Protection classes

Filtering half masks are approved in the protection classes FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 and must satisfy requirements such as: how effectively particles are removed, breathing resistance and inward leakage. A higher class also covers the lower classes. Zekler’s filtering half masks are approved in protection classes FFP2 and FFP3.

The protection factor is a measure of the protective equipment’s capacity to reduce health risks. The protection factor given by a filtering half mask is determined by the sum of leakage from the environment. The protection factor indicates the mask’s ability to clean the air and states how many times, up to the hygienic limit value, that the filtering half mask may be used.

The protection factor concept can be used as a tool when choosing a filtering half mask – the more dangerous air pollution there is in the environment, the higher the protection factor the mask must provide. In EN 529:2005 there is a list of the nominal protection factors that apply for filtering half masks.

The following filtration efficiency and nominal protection factors apply to filtering half masks approved according to EN 149:2001+A1:2009:

* Not against carcinogenic and radioactive substances, microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores), or against biochemical compounds (enzymes, hormones).
** Not against microorganisms (viruses, spores), or biochemical compounds (enzymes, hormones).
*** Protects against all types of particles.