Respirator filters selection guide - Respirator filters – select correct classification of filters for smoke — Respirator filters selection guide
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Only the combination of protection masks and respiratory filters ensures protection

There are various filter types: particle, gas (e.g. ABEK) or combination filters. Depending on where you will be using them, you can protect yourself against multiple hazardous substances all at the same time.

A colour-coding enables you to instantly recognise the filter type. In addition, filters are classified according to their efficiency or capacity. We will explain this here in greater detail.

Correctly reading and using filter colour codes: Here's how it works

You can only be sure of respiratory protection when you have chosen the right type of filter for the hazardous substance you are dealing with. All respirator filters are labelled with standard colour coding used throughout Europe in accordance with the EN 14387 standard. This enables you to instantly recognise which type of protection each filter provides.

A filter with the green colour code and the label "K" for example, always protects against ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives. Gas filters that cover different gases, or combination filters that provide additional particle protection, thus have several colour codes and a compound label. An example is an ABEK filter with the colour code brown-grey-yellow-green. It protects against gases and vapours of organic and inorganic compounds as well as against sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives.

Slide trough the colour coding for 10 filter types and their application scenarios:

Filter type: AX

Gases and vapours from organic compounds, boiling point <65°

For handling aceton.

Filter type: A

Gases and vapours from organic compounds, boiling point >65°

For handling solvent vapours when removing paint or in bonding, painting and varnishing processes (in combination with a particle filter).

Filter type: B

Inorganic gases and vapours (for example, chlorine, hydrogen sulphide, hydrocyanic acid)

For welding processes (as an ABE P-filter).

Filter type: E

Sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride

For cleaning processes involving acids (as an ABE P-filter).

Filter type: K

Ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives

For handling liquid fertilisers (as an ABEK-filter).

Filter type: CO

Carbon monoxide

Used with escape devices to protect against gases during a fire, or for handling hydrogen peroxide (as a CO NO P-filter).

Filter type: Hg

Mercury vapour

For handling chemicals (as an ABEK Hg P-filter).

Filter type: NO

Nitrous gases including nitrogen monoxide

For handling ammonium nitrate or ozone (as NO P-filter).

Filter type: “Reactor”

Radioactive iodine, including radioactive methyl iodide

Filter type: P

Particles

For grinding, cutting or drilling processes; contact with bacteria or viruses.

What is the meaning of filter classifications: Filter efficiency and capacity

In addition to the colour coding, gas filters are further classified according to their capacity, and particle filters according to their efficiency. There are three classes, ranging from 1 (lowest level of protection) to 3 (highest level).

So, regarding gas filters, the classes describe the maximum permissible concentration of toxic substances a filter can take.

For particle filters, the filter class clearly indicates how efficiently particles are filtered from the ambient air:

P1 / FFP1: 80%

P2 / FFP2: 94%

P3 / FFP3: 99.9%

P = Particle / Particle class

FFP = Filtering Facepiece

There is one special thing about disposable dust masks, also called FFPs. These masks are made entirely of particle-filtering material and therefore don't require a separate filter like reusable masks. Dust masks only provide protection from particles and are designed to be used once only. Grinding, for example, is a job where this type of mask is commonly used.

See Dräger's newest FFP masks.

Respiratory filter portfolio

The following overview shows our respiratory filter portfolio. Our filter series differ in their connector and have to be selected according to the corresponding respirator. All filter series contain particle, gas as well as combined filters.

Dräger X-plore^® Bayonet

Product details

Dräger X-plore^® Rd40

Product details

End of Sales

Dräger X-plore^® Rd90 Filters

Product details

Knowledge to go

Colour code easy-reference chart

Which type of filter is best suited for use during welding processes? Download the colour code chart now for a quick overview of the right filter solutions for any type of task.

Download chart

PDF 42,5KB

Filter classes at a glance

Filters are classified according to their capacity (gas filter) or their efficiency (particle filters). The particle filter class indicates how efficiently particles are filtered from the ambient air. Our filter class chart gives you a quick overview.

Download overview

PDF 613KB

Introduction to light respiratory protection

Introduction to respiratory protection handbook

Will a filtering device provide sufficient protection against hazardous substances? How do you select the right filtering device? Find the answers to these and other important questions in our free handbook.

Download handbook

PDF 4,23MB

More on respiratory protection

Heavy respiratory protection: Isolation systems

These are used in areas where there are high concentrations of hazardous substances or a lack of oxygen. They provide the wearer with a safe air supply.

Learn more

Escape equipment

Escape devices are used in emergencies (for example, a sudden gas leak or a fire). They provide instant respiratory protection for a limited period.

Learn more

Basic knowledge

Especially at the workplace, the inhalation of polluted air can lead to long-term damage to the respiratory organs and the entire body. Learn more about hazardous substances such as microparticles, gases and vapours that can lead to work-related illnesses such as asbestosis, asthma or cancer.

Learn more

Light respiratory protection: Filtering devices

Even light respiratory protection can help prevent inhalation of many types of hazardous substances. Here you can see which type of filtering device can protect you from particles, gases and vapours.

Learn more

Get in touch with Dräger

Draeger Singapore Pte Ltd

61 Science Park Road
The Galen #04-01
Singapore 117525

+65 6872 9288

Draeger Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

No. 6, Jalan 15/22, Taman Perindustrian Tiong Nam, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

+60 3 5526 2000

Draeger Philippines Corporation

2504-C West Tower, Tektite Towers, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City 1605 Metro Manila, Philippines

+63 2 8470 3825

Note

Not all products, features, or services are for sale in all countries. Please contact your local Dräger representative for more information.

Respirator filters selection guide

Only the combination of protection masks and respiratory filters ensures protection