Choosing Respiratory Protection: Which Standards Should You Consider?
We often receive questions about the various standards for respiratory protection. Which standard applies and which should I use? Which products comply with, for example, EN 141, and what exactly does the EN 149 standard entail? We're here to guide you.
Standards and a Driver’s License
When you purchase a new van for your employee, you can be sure it meets strict safety and emission standards. Otherwise, that van wouldn’t be allowed on public roads at all. You probably won’t delve into the details of all the standards involved when making the purchase. What you do know for sure is that the employee holds a driver’s license. That license guarantees that the employee knows how to operate a vehicle and understands the traffic rules. This ensures that the employee travels safely. It’s basically the same with standards for respiratory protection.
The only standard users need to be aware of is the EN 529 standard.
EN 529 explains how we should work with respiratory protection
EN 141, EN 143, EN 149, and many other standards all specify technical details of respiratory protection equipment, but they don’t explain how to properly use the equipment. That is covered by the EN 529 standard. This standard outlines how we should work with respiratory protection and is a bit like a driver’s license—you only get that license once you know how to drive a car and understand the traffic rules.
EN 529 gives you guidance
The EN 529 standard provides guidance on how to choose the right respiratory protection suitable for the work tasks. It also covers how users should be informed and trained. Additionally, this standard offers guidance on how the equipment should be tested, cleaned, maintained, and repaired.
The benefits of applying the standard
When you properly apply the standard (guidelines), your employees will know:
How to use respiratory protection correctly:
If someone decides to wear a mask upside down, it’s completely ineffective. The same goes for what to do if the protective equipment breaks during work.
What the dangers are of breathing contaminated air:
Not to remove the mask in a hazardous environment just because it feels uncomfortable.
How to maintain the protective equipment:
If a mask shows leaks due to poor maintenance, its protective function is lost.
Which protective equipment to choose:
It’s not uncommon for disposable masks or half masks with fine dust filters to be used incorrectly to protect against paint fumes.
The Biggest Savings You Can Achieve
EN 529 prescribes many more guidelines that help you choose the right respiratory protection and use it correctly. These are not restrictive rules, but regulations that ensure the safety of your employees. Reduced absenteeism due to incorrect use of respiratory protection is the biggest saving you can achieve.