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A filtering face piece (FFP) respirator mask is a type of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). RPE is designed to protect the wearer from respiratory hazards including dusts, mists and fumes. FFP masks are disposable and therefore should be disposed of at the end of your shift or even sooner if they become heavily soiled.
[caption id="attachment_16689" align="aligncenter" width="300"] FFP2 Respirator Mask[/caption]
As the name suggests, the entire face piece is the filtering media. This is different from other types of masks where appropriate filters must also be used in combination. The mask works on a negative pressure principle and it is therefore very important that it fits your face correctly, so a seal can be achieved between the mask and your skin. You can read more on fit testing here.
In the EU, FFP masks are certified according to the standard EN149:2001. Within this, there are three classes of protection (against solid and water-based particulates). In short, the higher the FFP number = the better protection the mask provides. And furthermore, the different class of FFP mask offer differing assigned protection factors (APF). The APF is an indication of how well the mask will protect the wearer and by what factor the mask reduces concentration of the hazardous substance being breathed in.
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- FFP1 – APF = 4
- FFP2 – APF = 10
- FFP3 – APF = 20