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Gas and particles• There are two major categories of

filters: gas filters and particle filters.

• Gas filters protect ONLY against gas and vapour.

• Particle filters protect ONLY against particles.

• If the atmosphere contains a mixture of gas and particles, both filter types must be used.

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No all-rounders• Particle filters and gas filters work

in very different ways.• A particle filter is a very fine fibre

mesh which captures dust particles while letting clean air through. But it will not stop gas or vapour from getting through.

• A gas filter contains activated carbon, which absorbs gas molecules. However, the carbon is not an effective barrier to fine dust particles.

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No all-rounders

• Gas filters do NOT protect against particles

• Particle filters do NOT protect against gas

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One single particle filter

• Dust• Fibres• Smoke & fume• Aerosols (wet particles;

spray, mist)• Mould• Bacteria• Viruses• Other solid particles

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Several gas filters

• There are different gas filters for various gases or types of gas.

• Some can handle several types of gas

• Each gas filter can be recognised by its colour coding on the label.

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Colour & letter coding

• White P — Particles• Brown A — Organic gas• Brown AX — Organic

gas, low boiling point• Grey B — Inorganic gas• Yellow E — Acid gas• Green K — Ammonia• Red Hg — Mercury

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Filter classes

• Gas filters, class 1 or 2

• Particle filter, class 3

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Where NOT to use

• Not enough oxygen• Unknown hazard• IDLH• Concentration too high• Hair, beard, skin• Asthma or similar

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Storage

• Keep new filters in their sealed, unbroken packaging.

• Store filters away from the work area.

• Gas filters continue to absorb gas even when you are not using the respirator. Keep them in a sealed container, plastic bag or similar.

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Tell supervisor• You are unsure whether you are

using the correct filter or filters.• You can smell or taste the

contaminant through the filter.• You feel dizzy or nauseous.• You experience throat irritation

or other discomfort.• You experience any problems

breathing through your respirator.

• You are unsure of the use or maintenance of your respirator and filters.

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