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Respiratory Protection

Respiratory Protection

Breathe without risk: For targeted use of respiratory protection

Our respiratory masks provide maximum safety for drilling, grinding, welding, and other dust-intensive tasks. Choose from numerous models with different filter classes to find the right respiratory protection for your needs.

With us, you are guaranteed to find the right respiratory protection!

For the sake of your lungs, avoid inhaling fine dust and harmful substances! Our respiratory masks provide maximum safety for drilling, grinding, welding, and other dust-intensive tasks. The particle-filtering half masks with exhalation valves ensure optimal climate management. They cover the mouth and nose and, thanks to their optimized design, are perfectly compatible with safety goggles. A secure and comfortable fit is ensured by the continuous headband. Choose from our models with different filter classes for protection against toxic and harmful, or less harmful, dust, mists, and fumes. Do you need protection against gases and vapors? Then opt for our half masks.

When must respiratory protection be worn?

According to VGB 1 §4, respiratory protection must be worn during all work involving harmful, toxic, corrosive, or irritating dust, gases, mists, or vapors if there is no effective extraction of hazardous substances. In general, limit values are established for all hazardous substances that must not be exceeded in the workplace (AGW). If the concentration is higher, protection must be used.

What is the workplace exposure limit (AGW)?

The AGW is the time-weighted average concentration of a substance in the air at the workplace, below which no acute or chronic harm to employees is expected without the use of respiratory protection.

Which filter class do I need?

The filter class depends on the hazardous substance and its concentration. If the hazardous substance consists of solid or liquid particles, you will need filter classes FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3. The higher the filter class, the higher the filtration efficiency. If the hazardous substance is a gas or vapor, you will need filter classes A, B, E, K, etc. If both particles and gases or vapors are present, you will need a combination filter consisting of a gas and particle filter.

Our respiratory masks by filter class

Particle filters are available in three protection levels. The more toxic or carcinogenic a substance is, the higher the required level.

*Filters allow up to x times the workplace exposure limit.

FILTER CLASS FFP1 / P1 >

 

Workplace exposure limit (AGW)*: 4 times

Protection against non-/slightly toxic fine dust

FILTER CLASS FFP2 / P2 >

 

Workplace exposure limit (AGW)*: 10 times

Protection against solid and liquid particles of harmful/carcinogenic substances (e.g., oak/beech wood dust, fungi, spores, smoke)

FILTER CLASS FFP3 / P3

 

Workplace exposure limit (AGW)*: 30 times

Protection against solid and liquid particles of toxic and highly toxic substances, viruses

Gas and vapor filtering respiratory masks

Gas and particle filters are also divided into different classes, depending on their capacity or efficiency. The higher the class, the more effective the protection.

Filtertyp EN 14387 Protection against... Classes Color
A Gases and vapors from organic compounds, boiling point > 65°C (e.g., solvents, turpentine, gasoline) 1, 2, 3 ochre
AX Gases and vapors from organic compounds, boiling point ≤ 65°C 1, 2, 3 ochre
B Inorganic gases/vapors (e.g., chlorine, bromine, hydrogen sulfide) 1, 2, 3 gray
E Acidic gases/vapors (e.g., sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride) 1, 2, 3 yellow
K Ammonia, ammonia compounds (e.g., dimethylamine) 1, 2, 3 green
CO Carbon monoxide 1, 2, 3 black
HG Mercury 1, 2, 3 brown
NO Nitrous gases including nitrogen monoxide 1, 2, 3 blue
Reaktor Radioactive iodine, including radioactive iodide 1, 2, 3 orange
P Particles 1, 2, 3 white

 

Combination filter

1-P2 / 2-P2 Gases, vapors, solid and liquid particles of harmful substances
2-P3 Gases, vapors, solid and liquid particles of toxic and highly toxic substances

Examples of use for particle-filtering half masks

The specified filter classes are minimum requirements and serve as a guide.

ACTIVITY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES PROTECTION CLASS
  FFP1 FFP2 FFP3
WOODWORKING
Softwood: Sanding and cutting Fine particles, wood dust   x  
Hardwood (oak, beech, tropical wood): Sanding and cutting Fine particles, wood dust     x
Sanding/Brushing off paint Fine paint particles   x  
Sanding/Brushing off paint (chromium-containing coatings) Fine paint particles     x
Water-based coatings containing copper/chromium/arsenic Fine paint mist     x
CONSTRUCTION AND ALLIED TRADES
Cement work, plastering, tiling, roofing Cement/plaster/tile/brick dust   x  
Masonry: Cutting, drilling, demolition     x  
Asbestos: Small-scale work Fibers     x
Roof insulation (glass and mineral fibers) Dust and fibers   x  
Filler/Putty: Sanding Dust   x  
WELDING WORK
Welding stainless steel and aluminum Metal and aluminum oxide fumes     x
Brazing Fumes     x
METALWORKING
Metal: Drilling, grinding, milling, cutting Metal dust   x  
High-alloy steel/stainless steel: Drilling, grinding, milling, cutting Metal dust     x
DISPOSAL / CLEANING WORK
Waste sorting and disposal Dust, fungi   x  
Disposal of medical waste Bacteria, spores     x
Sweeping floors Dust (non-toxic) x    
Radioactively contaminated dust Dust     x
AGRICULTURE
Animal diseases/Treatment of sick animals Bacteria, viruses     x
Handling mold spores Spores     x
Handling hay, grain, flour Dust x    
MEDICAL/CARE/HEALTH
Allergies, pollen, house dust, animal hair Dust, particles, spores   x  
Bacteria, viruses, infections, Legionella Bacteria, viruses     x

 

How do particle-filtering half masks differ?

Particle-filtering half masks, also commonly known as dust masks, dust protection masks, or fine dust masks, are distinguished as preformed or foldable.
Preformed masks have the advantage of being easy to put on.
Foldable masks, on the other hand, are particularly practical if you need to carry the mask with you and use it later in the day.

Preformed respiratory mask
  • Full-length headband for a comfortable and secure fit
  • Flexibly adjustable nose clip
  • Soft sealing lip guarantees a secure and comfortable fit of the mask
  • Soft material edges for high wearing comfort
Foldable respiratory mask
  • Full-length headband for a comfortable and secure fit
  • Flexibly adjustable nose clip
  • Soft sealing lip guarantees a secure and comfortable fit of the mask
  • Soft material edges for high wearing comfort
  • 3-part design allows for facial movement when speaking and is therefore particularly comfortable to wear

How long can I use my respiratory mask?

Particle-filtering half masks are designed for single use (one workday of 8 hours). Filters for half and full-face masks, however, can be used multiple times. Regardless, both particle-filtering half masks and filters should be replaced promptly if breathing resistance increases or if you notice the taste or smell of gas.

Foldable respiratory mask

 

Did you know that a dust lung starts gradually?

Many professions are exposed to harmful dust. As a result, dust lung is one of the most common occupational diseases.
Dust lung is particularly dangerous because it starts gradually, and those affected may not experience the first signs until years later, often not until retirement age.
Early symptoms can include shortness of breath during physical exertion, a persistent cough of unknown cause, or even pneumonia.

Protect your respiratory system. We have what it takes.