Respiratory Protection

Articles covering disposable masks, half-masks, powered air, filters and fit testing.


  1. Is there a respirator that can accommodate all facial features and face sizes?

    Choosing the Right Size Respirator Respirators are designed to fit the vast majority of adults—men, women, and some youths—covering...

  2. Can I wear a beard or moustache when using a dust mask, rubber half-mask or full-face respirator?

    Facial Hair and Respirator Fit For a respirator to provide effective protection, there must be no facial hair under...

  3. What is meant by clean-shaven?

    Shaving Guidelines for Respirator Use The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a clean-shaven face, for the purpose...

  4. What do common respiratory protection abbreviations mean?

    In discussions about respiratory protection, you might encounter several abbreviations. Here is a simple guide to some of the...

  5. How do I know when the dust is fine or very fine?

    When working in environments where dust is present, it is important to understand the different types of dust and...

  6. What Respiratory Protection Is Needed When Working with Hardwood, Softwood and MDF?

    When carrying out tasks such as grinding, cutting, or drilling hardwood and softwood, a P3 filter is required to...

  7. How to choose the correct respirator and filter for paint spraying, lacquering, and sealing

    Choosing the correct respirator and filter for tasks such as paint spraying, lacquering, and sealing depends on the specific...

  8. What’s the best respirator and filter protection against vehicle exhaust fumes?

    Vehicle exhaust fumes are a mixture of hazardous substances including soot particles, unburnt hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. Selecting the...

  9. Can I use your PressToCheck™ filters instead of doing a fit test?

    PressToCheck™ filters provide the user with a unique ability to check that they have fitted the respirator/mask correctly. The...

  10. What is a Respiratory Protection Plan and Why Do I Need One?

    Employers have a legal responsibility to protect workers from respiratory hazards in the workplace. If you've been advised to...

  11. What Does the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of a Respirator Mean?

    The Assigned Protection Factor (APF) indicates the level of respiratory protection a properly fitted and correctly used respirator can...

  12. What is a WEL and what should I do if it’s exceeded?

    WEL stands for Workplace Exposure Limit, a guideline used to help protect workers from harmful exposure to airborne substances...

  13. Does JSP provide CoSHH data sheets that would identify the respirator and filter I require for the task?

    JSP does not provide Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) directly. These...

  14. Choosing the Right Respiratory Protection

    If you are aware of the contaminant and there is no practical way to reduce exposure, the next step...

  15. Why You Don’t Need a COSHH Sheet for Respiratory Protective Equipment

    No, you do not need a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) sheet for the respiratory mask itself....

  16. What are my responsibilities under COSHH?

    Understanding your obligations under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations can be complex, as the full...

  17. Why can’t I remove the filters from my Filterjet/Maxijet/Tradesman?

    The FilterJet, MaxiJet, and Tradesman 2 masks are all designed and manufactured to meet the EN 405 standard. This...

  18. What is EN 136?

    EN 136 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for full face masks used as part of respiratory...

  19. What is fit testing and why is it important when wearing a mask or respirator?

    Fit testing is a method used to ensure that the respirator or mask being worn provides the level of...

  20. When Should Fit Testing Be Reviewed?

    Fit testing should not be considered a one-time process. It must be continually reviewed to ensure the effectiveness of...

  21. How often is recommended for Fit Testing to be carried out?

    Fit Testing Guidance INDG 479 was raised by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) working alongside UK HSE. The...

  22. Do full face masks need a face fit test?

    Yes, full face masks do require a face fit test. Any tight-fitting respirator—whether it's a full face mask, half...

  23. Can I test a full face mask qualitatively?

    No, a much higher fit factor is required for a full face mask, HSE reports have shown that a...

  24. Which Respiratory products require fit testing?

    Tight-fitting respirators: disposable dust masks, half or full face masks.

  25. Who requires fit testing?

    Anyone who uses tight-fitting RPE for protection in the workplace.

