Tuesday 17 May 2016
Monday 16 May 2016
EN 143 Particulate Filters
European standard EN143:2000 covers particle filters and these are classified according to their filtering efficiency. Particle filters trap and hold particles (dust, mist, fume, smoke, micro-organisms) from
the air flowing through them. Large particles are easier to trap than small ones. These
filters can be used against both solid particles and liquid particles (mists, fine sprays and
aerosols).
There are three classes of filter:
WELs are British occupational exposure limits and are set in order to help protect the health of workers. WELs are concentrations of hazardous substances in the air, averaged over a specified period of time, referred to as a time-weighted average (TWA).
Two time periods are used:
There are three classes of filter:
- P1. Low efficency. Filters at least 80% of airborne particles. These filters have a WEL* of 4 when attached to either a half or full face respirator.
- P2. Medium efficency. Filters at least 94% of airborne particles. These filters have a WEL* of 10 when attached to either a half or full face respirator.
- P3. High effiency. Filters at least 99.95% of airborne particles. These filters have a WEL* of 20 when attached to half face respirator and 40 when used with a full face respirator.
WELs are British occupational exposure limits and are set in order to help protect the health of workers. WELs are concentrations of hazardous substances in the air, averaged over a specified period of time, referred to as a time-weighted average (TWA).
Two time periods are used:
- long-term (8 hours). Some adverse health effects require prolonged or accumulated exposure. The 8 hour TWA is to set to control these effects by restricting the total intake by inhalation over one or more shifts.
- short-term (15 minutes). Some adverse health effects may be seen after short exposures. 15 minute STEL may be applied to control these effects. For a substance assigned a 15 minute STEL WEL, this level of exposure should never be exceeded.
Labels:
EN143,
Particle filters
Location:
Thetford, Thetford, Norfolk IP24, UK
Tuesday 10 May 2016
How to Choose a Dust Mask
Home projects and hobbies frequently produce dusts and particulates that can be harmful to health such as building dust, wood dust and airborne particulates from sanding surfaces. As well as having adequate ventilation a dust mask will protect your lungs and your health.
No all dust masks are equal in the level of protection they give. There are 3 dust mask ratings FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. FFP3 dust masks give the highest level of protection and FFP1 the lowest. Whatever rating you select always ensure it is CE marked.
Follow the fitting instructions provided with your dust mask.
You should change your dust mask if it is clogged or difficult to breathe through.
Disposable dust masks are designed to be worn once and then discarded.
Discard any dust mask that is damaged e.g. a broken strap.
No all dust masks are equal in the level of protection they give. There are 3 dust mask ratings FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. FFP3 dust masks give the highest level of protection and FFP1 the lowest. Whatever rating you select always ensure it is CE marked.
When choosing a dust mask some things to consider are:
- Is the dust mask a good fit? A poorly fitted dust mask will give you a false sense of security.
- Does the dust mask have an exhalation valve? Dust masks with an exhalation valve will make breathing easier.
- Are the airborne particles highly toxic? For example asbestos dusts will require a minimum of a FFP3 mask.
Some dust mask safety tips:
Follow the fitting instructions provided with your dust mask.
You should change your dust mask if it is clogged or difficult to breathe through.
Disposable dust masks are designed to be worn once and then discarded.
Discard any dust mask that is damaged e.g. a broken strap.
Wednesday 4 May 2016
Moldex CompactMask Half Face Respirators
The CompactMask range of half face respirators from Moldex have many features that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Firstly all the masks in the range are tested and certified to EN 405:2001 (Valved filtering half masks for use against gases or gases and particles).
These respirators have integral filters which means the mask is ready to wear and no assembly required.
This range half face masks are very lightweight which is important if wearing the mask for extended periods. The 5120 mask weighs only 210g compared to the 3M 4251 mask which weighs 232g. I know it is only 22g but if you are wearing the mask for long shifts trust me you will notice the difference.
A good face fit is always important and this is handled very well by Moldex's FlexFit technology. In addition the mask body is made from hypoallergenic thermoplastic material.
It is always good to see what you are doing when wearing a respirator and these masks have very low profile filters which allow for excellent peripheral vision.
The range has 4 variants that all protect against gases, vapours and particulates:
Moldex 5120 CompactMask. This half face mask has A1/P2 filters. The A1 gas filters protect against organic gases and vapours (with a boiling point > 65°C) encountered when working with solvents created by varnish, paints and adhesives. The P2 filters protect against moderate levels of harmful airborne particulates. This combination of filters is popular among paint sprayers.
Moldex 5230 CompactMask. This half face mask has A2/P3 filters. These will protect against the same hazards as the 5120 mask but to higher levels.
Moldex 5330 Compact Mask. This half face mask has A1B1E1/P3 filters. These filters will protect against the same gases and vapours as the 5120 mask plus working with chlorine, bromine, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, hydrochloric acid and other acid gases. In addition to the the P3 filters will protect against high levels of toxic dusts and mists.
Moldex 5430 CompactMask. This half face mask has ABEK1/P3 filters. This combination of filters protect against all the gases that the 5330 mask can handle plus ammonia vapours.
Firstly all the masks in the range are tested and certified to EN 405:2001 (Valved filtering half masks for use against gases or gases and particles).
These respirators have integral filters which means the mask is ready to wear and no assembly required.
This range half face masks are very lightweight which is important if wearing the mask for extended periods. The 5120 mask weighs only 210g compared to the 3M 4251 mask which weighs 232g. I know it is only 22g but if you are wearing the mask for long shifts trust me you will notice the difference.
