Buyer's Guide

It is a way to check that the mask being worn is actually offering the protection that it is supposed to. While masks are type-tested on real people, everyone has a different shape face and what fits one person may not provide a good seal on another. The Health and Safety Executive require that if you are working with lead or asbestos that you have quantitative fit testing carried out and they recommend that at least Qualitative fit testing is carried out for all types of tight fitting respirators.

There are set definitions of the different sizes of particles. Particles that are bigger than 5 micrometers (millionths of a metre) are classed as dusts, between 2 and 5 micrometers are classed as fine particles and anything less than 2 micrometers are very fine.

This depends on how the MDF is being worked. Any use of power tools will create vapours as the glues and fungicides are heated, in this case a twin half mask fitted with combination AB1P2 filters should be used. If hand tools are being used then a disposable dust mask to FFP2 requirement should be used.

Disposable dust masks are designed for single use only, after each wearing they should be discarded. A single use should not exceed eight hours. However the mask may not last this long in heavy concentrations of hazardous materials, when the mask becomes clogged the hazard will start to be drawn in around the edge of the mask, the easiest way in, so it is very important that they are not used for too long. Used masks should be disposed of safely as they will have the properties of the hazards that they have been used to protect against.

The correct grade of filter for Asbestos is P3, for people working with Asbestos we would always recommend the Olympus® Full Face Respirator fitted with a P3 Canister Filter. In addition a Quantitative Face Fit Test must be carried out to ensure adequate protection. Asbestos removal will usually need to be carried out by specially trained and licensed organisations.

You can get filters to take out the soot particles and unburnt hydrocarbons (fuel) but not to take out the carbon monoxide. So the ideal solution would be a supplied air system or self-contained breathing apparatus.

BS EN 529 is the European Standard titled 'Respiratory protective devices – Recommendations for selection, use, car and maintenance – Guidance document'. If you follow the guidelines in this document you are likely to have a Respiratory Protection Plan in place that will satisfy the Factory Inspector. The standard lists all the relevant standards and will help you meet your legal requirements. If you only ever buy one standard, this is the one to buy!