What filters do I need for the 3M 7500 series half face mask?

The 7500 series half face mask is a reusable respirator mask that when combined with appropriate filters can provide respiratory protection against vapour and/or particulate hazards. As with every piece of tight fitting respiratory protective equipment, it is important that the mask is correctly worn and this includes being fitted tested. This ensures that the mask provides an adequate seal to your face thus preventing entry of the respiratory hazards you wish to exclude. You can read more here.

How to fit your 7500 series half mask?

This mask is available in three sizes : small, medium and large. The below video produced by 3M details how this mask is correctly fitted. A fit check is different to the fit test and should be performed every time you wear the mask to make sure it fits right each wear. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5zbj3_ezqE[/embed]

What filters do I need?

There are a range of different types of particulate and vapour filters that are to be used with the mask - called the 2000, 5000 and 6000 series filters and they connect to the mask with a bayonet fitting. The most appropriate filter depends of the types of hazard you are being exposed to and also the level at which it is present, so selecting the correct filter is very important and it must take into account the work place exposure limit. The SDS of chemicals and consulting your workplace health and safety adviser is a good place to start looking when deciding on the best filter for your environment. Particle filters are divided into three classes:

• P1 - low efficiency
• P2 - medium efficiency
• P3 - high efficiency

Gas and vapour filters are also divided initially by what gases they protect against (A - organic gases and vapours, B - inorganic gases and vapours, E - sulphur dioxide and acid gases, K - ammonia, Hg - mercury) and then by capacity:

• 1 - low capacity
• 2 - medium capacity
• 3 - high capacity

Some of the filters are also available in different formats, such as encapsulated and non-encapsulated. Encapsulated filters are more costly but benefit from being easy to change as everything that has been caught in the filter matrix is encapsulated. Filters are also available offering combined protection against particulates and vapour hazards. Filters for particulates only

• 2000 series non encapsulated particulate only filters
  • 2125 P2 & 2135 P3
• 5000 series - non encapsulated particulate filters can be used alone (with platform 603 and retainer 501) or in combination with a 6000 series vapour filter (must use the 501 retainer)
  • 5911 P1, 5925 P2, 5935 P3
• 6000 series encapsulated particulate only filters.
  • 6035 P3

Filters for gas and vapours (with optional particulate filtration)

• 6000 series gas and vapour filters (except for 6098 and 6099 filters).  These filters can be combined with 5911 , 5925, 5935 particulate filters using the 501 retainer to add particulate protection to the below vapour filters.
  • 6051 A1 & 6055 A2 - Organic vapours
  • 6054 K1 - Ammonia
  • 6057 ABE1 - Organic vapours, inorganic and acid gases (like 6051 A1 but also suitable for electrolytic processes)
  • 6059 ABEK1 - Organic vapours, inorganic and acid gases and ammonia
  • 6075 A1 & Formaldehyde - Organic vapours & formaldehyde
• 6000 series mercury vapour filter with P3 particulate protection. (Cannot be used in combination with the 5000 series particulate filters.)
  • 6096 HgP3 - mercury and particulates.

Filters for particulates with built in protection against gas and vapours

• 6000 series encapsulated particulate filter with nuisance vapour protection
  • 6038 P3 - particulate, hydrogen fluoride up to 30ppm, relief from ozone, organic and acid vapours and gases below the WEL
• 2000 series non- encapsulated particulate filter with nuisance vapour protection
  • 2128 P2 & 2138 P3 - particulates and nuisance levels of organic and acid vapours and gases

Camlab can supply a range of RPE and other PPE equipment. If you have any questions, please email us at support@camlab.co.uk.