Filtering facepieces
Filtering Facepieces (FFP) are disposable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for protection against dusts, particles and aerosols. They are often referred to as 'disposable dust masks', are widely used, and generally require no cleaning or maintenance.
They are available in three classes: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3, with the higher numbers corresponding to better filtering efficiency.
As with all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sold in the UK, they must comply with the EU PPE Directive 89/686/EEC. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or person placing the RPE on the European single market to ensure compliance. For FFPs this is invariably achieved by compliance with the harmonised standard EN149:2001+A1:2009: Respiratory protective devices. Filtering half masks to protect against particles. Requirements, testing, marking.
See also: Performance of FFP3 disposable respirators.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Achieve safety in demolition.
- Asbestos.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
- Deleterious materials.
- Demolition.
- Dust control systems.
- Dust.
- Fit testing.
- Hazardous substances.
- Health and Safety Executive.
- Injuries on construction sites.
- Inspections focus on occupational lung disease.
- Nuisance in construction.
- Performance of FFP3 disposable respirators.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Pollution.
- Reporting accidents and injuries on construction sites.
- Respiratory protective equipment.
- Scabbling.
- The dust control systems market.
- TSI Environmental dust monitoring system.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.