FFP Dust Masks

FFP1 masks must be worn when the concentration of the contaminant reaches four times the occupational exposure limit¹ (OEL). FFP masks of this protection level can filter up to 80% of solid and liquid particles from the air, including particulates from pulp, cement, plaster, chalk or pollen. Please note that FFP1s do not offer adequate protection against carcinogenic and radioactive materials, airborne biological substances from risk category 2 and 3, and enzymes.

FFP1 masks offer reliable protection for:

• Cutting and drilling into concrete
• Agricultural applications involving hay, grain or flour e.g.
• Sanding and planing of wood, stone and iron
• Cleaning works involving house dust
  
  ¹ _{values may vary from country to country, please always check and comply with local regulations.}

The use of FFP2 masks is advised in environments where the contaminant concentration is up to ten times higher than the occupational exposure limit¹ (OEL). FFP masks of this protection level filter up to 94% of solid and liquid particles from the air, including particulates from calcium oxide, concrete and granite, as well as zinc oxide fumes.

FFP2 masks offer reliable protection for:

• Sanding, cutting and drilling into cement and concrete
• Machining of wood, plastic and steel, including painted, varnished or rusty material
• Welding of steel and zinc
• Handling of mould and bacteria in risk group 2
• Protection from carcinogenic and radioactive materials²
• Protection from airborne biological substances of risk category 3 and enzymes²

¹ _{values may vary from country to country, please always check and comply with local regulations}
² _{only permitted after accompanying risk analysis}

FFP3* masks provide protection against contaminant concentrations up to thirty times the occupational exposure limit¹ (OEL). FFP masks of this protection level are capable of filtering up to 99% of solid and liquid particles from the air. This includes particles of radioactive materials, airborne biological substances of risk category 3 and enzymes, as well as chromium, cobalt or nickel particles and even mould spores.

FFP3 masks offer reliable protection for:

• Sanding, cutting and drilling into high-alloy steels
• Welding of stainless steel or with thorium electrodes
• Working with diesel exhaust particulates and fumes
• Handling of viruses and bacteria in risk group 3

¹ _{values may vary from country to country, please always check and comply with local regulations
*FFP3 is not approved under AS/NZS 1716:2012 standard.}

FFPs are usually intended to be used for a maximum duration of one work shift. Please note that FFPs are not reusable. Other types of filtering respiratory protection are available for multiple use. Dräger recommends the use of either a half mask, a full-face mask or a powered air-purifying respirator for corresponding application scenarios.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to process FFP masks from Dräger for reuse.

All FFP masks contain electrostatic filter materials. The charge of these materials can be affected and gradually reduced by heat, radioactive radiation, UV radiation and the like, causing the mask to lose most of its filtration properties and no longer ensure adequate respiratory protection. Disinfectants such as isopropyl, ethanol and other cleaning agents can also destroy the charge of the filter material.

The 'D' marking on a FFP indicates that the optional dolomite dust test to prevent clogging of the FFP material has been successfully passed.

The 'NR' marking on a FFP denotes a non-reusable mask and signifies that the FFP mask can only be used for a maximum of one shift.

Different manufacturing processes can be used in the production of FFP masks, which is reflected in different FFP types ranging from moulded to folded and more complex three-part folded designs. These different FFP types offer different advantages and are therefore suitable for diverse areas of application:

Dräger X-plore 1300: This series of moulded FFPs is very robust and particularly easy to don thanks to its preformed shape. It offers a large internal volume for a comfortable fit, making it easier to breathe and speak.

Dräger X-plore 1700: This range of folded FFPs offers a robust design and can be easily folded for space-saving transport. The foldable design keeps the inside of the mask clean and well protected for hygienic use.

Dräger X-plore 1900: This line of three-part folded FFPs comes in two sizes and offers a highly flexible fit. This makes the masks particularly easy to adjust and face-fit to individual face shapes and head sizes and ensures an optimal seal for different facial physiognomies.

Please note that Dräger strongly advises against using FFP masks and respiratory filters if they have expired.

It is impossible to make generalised statements about their actual effectiveness. For example, an expired FFP3 mask may no longer provide the effective protection required according to an FFP3 classification. As the electrostatic properties of the filter material deteriorate over time, only testing in an approved laboratory with appropriate equipment can provide a reliable answer to this question. The EN 149 standard provides a benchmark against which the mask's current performance can then be compared.