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EN 149
EN 149
BS EN 149 is the European Standard (EN) that sets up the minimum testing requirements and marking for filtering half masks for the protection of the wearer against solid aerosols or liquid aerosols. These masks extend over the nose, mouth, and both sides of the face and may also feature a valve for breathing out and in and should fit the wearer's face properly. Presto Stantest provides precision testing instruments capable of helping manufacturers and testing labs to perform testing with accuracy and consistency based on the standard method for compliance testing for respirators published by the British Standards Institution (BS EN 149).
Significance
In many industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and construction, respiratory protection is a key component of the occupational health and safety equation. Tests such as particle filtration and breathing resistance tests adherence to BS EN 149 compliance requirements for efficiency of particle removal and comfort of breathing for long periods of use. EN 149 requires tests on the product's ability to resist both solid and liquid aerosols, with the solid test aerosol being sodium chloride and the liquid being paraffin oil. The requirements included are meant to ensure that workers have reliable respiratory protection in a hazardous environment. According to BS EN 149, there are three classes of protection determined by level of effectiveness in filtering: FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3—with add-on classifiers for single-shift use only and reusable pieces. Another marking for a letter "D" means a mask will withstand an optional dolomite dust-clogging test. The standard covers laboratory and practical performance tests, designation, and manufacturer information requirements. Presto's testing instruments support the full evaluation scope demanded by this standard.Scope