Dust Masks
Best Dust Masks & Respirators
Full Range of the latest EN149 Protective Disposable Dust Masks including 3m Dust Masks, Moldex, JSP, Alpha Solway, UCI & Protective Masks Direct including FFP1, FFP2, & FFP3 Dust Masks with filter.
Dust Mask Respirator - Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
Dust mask protection levels are classified in different respirator equipment (RPE) grades to include FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 Dust mask for protection against lead & Asbestos.
The FFP1 Dust mask has a filter efficiency of 78% for example the Moldex 2365 dust mask, FFP2 Dust Mask 92% such as the 3m Aura 9322 Dust Masks and the highest level FFP3 have a filter efficiency circa 98% and therefore offer the highest level of dust mask protection.
Our range of industrial dust masks now include the latest Springfit dust masks from JSP that include an internal spring feature that absorbs facial movements ensuring a secure face fit and seal.
The Different Types of Dust Face Masks Include Protection Against:
MDF Protective Dust Mask
Silica & Lead Dust Mask
Mold Safety Mask
Frequently Asked Questions
01: Do I need to wear a dust mask?
It is vitally important that a protective dust mask is worn for any work that creates dust or aerosols to help protect you from developing serious lung conditions such as mesothelioma or farmers lung for example.
02: What are dust masks?
Dusts masks can either be disposable dust masks or reusable half & full face masks with the correct dust filter attached.
Disposable dust masks are graded based on the variation in protective level that they provide such as FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 dust masks.
Reusable half masks & full face masks will require the equivalent P1, P2 or P3 filter, with FFP3 & P3 filter levels providing the highest level of dust mask protection.
03: What is the difference in protection between the different dust masks FFP1, FFP2 & FFP3?
FFP1 dust masks are the lowest protective grade dust mask providing a minimum 80% filtration & only protect against larger particle sizes & non toxic dusts / *water based aerosols at and APF 4.
FFP2 dust masks provide a higher level of protection with a minimum 94% filtration & APF 10x TLV from slightly toxic or irritating solid aerosols & liquids. Dust masks rated (P3) FFP3 provide the highest grade of protection offered at 98% particulate filtration with an APF 20 x TLV.
04: What dust mask should I select?
Prior to selecting the dust mask required, the level of hazard toxicity should first be identified. This will identify whether an FFP1, FFP2 & FFP3 dust mask or P1, P2 P3 reusable mask is required.
The choice between selecting a disposable dust mask or a reusable dust mask is very much personal preference however both types provide the same protection levels.
05: When would I need an FFP1 Dust Mask / P1 Dust Mask?
FFP1 dust masks / P1 Masks are often used in jobs such as demolition, DIY or jobs involving plaster for example. This grade of mask only provides protection against larger particulates > 5 microns & low level non toxic dusts & aerosols with a minimum filter efficiency of 80% & APF 4.
06: When would I need an FFP2 Dust Mask / P2 Dust Mask?
FFP2 dust masks / P2 Dust Masks provide increased protection above the FFP1 P1 grade & are more commonly used in business such as construction, demolition & groundworks, metal working such as grinding, polishing. FFP2 (P2) dust masks provide a minimum filter efficiency of 94% & APF (10). Protection is provided against dusts that are slightly toxic at a minimum size between 2-5 microns.
07: When would I need an FFP3 Dust Mask / P3 Dust Mask?
FFP3 (P3) dust masks are the most widely used dust mask grade due to the fact they offer the highest protection level. If you are in any doubt about the level of toxicity encountered always select the highest level of protection.
This grade of dust mask is used in dangerous environments & is the only grade that protects against viruses such as Covid 19, SARS etc.
FFP3 Dust Masks / P3 Dust Masks provide a minimum filtration efficiency of 99% & APF (20), with particulate size < 2 microns down to 0.3 microns.
FFP3 dust masks are widely used in the healthcare industry, 0all construction jobs, metal working or trades requiring the highest dust mask protection.
08: What are the best Dust Masks for my Job?
| DUST MASK PROTECTION GUIDE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
FFP3 TOXIC |
FFP2 SLIGHTLY TOXIC |
FFP1 NON TOXIC |
|
|
PROTECTION |
Protects from toxic solid aerosols & dusts |
Protects from slightly toxic or irritating solid aerosols/liquids |
Protects from non toxic dust 7 water based aerosols |
|
APPLICATIONS |
Asbestos, aerosol procedures, sanding |
Sanding soft wood, metal drilling |
Handling of stone, rubble |
|
DUST HAZARDOUS |
Asbestos, hard wood, lead, silica viruses |
Untreated soft wood, glass fibre, powdered pesticides, grain dust |
Flour, cotton dusts, graphite |
|
% MIN FILTRATION |
99% |
94% |
80% |
|
TOTAL INWARD LEAKAGE (TIL) |
2% |
8% |
22% |
|
NOMINAL PROTECTION (NPF) |
50X TLV |
12.5X TLV |
4.5X TLV |
|
ASSIGNED PROTECTION LEVEL(APF) |
20X TLV |
10X TLV |
4X TLV |
09: What Dust Mask should be used for asbestos?
Only dust masks at the correct protective grade FFP3 or if using a reusable mask with a P3 filter can used for unlicensed asbestos due to the fine fibres. They provide an APF 20 with the highest level of filtration. Lower FFP dust masks or lower grade filters do not provide sufficient protection due to lower filtering efficiency for smaller fibres.
10: Does a Dust Mask help with germs / flu?
Selecting the correct protective grade mask will help with protection against mould spores, viruses such as flu & Covid 19. FFP1 do not protect against viruses, FFP2 dust masks only provide limited protection however FFP3 (P3) dust masks is the grade recommended the WHO to protect against viruses such as SARs, Bird Flu & Covid 19.
11: How long can you wear a Dust Mask?
Disposable dust masks can be worn for an 8hr session but should be changed if they become damp or broken. Reusable dust masks such as the half mask or full face mask can be used for as long as the user is comfortable.
12: Can you wear a Dust Mask with glasses?
To prevent glasses from steaming up, it is important that the nose clip is pinched over the bridge of the nose and carefully moulded down the sides. If using a reusable half mask, the attachments to the head need to be altered & rechecked for seal using the manufacturing guidelines.