Dust Mask Filters

Dust Mask Filters: Ensuring Continuous Respiratory Protection

When using a Reusable Face Mask for your daily work, you need to bear in mind that the filter you’re going to incorporate in it is as much more important than the mask in itself. Selecting the proper dust mask filter is paramount to ensure your safety or the safety of your workers. 

As these filters are utilised to trap hazardous airborne particles, vapours, and gases, they need to be up to date and changed following the instructions of the manufacturer. By transforming your mask into a reliable shield against workplace contaminants, they are your first stage to ensuring your safety. Engweld offers a comprehensive range of filters designed to integrate seamlessly with various reusable respirators.

The Science of Filtration: Understanding Filter Types

Respiratory filters are classified according to European standards to indicate their specific protection capabilities. There are two main classifications that you can find in our selection: EN 143 for particulate filters and EN 14387 for gas and vapour filters. Here is a breakdown of each classification: 

Particulate Filters (P-rated): These are made for filtering solid and liquid aerosols. This includes dusts, mists, and metal fumes that are crucial for welders. The P-rated filters are categorised by efficiency:

• P1 Filters: Basic filtration by a minimum of 80% for non-toxic, low-level dusts.
• P2 Filters: Medium filtration with 94% protection, for harmful dusts, mists, and some fumes. We have a selection of P2 filters from 3M, with for instance the 3M Secure Click P2R.
• P3 Filters: The highest level of particulate filtration with 99.95% minimum efficiency. It offers maximum protection against fine toxic dusts, highly hazardous welding fumes, and biological agents. For most welding applications, P3 filters are the recommended choice. You can find in our selection of filters the 3M 2138 P3 Particle Filter or the Moldex 9030 P3R Particle Filter.

Gas & Vapour Filters – A, B, E, K-rated: These charcoal-based filters absorb specific gases and vapours. For instance, 'A' filters protect against organic vapours, while 'B' protects against inorganic gases.

Combination Filters: Many professional environments require protection against both particulates and gases/vapours. Combination filters like the 3M A2P3 filter offer multi-hazard protection, providing comprehensive safety in complex working conditions.

Selecting and Maintaining Your Filters

There are many factors to bear in mind when choosing your next Dust Mask Filter, from the compatibility with your reusable mask to the hazard assessment and filters longevity. To help you decide, here is a little breakdown of these factors: 

• Compatibility: Ensure the filter's connection system, the bayonet and screw-on, matches your reusable half mask. Most of the main manufacturers create filters developed for specific models. This is the case of the 3M2128 P2R Particulate Filters that are suitable for the 3M™ 6000 and 7000 Series Half Masks and Full Face Masks such as the 3M 7500 Medium Half Mask.
• Hazard Assessment: Select filters that specifically protect against the known airborne hazards. Whether it’s welding fume, grinding dust, or chemical vapours.
• Filter Life & Replacement: Filter lifespan varies based on contaminant concentration, humidity, and breathing rate. In the case of the particulate filters, they should be replaced when breathing resistance noticeably increases, or if they become damaged. Gas/vapour filters should be replaced when you detect the smell or taste of the contaminant, as this indicates saturation. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines for replacement schedules.

Investing in high-quality dust mask filters is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your respiratory protection equipment. Engweld provides a full range of filters to keep your reusable face masks performing at their best. By updating your reusable face mask with proper filters, you safeguard your long-term health in demanding industrial environments. In some case scenarios, you’ll also need some disposable face masks or even more specific FFP3 Face masks to ensure your safety.

Browse our range of dust mask filters online, or contact your nearest Engweld branch for expert advice on filter selection and compatibility. You can locate your closest store using our Store Locator.