A good face fit is always important and this is handled very well by Moldex's FlexFit technology. In addition the mask body is made from hypoallergenic thermoplastic material.
It is always good to see what you are doing when wearing a respirator and these masks have very low profile filters which allow for excellent peripheral vision.
The range has 4 variants that all protect against gases, vapours and particulates:
Moldex 5120 CompactMask. This half face mask has A1/P2 filters. The A1 gas filters protect against organic gases and vapours (with a boiling point > 65°C) encountered when working with solvents created by varnish, paints and adhesives. The P2 filters protect against moderate levels of harmful airborne particulates. This combination of filters is popular among paint sprayers.
Moldex 5230 CompactMask. This half face mask has A2/P3 filters. These will protect against the same hazards as the 5120 mask but to higher levels.
Moldex 5330 Compact Mask. This half face mask has A1B1E1/P3 filters. These filters will protect against the same gases and vapours as the 5120 mask plus working with chlorine, bromine, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, hydrochloric acid and other acid gases. In addition to the the P3 filters will protect against high levels of toxic dusts and mists.
Moldex 5430 CompactMask. This half face mask has ABEK1/P3 filters. This combination of filters protect against all the gases that the 5330 mask can handle plus ammonia vapours.
Moldex CompactMasks are available to buy at DustMasksDirect.co.uk.
Tuesday 3 May 2016
AOC Hit With $16M Asbestos Verdict - Legal Reader
The dangers working with asbestos and not wearing a correctly rated and face fit tested respirator. In the UK the guidance from the HSE is either a FFP3 dust mask or a half face mask with P3 filters.
AOC Hit With $16M Asbestos Verdict - Legal Reader: AOC hit with $16M asbestos verdict over a faulty respirator. On Friday, a California jury rules that American Optical Corporation must pay a former machinist who developed mesothelioma $16 million, along with possible punitive damages after finding the manufacturer of the respiratory equipment knew its product could not prevent dangerous exposure to asbestos and hid that fact from purchasers.
AOC Hit With $16M Asbestos Verdict - Legal Reader: AOC hit with $16M asbestos verdict over a faulty respirator. On Friday, a California jury rules that American Optical Corporation must pay a former machinist who developed mesothelioma $16 million, along with possible punitive damages after finding the manufacturer of the respiratory equipment knew its product could not prevent dangerous exposure to asbestos and hid that fact from purchasers.
Tips and tricks on refinishing your furniture
This article mentions using a respirator for protection against lead in paint when renovating old furniture. If you are sanding paint that may contain lead the recommended minimum protection is an FFP2 mask such as the Moldex 2405 FFP2 NR D dust mask.
Tips and tricks on refinishing your furniture
Tips and tricks on refinishing your furniture
Asbestos contractors target homeless, other vulnerable people
Asbestos contractors target homeless, other vulnerable people
'The workers had no training, no protective gear, no water to wet the crumbly asbestos and no leak-proof bags in which to dispose of it. Some did the work dressed in flip-flops, T-shirts and shorts.'
If you need to remove asbestos a properly fitted FFP3 dust mask and type 5 coveralls are required.
HSE have published a guidance sheet on asbestos removal and personal protective equipment (EM6).
Asbestos removal kits including PPE and UN disposal sacks are available to buy at DustMasksDirect.co.uk.
'The workers had no training, no protective gear, no water to wet the crumbly asbestos and no leak-proof bags in which to dispose of it. Some did the work dressed in flip-flops, T-shirts and shorts.'
If you need to remove asbestos a properly fitted FFP3 dust mask and type 5 coveralls are required.
HSE have published a guidance sheet on asbestos removal and personal protective equipment (EM6).
Asbestos removal kits including PPE and UN disposal sacks are available to buy at DustMasksDirect.co.uk.
Hood Helps Close Gaps in Respirator Protection
An interesting concept. It would be good to hear from anyone that has tried this.
Hood Helps Close Gaps in Respirator Protection: The Kimtech Pure A5 Sterile Elasticized Hood from Kimberly-Clark Professional helps prevent gaps in respirator coverage by offering an uninterrupted seal and customized fit for anyone wearing a full-face respirator.
Hood Helps Close Gaps in Respirator Protection: The Kimtech Pure A5 Sterile Elasticized Hood from Kimberly-Clark Professional helps prevent gaps in respirator coverage by offering an uninterrupted seal and customized fit for anyone wearing a full-face respirator.
3M 4251 Half Face Masks
3M 4251 half masks are among the most popular '28 day' respirators.
The manufacturers description is as follows:
Lets go through some of the 3M bullet points for the 4251 mask.
Downloads: 3M 4000 Series datasheet.
3M 4000 series half face mask fitting video.
Where to buy 3M 4251 respirators: DustMasksDirect.
The manufacturers description is as follows:
- 3M 4251 Organic Vapour and Particulate Respirator: FFA1P2R D Gases/Vapours :10xWEL* or 1000ppm whichever is lower; Particulates:10xWEL*
Lets go through some of the 3M bullet points for the 4251 mask.
- Maintenance free design for maximum safety and simplicity.
- No maintenance records are required if disposed of within one month.
- Replace after 28 days or when damaged, breathing resistance increases or breakthrough occurs, whichever occurs first.
- 2 large bonded carbon filters for low breathing resistance.
- Low profile design for better peripheral vision.
- Low resistance parabolic valve to reduce heat build-up.
Downloads: 3M 4000 Series datasheet.
3M 4000 series half face mask fitting video.
Where to buy 3M 4251 respirators: DustMasksDirect.
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