3M Technical Bulletin

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR), which are sometimes called disposable respirators, are subject to various regulatory standards around the world. These standards specify certain required physical properties and performance characteristics in order for respirators to claim compliance with the particular standard. During pandemic or emergency situations, health authorities often reference these standards when making respirator recommendations, stating, for example, that certain populations should use an "N95, FFP2, or equivalent" respirator.

This document is only intended to help clarify some key similarities between such references, specifically to the following FFR performance standards:

Differential Permeation. Applied to returning you home safely.

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At 3M we have a select and high quality range of Coveralls, which provide protection against many hazards. The 3M range of Protective Apparel offers a variety of features, from the use of fabrics with specialist treatments for enhanced wear and added protection, to breathable back panels for increased comfort. Our experts can work closely with you, to help you identify hazards and best protect your workers against them.

When should I retire my equipment?

A product must be retired when:

• It is over 10 years old and made of plastic or textiles
• It has been subjected to a major fall or load
• It fails to pass inspection
• Its reliability is in question
• Its entire history is not known (e.g. found or second-hand product)
• When it becomes obsolete due to changes in legislation, standards, technique or incompatibility with other equipment, etc.

Source: https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/FAQ/when-should-i-retire-my-equipment

The 30-year-old EU PPE Directive 89/686 has been replaced by PPE Regulation 2016/425. The following FAQ contains more information on the impacts and rollout of the change.

Why the change? 

The directive is nearly 30 years old and the personal protective equipment market has undergone significant change since its inception. It was therefore necessary to update the text of the directive to adapt to changes in the market. This change allows for better definition of the roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the market: manufacturers, importers, distributors and notified bodies.