Appendix 1 RESPIRATOR TYPES AND RESPIRATOR STANDARDS This appendix concentrates on dust and aerosol filtering respirators as this

type is the most likely to be used. Where chemical filtration is required, then suitable disposable half-mask respirators will be needed, or chemical cartridges fitted to half- or full-face masks, or to powered respirators. The appropriate cartridge must be chosen for the contaminant and this must be changed in line with manufacturers recommendations. Generally speaking, a satisfactory (and consistently satisfactory) fit is more likely to be achieved with a half mask respirator than with a disposable respirator and this type is more economical if long term use is needed. If disposable dust respirators are chosen, note that they are generally described as single shift respirators they are designed to be used for a continuous 8 hour shift and should not be used for longer than this. Users should note that it is unlikely that a satisfactory fit can be achieved with a disposable respirator that has been donned and removed several times throughout a day. Three categories of dust filtration are available (a) (b) (c) low efficiency, FFPI (Protection Factor1 4) medium efficiency, FFP2 (Protection Factor 10) high efficiency, FFP3 (Protection Factor 20)

Only FFP2 and FFP3 respirators are recommended as these give the highest levels of protection. Surgical masks and nuisance dust masks are not classed as RPE: they give no protection against inhalation of fine particulates and must not be used as a control measure. Disposable respirators may be obtained with or without exhalation valves: those with valves help to avoid heat and moisture build up in the mask and are more comfortable for longer term use. The Safety Office, or your Area Safety Officer, should be consulted where there is doubt over the most appropriate type of RPE to choose for a particular individual or task.
1.

Disposable dust respirators, with or without exhalation valve Standard: Protection: EN 149:2001 FFP2 or FFP3 Protection Factors of 10 (FFP2) or 20 (FFP3) are available. Although FFP3 respirators provide significantly better protection than FFP2, they also cost significantly more. None required. Dispose of them after each shift. Follow the manufacturers instructions and especially check the respirator is in good order before use use both straps, fitted one below and one above the ears adjust the nose bridge for a correct fit do not allow the inside to become contaminated dispose of it after a single shift

Maintenance: Precautions:

Protection factor (PF): concentration of contaminant in breathing zone = ambient concentration /PF

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Disposable half-mask respirators Standard: Protection: EN405 Protection Factors of 10 (FFP2) or 20 (FFP3) are available in combination with protection against organic vapours and/or inorganic gases. P3 filters provide significantly better protection than P2 filters but at modest increased cost. P3 filters for the 3M 7500 mask are available with added activated charcoal, giving some protection against odours as well. None required. These should be disposed of within one month, in which case there are no maintenance requirements under COSHH. Care must be taken over storage if the inside is to remain uncontaminated during their one-month lifetime. Follow the manufacturers instructions and especially check the respirator is in good order before use wear the straps as indicated by the manufacturer clean the mask after use pay special attention to the valve(s) do not allow the inside to become contaminated dispose of it after one month of use.

Maintenance:

Precautions:

3.

Half-mask respirators with disposable filters Standard: EN 140 (mask). Filter standards are EN 141 (gas filters of Class 1, 2, or 3), EN 143 (particle filters of class P1, P2, or P3) and EN 371 (Class Ax, for certain low boiling point organic chemicals) For particulate filtration, Protection Factors of 10 (P2) or 20 (P3) are available. EN 143 P3 filters are normally used and excellent face seals may be achieved with this type of mask. The preferred respirator for protection against aeroallergens is the 3M 7500, which is generally fitted with two P3 filters, but may alternatively be fitted with P3 filters that give additional protection against odours by incorporating activated charcoal. Gas filters may be fitted to half-mask respirators, giving protection against organic vapours and/or inorganic gases. Required. Under COSHH, non-disposable RPE has stringent maintenance, examination, and test requirements. Unless a commitment can be made to comply with these requirements, the use of half-mask respirators is likely to contravene the COSHH Regulations. Because the mask is reused care must be taken over storage if the inside is to remain uncontaminated. Follow the manufacturers instructions and especially check the respirator is in good order before use wear the straps as indicated by the manufacturer clean the mask after use pay special attention to the valve(s) do not allow the inside to become contaminated.

Protection:

Maintenance:

Precautions:

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Powered Respirators Standard: Protection: EN 12941 TH2 or TH3 (older respirators to EN 146 may still be used). They are available with hoods (TH3 or TH2), or visors or helmets (TH2). Protection Factors of 20 (TH2) or 40 (TH3). Powered respirators using hoods to EN 12941 TH3 provide the highest level of protection, and respirators to this standard incorporate a low flow warning device (those to EN 146 do not). Required. Under COSHH, examination, testing, and maintenance are required at least monthly. The manufacturers instructions should be followed and a record of the tests should be kept for at least five years. The use of powered respirators is necessary where individuals cannot wear fitted RPE (e.g. they have beards or heavy facial stubble). The University Safety Office should be consulted for assistance in the choice of respirator. Precautions: Follow the manufacturers instructions and especially check that all parts of the device are in good order before use check that the fan is providing enough airflow before use charge or change the battery after use do not use the device if it is dirty, damaged, incomplete or not providing sufficient airflow

Maintenance:

5.

Full-face respirators Standard: Protection: BS EN 136, of Classes 1, 2, or 3 (mask). Filter standards are as described above, to EN 141, 143, or 371 Protection Factor of 40 when EN 143 P3 filters are used these filters give excellent protection, the highest standard of face seal may be achieved with this type of mask, and it also protects the eyes. Combination filters may be fitted giving protection against organic vapours and/or inorganic gases. These respirators are cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear and are generally suitable only for use with chemical cartridges in emergencies (e.g. for cleaning up spillages), not for routine protection against allergenic dusts. They are not suitable for spectacle wearers unless prescription inserts are used in the mask. Maintenance: Required. Under COSHH, non-disposable RPE has stringent maintenance, examination, and test requirements. Unless a commitment can be made to comply with these requirements, the use of half-mask respirators is likely to contravene the COSHH Regulations. Care must be taken over storage if the inside is to remain uncontaminated. Follow the manufacturers instructions and especially check the respirator is in good order before use wear the straps as indicated by the manufacturer clean the mask after use pay special attention to the valves do not allow the inside to become contaminated.
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Precautions: