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STANDARDS

REUSABLE RESPIRATORS

EN 140:1998 STANDARD - Half and quarter mask
Gas half masks marked EN 140:1998 are devices designed to provide the user with protection if used together with gas filters, dust filters and combined filters; they are in compliance with all the requirements of the standard, such as respiratory resistance, adherence loss and carbon dioxide content of the inhaled air.

EN 143:2000 STANDARD - Dust filters
Dust filters are devices conceived to protect the users against: dusts fumes mists They fully meet all requirements provided by the standard including breathing resistance, filter penetration, obstruction and mechanical resistance. Dust filters are classified also according to their re-usability during time and have the following markings: NR which means not reusable: filters suitable to be used for a single work shift R which means reusable: filters suitable to be used for more than one work shift.

EN 143:2000 STANDARD - Dust filters

Dust filters are devices conceived to protect the users against:

dusts
fumes
mists

They fully meet all requirements provided by the standard including breathing resistance, filter penetration, obstruction and mechanical resistance.
Dust filters are classified also according to their re-usability during time and have the following markings:

NR which means not reusable: filters suitable to be used for a single work shift
R which means reusable: filters suitable to be used for more than one work shift.

EN 14387:2004 STANDARD - Gas filters and combined filters

Gas filters are devices conceived to grant to the user the protection against:

gases
vapours

If air in work environment is contaminated not only by gases and vapours, but also by dusts with concentrations superior to TLV, it is necessary to use combined filters, made of filtering elements both gas and dust resistant, that in this way provide efficient protection also against dusts, fumes and mists. Filters marked EN 14387:2004 fully meet all requirements provided by standard including breathing resistance, ability to protect against gases, filter penetration, obstruction and mechanical resistance.
To each type of contaminant is associated a colour code as follows:

A	ORGANIC GASES AND VAPOURS
B	INORGANIC GASES AND VAPOURS
E	GAS AND ACID VAPOURS
K	AMMONIA AND ITS DERIVATIVES
P	TOXIC, SOLID AND LIQUID AEROSOLS

PROTECTION CATEGORIES OF GAS AND DUST FILTERS
Gas filters are identified according to their protection ability against gases. Therefore they are divided into three protection classes defined by numbers 1, 2 and 3. Gas filter has to be immediately replaced when contaminant odour is perceived. The filter will be saturated and it will be no longer able to filter and/or absorb any substance. Dust filters are divided in three protective classes defined by acronym P1, P2 and P3. To each protective class corresponds a filtering efficiency value expressed as a percentage %. Filtering efficiency of P3 class includes the efficiency of P1 and P2 classes. Dust filter has to be replaced when you meet breathing difficulty.

PROTECTION CATEGORIES OF GAS AND DUST FILTERS

Gas filters are identified according to their protection ability against gases. Therefore they are divided into three protection classes defined by numbers 1, 2 and 3. Gas filter has to be immediately replaced when contaminant odour is perceived. The filter will be saturated and it will be no longer able to filter and/or absorb any substance.
Dust filters are divided in three protective classes defined by acronym P1, P2 and P3. To each protective class corresponds a filtering efficiency value expressed as a percentage %. Filtering efficiency of P3 class includes the efficiency of P1 and P2 classes. Dust filter has to be replaced when you meet breathing difficulty.

PROTECTION CLASS		MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION OF TEST GAS
Class 1	LOW FILTERING EFFICIENCY	1000 ppm or 0,1% in volume
Class 2	MEDIUM FILTERING EFFICIENCY	5000 ppm or 0,5% in volume
Class 3	HIGH FILTERING EFFICIENCY	10000 ppm or 1,0 % in volume

PROTECTION CLASS	NPF	MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION OF TEST AEROSOL
P1	4	4 x TLV
P2	12	12 x TLV
P3	50	50 x TLV

To define maximum contaminant concentration (theoretical) allowed in the workplace it is necessary to multiply the Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) by TLV. NPF is a value indicating the theoretical level of respirator protection and which indirectly expresses the value of filter efficiency to retain or not of airborne contaminants; TLV is a value indicating the threshold limit concentration of dangerous substances to which a worker can be exposed without suffering damage to health (prolonged exposure up to a work shift). For example, "12xTLV means that the mask P2 is suitable to protect the user in environments with a concentration of contaminant substance up to 12 times the allowed maximum.

REACH
In order to safeguard the consumers’ health, the European Union issued the REACH regulation (come into force on 1st June 2007) which forbids the use of certain chemicals. COFRA guarantees the compliance of all its products with the REACH regulation; they do not contain carcinogen substances or mentioned in the European list of forbidden substances and, in order to grant it, all raw materials used during production are subjected to controls.

REACH

In order to safeguard the consumers’ health, the European Union issued the REACH regulation (come into force on 1st June 2007) which forbids the use of certain chemicals. COFRA guarantees the compliance of all its products with the REACH regulation; they do not contain carcinogen substances or mentioned in the European list of forbidden substances and, in order to grant it, all raw materials used during production are subjected to controls.

DUST DISPOSABLE RESPIRATORS

EN 149:2001 STANDARD
The dust filtering half masks are devices suitable to protect the user against all the external agents which, if inhalated, can be a risk for health or safety. The respirators in compliance with EN 149:2001 standard have been conceived to grant protection against aerosol both liquid and solid, that are: dusts fumes mists

EN 149:2001 STANDARD

The dust filtering half masks are devices suitable to protect the user against all the external agents which, if inhalated, can be a risk for health or safety. The respirators in compliance with EN 149:2001 standard have been conceived to grant protection against aerosol both liquid and solid, that are:

dusts
fumes
mists

DOLOMITE DUST CLOGGING TEST
Optional test provided by the standard EN 149 measuring the performances of clogging resistance of a mask. The conformity to this test (which can be noticed with the “D” marking on the mask) guarantees a good level of breathability even in extreme cases of highly concentrated dust.

FILTERING EFFICIENCY OF THE MASK

LEVEL OF PROTECTION	FILTERING EFFICIENCY OF THE MASK
FFP1	78 %
FFP2	92 %
FFP3	98 %

The standard EN 149 provides for a test for determination of filtering efficiency which expresses the quantity of contaminant filtered by the masks in laboratory conditions.

MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION OF CONTAMINANT ALLOWED IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT ACCORDING TO LEVELS OF PROTECTION

LEVEL OF PROTECTION	NPF	MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION OF TEST GAS
FFP1	4	4 x TLV
FFP2	12	12 x TLV
FFP3	50	50 x TLV

To define maximum contaminant concentration (theoretical) allowed in the workplace it is necessary to multiply the Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) by TLV. NPF is a value indicating the theoretical level of respirator protection and which indirectly expresses the value of filter efficiency to retain or not of airborne contaminants; TLV is a value indicating the threshold limit concentration of dangerous substances to which a worker can be exposed without suffering damage to health (prolonged exposure up to a work shift). For example, "12xTLV means that the mask FFP2 is suitable to protect the user in environments with a concentration of contaminant substance up to 12 times the allowed maximum.

REUSABILITY
The dust filtering half masks are classified according to their reusability over time and have the following markings: NR which means not reusable: masks to be used during only one work shift R which means reusable: masks to be used during more work shifts.

REUSABILITY

The dust filtering half masks are classified according to their reusability over time and have the following markings:
NR which means not reusable: masks to be used during only one work shift
R which means reusable: masks to be used during more work shifts.

REACH
In order to safeguard the consumers’ health, the European Union issued the REACH regulation (come into force on 1st June 2007) which forbids the use of certain chemicals. COFRA guarantees the compliance of all its products with the REACH regulation; they do not contain carcinogen substances or mentioned in the European list of forbidden substances and, in order to grant it, all raw materials used during production are subjected to controls.

REACH

MARKING

REUSABLE RESPIRATORS

DUST DISPOSABLE RESPIRATORS

REUSABLE RESPIRATORS

INSTRUCTION FOR USE AND FOR APPLICATIONS OF GAS, DUST AND COMBINED FILTERS

APPLICATIONS	CONTAMINANT AGENTS	FILTER
WORKS ON THE ROAD	- ASPHALTS AND BITUMENS	A1 A1 P2 R
SPRAY VARNISHES AND ENAMELLING, ROLLER OR BRUSH VARNISHES	- WATER VARNISHES / WATER SOLUBLE POWDER VARNISHES - VARNISHES CONTAINING SOLVENTS - POLYURETHANE VARNISHES - WOOD PROTECTIVE VARNISHES - COATINGS WHICH GENERATE AND/OR INCLUDE DUSTS - ENAMELS - ANTIFOULING VARNISHES	A1 P2 R
	- VARNISHES OR FINELY NEBULISED ENAMELS	A1 P3 R
	- SOLVENTS - MIXTURES OF EPOXY RESINS	A1
STRIPPING	- COMPOUNDS OF STRIPPING SOLVENTS OR STRIPPING AMMONIA	ABEK1 ABEK1 P2 R
BONDING AND/OR SEALING	- ADHESIVES CONTAINING SOLVENTS	A1
BONDING AND/OR SEALING	- POLYURETHANE ADHESIVES - SEALANTS	A1 P2 R
WELDING AND BRAZING OF METALS	- GAS AND/OR WELDING VAPOURS (in poorly ventilated environments)	ABEK1 P3 R
WELDING AND BRAZING OF METALS	- METAL DUSTS AND METAL OXIDE SMOKES	P3 R
MECHANICAL WORKINGS ON METALS (DRILLING,SMOOTHING, RIVETING, GRINDING,BRUSHING, CUTTING)	- IRON OXIDE (RUST), METALLIC POWDERS - IRON DUSTS - STEEL POWDERS	P3 R DISK
	- STAINLESS STEEL POWDERS - COPPER DUSTS, CHROMIUM	P3 R
MECHANICAL WORKINGS ON WOOD (DRILLING,SMOOTHING, RIVETING, GRINDING, BRUSHING, CUTTING)	- SUPPLE WOODEN DUSTS	P3 R DISK
	- VERY FINE DUSTS OF HARD WOOD	P3 R
BUILDING	- CEMENT DUSTS, CONCRETE, STONE, CHALK, PLASTER - GLASS FIBERS AND/OR MINERAL FIBERS	P3 R DISK
BUILDING	- QUARTZ - DUSTS CONTAINING ASBESTOS FIBERS	P3 R
AGRICULTURE	- HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES	A1 P2 R
CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE HANDLING IN NON-CONTIGUOUS AREAS	- CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED	ABEK1 ABEK1 P2 R ABEK1 P3 R
EXPOSURE TO HYDROCARBONS	- HEXANE, ANTHRACENE, BENZENE, CYCLOHEXANE	A1
BUILDING AND INDUSTRIAL CLEANING	- HYDROCHLORIC ACID	B1 E1
PICKLING AND SURFACE TREATMENTS OF STEELS	- HYDROCHLORIC ACID, HYDROFLUORIC ACID	B1 E1
PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY	- HYDROGEN SULPHIDE	B1
PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY	- SULFURIC ACID	E1
DISINFECTION, PEST CONTROL, CLEANING	- ORGANIC VAPOURS, NASTY ODOURS, DUSTS, SPORES, BACTERIA	A1 P2 R
EXPOSURE TO MIXED GAS DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES OF: PLASTIC PRODUCTS, MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, DISINFECTANTS, VARNISHES, COLOURING AGENTS, ANIMAL FEED, FOOD, LEATHERS AND TEXTILES, FERTILIZERS	- CHLORINE, FLUORINE, HYDROCYANIC ACID, BROMINE, IODINE, HYDROGEN SULPHIDE, FLUORINE	B1
	- HYDROFLUORIC ACID, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, FORMIC ACID	E1 B1
	- SULPHUR DIOXIDE, SULFURIC ACID	E1
	- AMMONIA	K1
	- MIXTURES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED	ABEK1

The technical information included in this guide are provided simply as a starting point for the selection of the most adequate protective equipment according to the individual working needs. These indications are described for illustrative purposes only. Before using any device and after risk assessment, it is strongly recommended to reconsider and reassess all the technical information in the light of the territorial legislation in force, and provide for a specific training of the device end user , which cannot be replaced by the above-mentioned notions for any reason. The user is recommended to read carefully, understand and put into practice all the indications and/or limitations contained in the instructions for use.

DUST DISPOSABLE RESPIRATORS

Liquid and solid aerosol contaminants	FFP1	FFP2	FFP3
Asbestos			X
Clay	X
Concrete		X
Calcium carbonate	X
Silicon carbide		X
Cellulose	X
Cement		X
Cotton	X
Chrome			X
Flour	X
Metal fume			X
Chalk		X
Black lead		X
Plaster		X
Glass wool			X
Hard wood			X
Manganese		X
Vegetables and mineral oils	X
Dust pesticides			X
Stone	X
Lead			X
Platinum			X
Flower-dust	X
Mineral wool dust			X
Metal dust		X
Copper			X
Rust	X
Silica			X
Soda		X
Plaster	X
Talc		X
Vanadium		X
Paint dust		X

This informative material simply serves as a guide and is valid only as support to choose the PPE.

It is the employer’s responsibility to make a careful assessment of the risks, in presence of harmful substances or in case of predictable risks for health and safety and consequently choose the proper device.

RESPIRATORY RISK AND RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
The respiratory protective devices are III category PPE, due to high risk of death in case of contamination of the respiratory tract. Indeed, the serious damages caused by the inhalation of harmful and toxic substances make the respiratory risk one of the highest risks to human health and safety.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - CRITERIA FOR THE CHOICE
During any activity in which respiratory conditions are abnormal and in which there is a high respiratory risk, it is necessary to protect oneself by using an appropriate respirator, which must be chosen according to conditions of the air and the quantity of oxygen and contaminants in it.

AIR COMPOSITION

RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Oxygen(O₂)
>17%

FILTERING DEVICES
They filter effectively the air which is contaminated by gases, vapours, dusts, smokes and mists. They are used when the nature and the concentration of contaminants in the air are known and when you can perceive the odour.

COFRA DEVICES

DUSTS, SMOKES AND MISTS

FILTERING HALF MASKS TO PROTECT AGAINST PARTICLES - EN 149

GASES, VAPOURS, DUSTS, SMOKES
AND MISTS

HALF MASKS AND QUARTER MASKS - EN 140
DUST FILTERS - EN 143
GAS FILTERS AND COMBINED FILTERS - EN 14387

Oxygen(O₂)
<17%

INSULATING RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
They isolate the user from the contaminated air by providing clean air taken from a source outside the contaminated environment or compressed air contained in suitable air cylinders. They can be used when nature and concentrations of contaminants in the air are not known, when the odour is not perceivable and when there are non filterable substances.

TLV AND CLASSIFICATION OF CONTAMINANTS
The TLV is the value that indicates the threshold limit concentration of dangerous substances to which a worker can be exposed without adverse effects to health (prolonged exposure up to a work shift). If the concentration of toxic contaminants in the ambient air is above the TLV (Threshold Limit Value) you need to protect yourself by using a respiratory protective device. Listed here below the different types of hazardous contaminants to human health: dusts: little solid particles suspended in the air deriving from the crushing of solid material. Example: milling, grinding, smoothing and abrasive processes; smokes: very little solid particles deriving from vaporizing process and then condensation in solid material due to high heat. Example: foundry, welding and flame cutting processes; mists: little droplets of liquid materials deriving from atomization process of liquid materials. Example: plating, blending or production of metal dust; gases: substances similar to air in terms of diffusion in the environment. Gases such as carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; nitrogen and helium; vapours: it is the gaseous state of substances that are solid or liquid in nature, so they generate from the evaporation of solids and liquids. Petroleum, for example, is liquid but it evaporates easily producing vapour; diluents and solvents produce vapours, too.

TLV AND CLASSIFICATION OF CONTAMINANTS

The TLV is the value that indicates the threshold limit concentration of dangerous substances to which a worker can be exposed without adverse effects to health (prolonged exposure up to a work shift).
If the concentration of toxic contaminants in the ambient air is above the TLV (Threshold Limit Value) you need to protect yourself by using a respiratory protective device.

Listed here below the different types of hazardous contaminants to human health:

dusts: little solid particles suspended in the air deriving from the crushing of solid material. Example: milling, grinding, smoothing and abrasive processes;
smokes: very little solid particles deriving from vaporizing process and then condensation in solid material due to high heat. Example: foundry, welding and flame cutting processes;
mists: little droplets of liquid materials deriving from atomization process of liquid materials. Example: plating, blending or production of metal dust;
gases: substances similar to air in terms of diffusion in the environment. Gases such as carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; nitrogen and helium;
vapours: it is the gaseous state of substances that are solid or liquid in nature, so they generate from the evaporation of solids and liquids. Petroleum, for example, is liquid but it evaporates easily producing vapour; diluents and solvents produce vapours, too.