Page 15 - Alpha Solway Catalogue

GUIDE TO WHAT IS WEL AND APF? WHAT DO THE OTHER MARKINGS

MEAN?
Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) are
PROTECTION levels of contamination (set by HSE) of the NR = Non Reusable
concentration of an airborne substance, above
which level precautions must be taken if
R = Reusable (can be used for more than
LEVELS exposure takes place. D = Meets the requirements of the
1 shift of 8 hours)
APF is the Assigned Protection Factor (APF)
allocated to each type and class of RPE.
The APF number rating indicates how much Dolomite clogging test
protection the respiratory protection is able to
offer. For example, an RPE device with an APF
DISPOSABLE RESPIRATORS OFFER VARYING LEVELS OF PROTECTION of 20 will reduce the wearer’s exposure by at
AGAINST AIRBORNE PARTICLES SUCH AS DUSTS, MIST AND FUMES. least a factor of 20 when used correctly.
Markings such as FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 (as per EN 149:2001+A1:2009) indicate the protection level that
can be obtained if the respirator is a good fit and used correctly. The higher the number, the greater the
protection.
For obligation-free advice about which protection level is right for your workforce and
application, contact us on +44 (0) 1461 202 452 or email sales@alphasolway.com

FFP1 FFP2 FFP3
PROTECTION EN 149:2001+A1:2009 EN 149:2001+A1:2009 EN 149:2001+A1:2009
FACTORS Reduces the wearer’s exposure APF Reduces the wearer’s exposure APF Reduces the wearer’s exposure APF
to airborne particles by a 4 to airborne particles by a 10 to airborne particles by a 20
A protection FACTOR OF 4 FACTOR OF 10 FACTOR OF 20
factor is based
on analysis of the
area calculated by PROTECTS AGAINST PROTECTS AGAINST PROTECTS AGAINST
using EH40/2005
workplace exposure • Non-toxic dusts • Fine toxic dusts, mists and fumes • Very fine toxic dusts, mists and fumes
limits guidance • Water / oil based particulates • Water / oil based particulates • Water / oil based particulates
(HSE). FFP1, FFP2 • Metal fumes and nuisance level organic vapours
and FFP3 respirators (charcoal filter variant)
can reduce the
amount of airborne
particles you
breathe using WHERE FOUND ON PRODUCT WHERE FOUND ON PRODUCT WHERE FOUND ON PRODUCT
protection factors
of 4, 10 and 20
respectively.

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