Respiratory protection
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between N95, R95 and P100?
Under NIOSH 42 CFR 84 the letter indicates oil resistance: N is not oil resistant, R is oil resistant for a limited time, P is oil proof. The number is the minimum particle filtration efficiency: 95 means 95%, 99 means 99% and 100 means 99.97%. Where there is metalworking fluid or lubricant mist, N-series filters should not be used.
Do particulate respirators protect against solvent vapours or toxic gases?
No. Particulate filters capture dust, welding fume and mist, not gases or vapours. Solvents, paint, ammonia or acid gases require a respirator with the correct chemical cartridge, such as organic vapour, optionally combined with a particulate filter. Gas cartridges saturate over time, so a change schedule based on concentration and usage time is needed.
Is fit testing needed for respirators?
Yes. Tight-fitting respirators only work when sealed, so each user should be fit tested on the specific model and size before use and do a user seal check every time it is donned. Beards, sideburns or scars in the seal area break the seal; in that case consider a powered air-purifying respirator with a loose hood.
When is an air-purifying respirator not suitable?
Air-purifying respirators must not be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres, usually taken as below 19.5%, such as tanks, pits and unventilated confined spaces, or where concentrations are immediately dangerous to life. Those situations need supplied-air equipment and a confined-space entry procedure. The decision must be based on actual measurements on site.
Are FFP2 and FFP3 equivalent to N95?
FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 come from European EN 149, with minimum filtration of roughly 80%, 94% and 99% respectively. FFP2 is commonly regarded as close to N95 for particle filtration, but the test methods differ, so they are not interchangeable on paper. If your internal rules name a specific standard, select to that standard.
When should particulate filters and gas or vapour cartridges be changed?
Particulate filters are changed when breathing becomes noticeably harder, or when they are damaged, soiled or wet. Activated carbon cartridges must be changed on a schedule based on concentration, humidity and work rate, not when odour is noticed, because many substances have an odour threshold above their hazardous level. A cartridge taken out of its bag keeps adsorbing vapour from the air even while stored.
What is a user seal check and how is it done?
It is a quick check done every time the respirator is put on, separate from periodic fit testing. Negative pressure check: block the cartridge inlets and inhale gently, the mask should collapse slightly and stay there. Positive pressure check: block the exhalation valve and exhale gently, the mask should bulge slightly with no leak at the edge.
Does facial hair affect respirators?
It does, significantly. Beards, moustaches or stubble under the sealing edge create gaps that let unfiltered air bypass the filter. Users of tight-fitting respirators need to be clean shaven where the seal meets the face. Where that is not possible, a powered or supplied-air hood that does not rely on a face seal is needed.
