Respirators are specially designed to protect against small sized particles and particulates such as dusts, smokes, mists, organic vapors, harmful toxic gases, etc. Depending upon their efficiency to filter these particles and particulates these half face masks are further classified into three filtration effectiveness classes such as:-
P1 – Filters about 80% of particles smaller than 2 micrometers
P2 – Filters about 94% of particles smaller than 0,5 micrometer
P3 – Filters about 99,95% of particles smaller than 0,5 micrometer
P1 Filters
Hazard Types
- Mechanically generated particles
- Chrysotile
- Silica dust
Things to consider when selecting
- P1 particulate filter will only provide protection against these hazards that are listed above and not against anything more that these.
- Also, the filtering efficiency of these P1 filters is less than 90%.
P2 (White) Filters
Hazard Types
- Solid and liquid particles that do not contain oil.
- Non-toxic household cleaners and disinfectants.
- Non-toxic dusts from sanding, grinding, sawing and insulating particles.
Things to consider when selecting
- P2 particulate filter – Mechanically and thermally generated particulates.
- Also, the filter efficiency of these P2 filters is only 90%-95%.
P3 (Pink) Filters
Hazard Types
- Solid and liquid particles, including those containing oil.
- Dusts, mists, and fumes from sanding, grinding, cutting, drilling metal.
- Mist droplets from spraying.
- Organic Vapours and Gases.
Things to consider when selecting
- P3 particulate filter – All particulates including highly toxic materials.
- P3 filters separates 99.95% of airborne particles.
- P3 has also an organic vapor relief.
Cautions and Limitations
- These filters should not be used in the atmosphere that has oxygen level below 19.5%.
- Do not exceed maximum use concentrations established by regulatory standards.
- Always seal tight the respirator when in use. Please check for the leakage if any and fix it before you start your work.
- Filters should be replaced after 40 hours of work or when breathing get tough.
