106: Half face mask classification

Half face mask are one type of respirators for lower half of face and covers nose, mouth and chin and is suitable only for particles.

According to European Standards there are below classes of half mask based upon their filtering efficiency:

• FFP1 (yellow): Filters at least 80% of airborne particles and with maximum 22% internal leak rate
• FFP2 (blue or white): Filters at least 94% of airborne particles and with maximum 8% internal leak rate (similar to N95 in USA)
• FFP3 (red): Filters at least 99% of airborne particles and with maximum 2% internal leak rate (similar to N99 in USA)

Note1: Mask specifications and standard code must be written on them.

• FFP: Filtering Face Piece
• R: re-usable
• NR: not re-usable
• D: shows that mask has passed a special dust test.

According to American Standards there are below classes:

• N (not resistant to oil): N95 / N99 / N100
• R (resistance to oil): R95 / R99 / R100
• P (oil proof): P95 / P99 / P100

Note2: Above numbers show the minimum filter efficiency: 95%, 99%, 100 (99.97) %

Related standards:

• NIOSH
• EN 149