Dust Masks and Respirators
Facilities Buyer carries an excellent selection of dust masks and respirators in stock, all of which comply with British Safety Standards EN149:2001. These are an essential part of an employees personal protective equipment (PPE) where they are exposed to fine dusts, fumes, asbestos, fine sand, paint sprays, gases, aerosols and dusts in their working environment.
Dust masks and respirators – click here to start shopping
Dust masks / respirators are usually marked with the following codes:
FFP1 – low efficiency – these should be used where there is little or no risk of airborne virus or dust particles.
FFP2 – Medium efficiency – this should be used where there is an increased risk of airborne virus, particles or fumes.
FFP3 – High efficiency – these should be used where there is a high risk of airborne virus, particles or fumes.
It is imperative that dust masks are used within any environment that could lead to exposure to any of the above. Failure to do so could result in a variety of respiratory problems, the most common of which is asthma.
If an employee has already been diagnosed with this condition, wearing a mask can prevent against the onset of symptoms including asthma attacks, which can lead to hospitalisation.
The misuse or failure to use dust masks within the necessary environments can also be the cause of other respiratory diseases including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Chronic and Acute Bronchitis and Chemical and Bacteria Pneumonia. In some cases the inhalation of pollutants can also lead to severe lung diseases including a collapsed lung.
If there is even the smallest of risks to exposure, a dust mask must be used. Typical environments they are required in include labs, spray rooms, welding booths, workshops, factories and so on. |
