Is there a risk of oxygen deficiency?
You should always assume there is a risk of oxygen deficiency if:
– the oxygen content in an environment where oxygen deficiency is possible has not been measured
– the oxygen content is known and is below 20% by volume
Filter equipment must not be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Which hazardous substances are present?
You must map the presence of hazardous substances and determine:
– their occupational exposure limits and whether they are carcinogenic and/or allergenic
(see, among others, At-vejledning C.0.1 - August 2007: Limit values
for substances and materials)
– whether the contamination occurs in gas or particle form, or as both gas and particles
– the concentration of the contamination

Are there unusual risks associated with the work?
In some work environments there may, for example, be an explosion hazard, and in these environments you must not use equipment that can cause sparks.

Note that these questions must be considered before you make your choice of equipment.

Respiratory protection is available in several types

Filtering disposable masks

Disposable masks that cover the nose and mouth. Dust masks are available with and without an exhalation valve. They provide the same level of protection, but the valve offers a clear advantage in terms of comfort, reduced exhalation resistance, reduced moisture buildup from sweat, and prevents goggles from fogging.

Half masks

A half mask covers the chin, mouth and nose. These masks are equipped with inhalation and exhalation valves and have replaceable filters. Half masks can also be supplied for external air supply.

Full face masks

As the name implies, these masks cover the eyes, nose, mouth and chin. A full face mask has both inhalation and exhalation valves and the filters can be replaced. Our full face masks are also available for external air supply.

Filtering respiratory protection with TURBO

Filtering respirators with TURBO are equipped with a battery-powered motor that blows air through one or more filters into the respirator. The turbo can be combined with full- and half-masks or hoods, and with a headpiece with a tight-fitting visor/face shield. The facepiece, motor and filter must be tested and approved together. Only the filters that the equipment has been tested with may be used.

Supplied-air respirators

Supplied-air respirators are supplied with fresh air from a compressor or compressed-air cylinders. Air from the compressor is routed through a filter panel to a compressed-air belt and further to a half or full face mask, hoods or a headpiece with a tight-fitting visor/face shield. The various components must be tested and approved together—i.e., hose, belt, regulator and respirator.

Supplied-air respirators are used:

• When there is, or there is a possibility of, oxygen deficiency, i.e., less than 17% oxygen in the inhaled air
• When air contaminants occur in high concentrations
• When the composition or concentration of the contaminant is unknown
• When suitable filters are not available
• When required by legislation

Air consumption - compressor air

The amount of air a person consumes depends on the physical workload and the individual characteristics of the user. A user must have at least three times as much air available as their average air consumption to prevent negative pressure inside the respirator. Below are a few examples of air consumption and airflow in different work situations.

Standards for respiratory protection

• EN 136 - Full face masks
• EN 137 - Breathing apparatus with compressed-air cylinders
• EN 138 - Self-priming masks with or without blower
• EN 139 - (EN14594) – Supplied-air full- and half-masks
• EN 140 - Half masks
• EN 141 - Gas and combination filters
• EN 143 - Particle filters
• EN 145 - Closed-circuit apparatus with supplied oxygen
• EN 149 - Filtering facepieces – disposable masks
• EN 371 - AX gas and combination filters for low-boiling organic substances
• EN 402 - Respiratory protective devices for evacuation use - pressure-cylinder apparatus with demand valve and full mask/mouthpiece
• EN 403 - Evacuation disposable hoods with filter for use in fire
• EN 1146 - Respiratory protective devices for evacuation use - pressure-cylinder apparatus with hood
• EN 12245 - Transportable gas cylinders and fully wrapped composite cylinders
• EN 12941 - Filtering respiratory protective devices with TURBO and hood
• EN 12942 - Filtering respiratory protective devices with TURBO and mask
• EN 14387 - Gas and combination filters
• EN 14594 - Supplied-air breathing apparatus (EN14594 replaces
• EN139, 270, 271, 1835 and 12419 - applicable to all products with new approvals)