inc vat exc vat
United Kingdom £ GBP

Shipping to
  • Price Match Promise
  • Free UK Delivery over £99 ex VAT
  • In-House Embroidery & Printing
  • 28-Day Returns
Standards guide · Breathing

Respiratory protection explained

Masks protect your lungs. A mask only works if it fits your face.

  • EN 149:2001+A1:2009
  • EN 140
  • EN 136
  • EN 143:2021
  • EN 14387:2004+A1:2008
  • EN 12941
  • EN 12942

Read this ifYou need FFP2, FFP3 or a filter like A2P3

Decode a disposable mask

EN 149:2001+A1:2009 filtering half mask. Printed on the mask.

CE markingEN 149
On the label
  1. EN 149

    Standard

    Filtering half mask against particles (dust, mist, fumes). Not gases or vapours.

  2. FFP3

    Class (FFP1-3)

    Max total inward leakage: FFP1 22%, FFP2 8%, FFP3 2%. UK APF: FFP1 = 4, FFP2 = 10, FFP3 = 20.

  3. NR

    Single shift

    NR = not reusable, one shift only. R = reusable (can be cleaned).

  4. D

    Dolomite (optional)

    Passed the dust-clogging test - stays more breathable in dusty work.

  5. CE 2797

    CE + body number

    Masks are Category III, so a notified body number is always shown.

  • Tight-fitting masks need a face-fit test and a clean-shaven seal area (HSE OC 282/28 / INDG479; HSA guidance).
  • FFP3 = the class.
  • NR = one shift only. R = reusable.
  • D = passed the dust-clogging test.
  • CE 2797 = mark + body number (masks are Category III).

How much protection?

APF = how many times the mask reduces what you breathe in, when fitted and worn correctly (HSE HSG53).

  1. 4FFP1Nuisance dust, low hazard
  2. 10FFP2 / half mask P2Wood, plaster, many dusts
  3. 20FFP3 / half mask P3Silica, hardwood, lead, mould
  4. 40Full face P3 / TH3 powered hoodHigher hazard dusts, eye irritation too
Mask UK protection factor (APF) Example
FFP1 4 Nuisance dust
FFP2 10 Plaster, softwood
FFP3 20 Silica, hardwood, mould
Full face + P3 / powered hood TH3 40 Higher hazards

Gas and filter colours

Gas and particle filter colours (EN 14387 / EN 143)

Example combined filter: A2P3 = brown band + white band.

  • ABrown

    Organic gases and vapours, boiling point above 65 C (solvents)

  • AXBrown

    Low-boiling organic compounds (65 C or below)

  • BGrey

    Inorganic gases (chlorine, hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen cyanide)

  • EYellow

    Acid gases (sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride)

  • KGreen

    Ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives

  • Hg-P3Red + white

    Mercury vapour (always with P3)

  • NO-P3Blue + white

    Nitrogen oxides (always with P3)

  • P1 / P2 / P3White

    Particles (EN 143). P3 = highest filter efficiency

How to read a filter: A2P3 R D

EN 14387 combined filter on a half or full face mask.

EN 14387
On the label
  1. A

    Gas type

    Brown = organic vapours (see colour chart).

  2. 2

    Gas capacity class

    1 low, 2 medium, 3 high.

  3. P3

    Particle class

    P1, P2, P3 (EN 143). P3 best.

  4. R

    Reusable particle part

    R = can be used more than one shift. NR = one shift.

  5. D

    Dolomite (opt.)

    Clogging test passed.

  • Dust → P filter (white).
  • Solvents → A (brown).
  • Gases → B, E or K. Check the chemical's safety data sheet.

Face-fit testing

  • 1

    Clean shaven

    Where the mask seals. Stubble breaks the seal.

  • 2

    Face-fit test

    Every tight-fitting mask needs one.

  • 3

    Seal check

    Before every use.

  • 4

    Replace

    When breathing gets hard.

  • Every tight-fitting mask needs a face-fit test.
  • Be clean shaven where the mask seals. Stubble breaks the seal.
  • Beards? Use a powered hood (loose-fitting).

Which do I need?

Which mask?

  • Dust only?FFP mask or P filter
  • Gas or vapour?Gas filter by colour
  • Low oxygen or unknown?Breathing apparatus. Get expert help
  • Beard?Powered hood

Common mistakes

  • Dust masks for solvent fumes. They do nothing for gases.
  • No fit test.
  • Reusing NR masks.
  • Valve masks where the wearer must not breathe out onto others (e.g. clean rooms).

The law

  • COSHH 2002 (regs 7 and 8): control exposure; RPE must be suitable and used properly. Face-fit testing per HSE guidance (HSG53, INDG479, OC 282/28).
  • Also Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 where relevant.

Shop Breathing

FFP1FFP2FFP3All respiratory

Frequently asked questions

What does FFP3 NR D mean?

FFP3 is the class. NR = one shift only (R = reusable). D = passed the dust-clogging test.

Do dust masks protect against solvent fumes?

No. Dust masks do nothing for gases. Solvents need an A (brown) filter.

Do I need a face-fit test?

Yes. Every tight-fitting mask needs a face-fit test, and you must be clean shaven where the mask seals.

More guides