Find out everything you need to know about protection levels FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3
FFP1, FFP2 AND FFP3
FFP masks protect against particulate pollutants such as dust, smoke and aerosols. They are available in the three protection levels FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. These are standardised across the European Union according to EN 149:2001+A1:2009. Respiratory masks with higher protection levels filter more effectively and therefore can be used against more harmful substances and higher concentrations of contaminants.
PROTECTION LEVELS: FFP1 MASKS, FFP2 MASKS, FFP3 MASKS
FFP1
FFP1 masks may be used with contaminant concentrations up to 4 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL).
They protect against non-toxic water and oil based particles. They do not protect against carcinogenic and radioactive substances or airborne biological agents of risk groups 2 and 3 + enzymes.
The total leakage of an FFP1 mask is a maximum of 22%. At least 80% of contaminants are filtered out of the inhaled air.
Common applications for an FFP1 mask are environments with low levels of dust that is not harmful to health.
FFP2
FFP2 masks may be used with contaminant concentrations up to 10 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL).
They protect against harmful water and oil based particles. They don’t protect against carcinogenic substances, radioactive particles, airborne biological agents of risk group 3 and enzymes.
The total leakage of an FFP2 mask is a maximum of 8%. At least 94% of contaminants are filtered out of the inhaled air.
Common applications for an FFP2 mask include handling soft wood, metal, plastics (not PVC) and oil mist.
FFP3
FFP3 masks may be used with contaminant concentrations up to 20 times the workplace exposure limit (WEL).
They protect against harmful and carcinogenic water and oil based particles, as well as radioactive particles, airborne biological agents of the risk group 2+3 and enzymes.
The total leakage of an FFP3 mask is a maximum of 2%. At least 99% of contaminants are filtered out of the inhaled air.
Typical applications for an FFP3 mask are for example handling heavy metals, hardwood, brake dust, radioactive substances, pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungal spores as well as stainless steel welding.