// General

Best-possible protection against particles and gases

Hazardous substances can arise during various work processes. These can include very fine particles, gases or vapours. If they get into the mucous membranes or in the lungs, they can damage the body and, in the worst cases, even lead to fatality.

Hazardous substances are split into two categories:

1. Particles: Particles include dry dusts such as fibres, fine dust or smoke on the one hand, and hygroscopic dusts such as crystals, salts, spores, germs or aerosols on the other.

2. Gases: The gases and vapours group includes free-floating molecules such as ozone and water-soluble, fat-soluble, acidic and alkaline gases and vapours.

An adult breathes around 25,000 times every day. That is about 18 to 20 breaths per minute. Clean air is essential for the body to stay healthy.

// INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Respiratory protection: how to use a particle filter mask
Respiratory protection: how to use a half-face mask
Respiratory protection: how to use a full-face mask
Respiratory protection: how to use a powered air purifying respirator or supplied air respirator
Respiratory protection: how to use a particle filter mask
// SELECTION AID

Select the right respiratory protection device

Basic selection criteria for the correct choice of respiratory protection are the field of application and the particles and gases arising there. In this regard, overview pages can help by listing the relevant activities and potential dangers in detail and providing appropriate recommendations on required filter classes:

Furthermore, you can obtain further information in a personal consultation with the Hoffmann Group’s PPE experts.

  • How do you now choose the best mask?
    An example: employees can use different types of paint when spraying. If it is a solvent-based paint, a filter class P3 respiratory protection device with an “A” code for organic gases and vapours whose boiling point is above 65°C is recommended. By contrast, isocyanate-based paints require a class P3 protective mask with the codes “A”, “B”, “E” and “K”. “B” stands for inorganic gases and vapours. “E” provides protection against acidic gases and “K” against ammonia. If the employee is merely using water-based paints which are low in solvent, a respirator with an “A” code will suffice. The basis for these recommendations is DGUV rule 112-190 on the use of respiratory protection devices.

An example: employees can use different types of paint when spraying. If it is a solvent-based paint, a filter class P3 respiratory protection device with an “A” code for organic gases and vapours whose boiling point is above 65°C is recommended.

By contrast, isocyanate-based paints require a class P3 protective mask with the codes “A”, “B”, “E” and “K”. “B” stands for inorganic gases and vapours. “E” provides protection against acidic gases and “K” against ammonia.

If the employee is merely using water-based paints which are low in solvent, a respirator with an “A” code will suffice. The basis for these recommendations is DGUV rule 112-190 on the use of respiratory protection devices.

// SELECTION AID

Full masks

Particle masks

Particle masks

Respirator with blower unit

Half masks

Full masks

Half masks

Full masks

Particle masks

Respirator with blower unit

Respirator with blower unit

Half masks

// SERVICES

Respirator fit testing & maintenance with repair

Fit testing evaluates the precision of the fit for the employee, that is it checks the respirator’s ability to retain its seal, and also assesses wearing comfort, compatibility and overall suitability. This helps the person wearing the PPE to choose the right product in the right size for the right application. This guarantees suitable protection against hazards in the workplace.

// SERVICES – Norms and standards

Statutory regulations on breathing protection

Statutory regulations on breathing protection
Respirators are classified as category 3 “Fatal injuries or serious and irreversible damage to health” under the Personal Protective Equipment Directive.
In Germany, the use of respiratory protective equipment is regulated by DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) regulation 112-190.
Depending on the field of application, devices must also comply with additional statutory regulations.

EN 143 for particle filters
EN 14387 for gas and combination filters
EN 149 for filtering half-face masks for protection against particles
EN 405 for filtering half-face masks with a valve for protection against gases or particles
EN 140 for half-face masks
EN 136 for full-face masks
EN 12941 for powered filtering devices incorporating a hood or helmet
EN 403 for filtering escape devices (e.g. in the event of fire)

// SERVICES – Norms and standards

Special requirements for protective masks

Filter classes and codes on gas masks

Filter class 1: for harmful substance limit values below 0.1 Vol. %

Filter class 2: for harmful substance limit values of 0.5 Vol. %, equating to full-face masks and powered systems

Filter class 3: for harmful substance limit values from 1.0 Vol. % upwards, equating to powered systems or extraction systems.

The colour markings and the letters on the masks also indicate against which types of gas the breathing protection acts. They simplify orientation at the work place.

Some examples:

  • “E” in yellow: sulphur oxides, hydrogen chloride and other acid gases
  • “Hg” in red: mercury
  • “K” in green: ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives

// SERVICES – Norms and standards

Special requirements for protective masks

Filter classes and codes on gas masks

Fine dust particles and aerosols in the breathable atmosphere are practically invisible and thus pose a major health risk in the working environment. According to §2 subparagraph 8 of the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV), the occupational exposure limit (AGW) specifies the concentration of pollutants above which a respirator must be worn. Depending on the protection level and total leakage, which refers to filter penetration and leakage at the face and nose, particle filters are split into the following three classes: 

  • FFP 1: protection against non-poisonous but mucous membrane-irritating particles and harmful substances
  • FFP 2: for toxic particles and harmful substances (dusts, smoke, aerosols)
  • FFP 3: for toxic, poisonous particles and harmful substances that are carcinogenic and radioactive (viruses, bacteria, mould spores).