What is the meaning of ffp2?
FFP2 face masks are the equivalent of face masks N95 or even better than N95, ffp2 is base on PPE standard of EN149:2001+A1:2009, which meet the guidelines from the WHO for protection against COVID-19.
FFP2 face masks meaning is having a minimum of 94 percent filtration percentage (PFE≥94%) and a highest of eight percent leakage to the inside. These masks are not shaped to your face but are just held in place by the elastic ear loop (or headband) and have a typical lifespan of 3-9 hours depending on the environmental factors.
FFP2 face masks provide a high level of protection against particulates, risky mists, and fumes.
Exhalation valves are more general in FFP2 masks as there is remarkable breathing resistance. Exhalation values also help to decrease the build-up of heat within the safety mask, improving the relaxation of the wearer.
FFP2 face mask
EN149 FFP2 face masks save against cotton dust, brake dust, hay, granite dust, lead dust and fume and softwood dust.
EN149 2001 ffp2 nr respirator masks are produced for working atmosphere in which mutagenic and deleterious particles can be found in the breathing air. They are most generally used in the mining and metal industry. With conformant safety face masks, workers uncovered to above hazards can develop lung cancer and Tuberculosis.
FFP2 classification
Before we move on to the FFP2 face mask classes, it is helpful to understand the following:
Occupational exposure limit: OELs are standard that determine the concentration, or amount, of a hazardous substance allowable in the place of work air.
Assigned protection factor: The AFP of a safety mask point out how well it saves the wearer from risky substances. A safety mask with an APF of 4 will decrease the concentration of the hazardous substance in the air that is breathed by the wearer by four times.
Why ffp2 respirator mask protection is vital
Respiratory protection is vital because employee health should not ever be compromised in the job place. Little irritation can lead to soft tissue damage and can go as far as cancers and lung failure.
Inhalation disorders can be the reason to 12,000 deaths each year due to occupational respiratory disease and about 2/3 of these due to asbestos-related COPD or diseases. Asbestos masks could make a big difference in preventing an important number of deaths.
By meeting standard EN 194 and make sure employees are wearing PPE justified by the outlines of each FFP2 face mask standard, the risk is much lowered. Long-term injuries can lead to loss of staff, impactive downtimes and possible financial backlash.