resistance tests. The clogging resistance test is optional for non-reusable products.

DOLOMITE TEST

The Dolomite test is an optional test under Standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009. Respirators which pass the dolomite clogging test are proved to provide more comfortable breathing whilst wearing the respirator and will be marked with symbol ‘D’ after the class of respirator, such as FFP2 NR D.