As a worker, you may choose not to wear a dust mask as you might feel uncomfortable, or it might interfere with your other PPE like goggles or face screen. However, do you know the risks of not wearing the correct respirator mask will develop harmful and life-threatening lung conditions, like COPD (Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disorder) and even cancer? In fact, there are 12,000 fatal cases associated with respiratory hazards after long-term exposure to airborne chemicals and contaminants.
With the rising awareness, it is essential to keep a check on your health because health is wealth. That’s why, whether one likes it or not, investing in high-quality protective gear and equipment is necessary.
One such type of protective mask is Filtering Face Pieces (FFP). It is a form of protective mask that protects you against vapour and gas and is available in three levels of protection: FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3, to protect against hazards with different efficiency levels.
What is FFP?
Filtering Facepieces (FFP) is a type of RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) that protects against respirable dust, smoke, and aerosols. The filter material in FFP masks maximizes their function by combining mechanical and electrostatic filtration. It includes:
- Mechanical Filtration: The mechanical mechanism of the filter material functions like a sieve, filtering out larger particles. Under a microscope, the mechanical structure of the filter material can be seen as layers of messy fibres crisscrossing over each other. The density of these fibres increases as the protection level rises, causing the tiny spaces to get smaller and filter out smaller particles.
- Electrostatic filtration: The filter material is electrostatically charged and functions like a gravitational field, attracting smaller particles toward it. The benefit of electrostatic filtration is that particles are drawn toward the solid fibres of the material instead of blocking the tiny voids within the sieve-like structure. This might result in reduced breathing resistance and increased loading capacity.
Types of FFP Masks
Before we delve into the FFP face mask classes, it is important to understand the following terms about OEL and APF. The Occupational Exposure Limits or OELs are standards that determine the amount or concentration of a hazardous substance allowable in the workplace air.
Assigned Protection Factor, or APF, indicates how well it protects the wearer from hazardous substances. A safety mask with an APF of 4 will reduce the concentration of the hazardous substance in the air that the wearer breathes by 4 times.
Now, let’s understand the types of FFP masks.
1. FFP1 Mask
FFP1 masks are suitable for less-toxic environments, as it doesn’t contain high toxins, fibrogenic dust, or aerosols. These masks provide a filtration rate of 80%. FFP1 mask has the least breathing resistance, and an exhalation valve is often not required. They are commonly used in the construction and food industries.
It provides protection against brick dust, cellulose, cement, coal dust, gypsum, limestone, POP (Plaster of Paris), pollen, and sugar. Due to lower filtration rates as compared to other masks, inhalation can lead to the development of health problems, irritate the respiratory system, and produce unpleasant odours.
It can be used in an area with a maximum of 4 OEL transgressions and has a 4 APF rating. For instance, if the OEL for dust particles is 5mg/m3, then the FFP1 masks can be used in places where the dust concentration is upto 20mg/m3 (4 times the OEL transgressions).
2. FFP2 Mask
FFP2 masks are used in work environments where harmful and mutagenic substances can be detected in the breathing air. Exhalation valves are more common in FFP2 masks with greater breathing resistance.
These valves will reduce the accumulation of heat inside the safety mask, improving the comfort of the wearer. It is commonly used in the metal and mining industry.
Its OEL value is 12, APF is 10, and has a filtration rate of 94%. These masks can provide protection against brake dust, cotton dust, granite dust, hay, lead dust, softwood dust, and fumes.
3. FFP3 Mask
FFP3 mask provides the best protection from air pollution by filtering out toxic, carcinogenic, and radioactive particles. They are widely used in the chemical industry due to the usage of contamination and hazardous materials.
It provides protection against toxic particulates, including bacteria, asbestos, viruses,s and other carcinogenic agents.
These masks can be regarded as the equivalent European standard of the US N95 and are recommended by the WHO during outbreaks of SARS, coronavirus, and avian flu. It boasts a filtration efficiency of 99%, an APF value is 20, and an OEL value is 50.
Difference Between FF1 Vs FF2 Vs FF3 Masks
Being aware of the differences among FF1, FF2, and FF3 masks helps you make an informed decision and ensure you have the right level of protection. Now, let us break down the key distinctions between these masks, exploring the fit, design, and protection level in brief.
- Reusability
The reusability of the FFP masks depends on the specific mask and filtration level. In general, FFP3 masks are not for reuse due to potential filter clogging from the exposure of heavy contaminants. On the other hand, FFP1 masks can be reused a few times if they are not visibly soiled or damaged. FFP2 masks will fall in between these two categories with reusability capacity depending on the specific manufacturer guidelines and usage conditions.
- Fit and Design
FFP masks are available in various shapes and sizes to closely fit around the individual’s nose and mouth. This tight seal ensures optimal protection, as the presence of any gaps will allow unfiltered air particles to enter. There are some masts with adjustable nose bridges with a personalized fit, while others are designed with an elasticated strap system.
- Protection Level
FFP1 masks provide the lowest level of protection and, in comparison, FFP2 masks have a significant setup, making it the best fit for respiratory protection and disease control. FFP3 filtering mask has the highest filtration efficiency and assures maximum protection. It can even filter out some hazardous materials like asbestos and particular radioactive particles.
- Specialised Features
When choosing an FFP mask, make sure to seek out specific quality features to ensure ideal performance and comfort. For example, consider features like a comfortable inner lining and a secure head strap design to reduce pressure points while wearing the equipment.
In addition, you can also focus on the environment or purpose you are seeking the FFP. For instance, if you are using it in an infectious environment, you need an FF3 mask with a higher protection level against hazardous substances. On the other hand, if you are in the construction industry, you can opt for FFP2 to protect your respiratory system from dust particles.
FFP Masks Uses: Where to Use Which FFP Mask?
While the masks protect the wearer against harmful air, it is essential to choose the right mask to strengthen the barrier to protect the health as per the environment. To make it simple, let’s understand which mask is suitable is what conditions:
| Type of FFP Mask | Conditions |
| FFP1 | Suitable to wear in environments with non-toxic dust and areas with low-level risks of hazardous airborne particles |
| FPP2 | Suitable in areas where the risk levels are moderate, and the particles can cause respiratory issues. |
| FPP3 | Highly recommended to wear in areas with high-level risks due to the presence of highly toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic particles, like Asbestos handling, pharmaceutical industry, and bioaerosols exposure. |
You can also consider investing in which FFP mask after assessing the OEL levels.
Wrapping Up!
Understanding the meaning, purposes, and types of FFP masks allows you to make smart choices and protect yourself from airborne risks. While FFP masks give you a higher protection, you need to focus on proper fit and careful use. If you are here to embrace the future of protection, look no further than the Respirator Shop!
Respirator Shop specialises in and is passionate about providing comfortable, high-quality protective mask equipment that satisfies consumers and legal bodies.
They stock a variety of protective masks with varying levels of protection. They go above and beyond to design products that exceed the expected standards to protect you against your workplace risks and ensure a safer, healthier environment. So, if you know which FFP mask is right for you, then visit the Respirator Shop website to place an order today!