  26. When to conduct fit testing?

    Fit testing should be carried out on initial selection or, at least, before an individual uses the respirator in...

  27. Who can provide fit testing?

    Fit testing of RPE must be carried out by a competent individual with experience of conducting the relevant test....

  28. Two types of fit testing

    Qualitative: Method whereby a respirator worn by a test subject is challenged using a substance to be detected by...

  29. Which factors affect fit?

    Faces vary in shape, size and proportions and one respirator will not fit everyone – it is important to...

  30. What is the EN 149 standard for disposable masks?

    The EN 149 standard applies to particle filtering half masks, commonly referred to as disposable dust masks. It sets...

  31. Why is respiratory protection important in the workplace?

    Respiratory protection is essential because exposure to airborne hazards can cause permanent damage to the lungs and airways. In...

  32. What is the difference between disposable respirators, medical/surgical masks, and face coverings?

    Different types of face coverings are designed for different purposes and offer varying levels of protection. It’s important to...

  33. Can the Force®10 Full-Face Mask with ABEK1P3 Filters Protect Against CBRN Threats?

    We have recently received an increase in enquiries regarding whether the JSP Force®10 Full-Face Mask fitted with PressToCheck™ ABEK1P3...

  34. How to maintain reusable respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

    Reusable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) needs to be maintained. Cleaning your respirator is essential to make sure it remains...

  35. Annual work-related ill health and injury statistics released

    The latest annual work-related ill health and injury statistics have been published by the HSE. The figures cover work-related...

  36. The dangers of silica dust

    Silica dust has long posed a hazard in industries using brick, natural stone and concrete products. However, the growing...

  37. What levels of protection do disposable respirators provide?

    Disposable respirators are certified to the EN 149 standard. Despite often being referred to as disposable dust masks, these...

  38. Detectable protection with integrated structural comfort

    The Springfit™ Detectable range of disposable respirators combine the unique Springfit™ endoskeleton and integrated spring feature with detectable technology,...

  39. What respiratory hazards do road workers face?

    The materials, processes and equipment used in road construction generate harmful airborne contaminants, causing irritation and discomfort in the...

  40. Eye protection compatibility

    Safety eyewear and faceshields need to fit properly to offer protection. Incorrectly fitted eye protection cannot perform at the...

  41. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing?

    There are two types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing. Both require the test subject to wear the...

  42. Lung cancer risks in the workplace

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early diagnosis is critical to improve survival rates, however...

  43. Selecting tight-fitting or loose-fitting RPE

    When selecting a respirator it is important to consider suitability for the task and wearer. Depending on the type...

  44. Silicosis risk to engineered stone workers

    Doctors in the UK are raising awareness of the silicosis risk to engineered stone workers and calling for the...

  45. Working outside safely in hot weather

    Working outdoors in hot weather can be dangerous without the right precautions. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and glare from the...

  46. Why is asbestos dangerous?

    Asbestos poses a hazard to workers across many different industries worldwide. When materials that contain asbestos are broken up...

  47. Finding a respirator that fits

    Finding a respirator that fits well is crucial for protection. Tight-fitting respirators, such as half and full face masks,...

  48. How are JSP filters and cartridges tested?

    JSP filters and cartridges for half and full face masks are tested rigorously to ensure quality and performance. Filters...

  49. Managing asbestos – New HSE campaign focuses on asbestos duties

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a campaign to improve understanding of the legal duties to manage asbestos....

  50. Guide to loose-fitting respirators

    Loose-fitting respirators are powered respirators with a helmet or hood. The powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) devices deliver filtered...

  51. Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Preventing occupational lung cancer

    November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign is promoted by a global community of cancer and health organisations,...

  52. What types of RPE are available?

    Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required for workers in many environments where airborne substances pose a hazard to health....

  53. What levels of protection do particulate filters provide?

    Filters for half masks and full face masks provide protection against a range of hazardous substances. Particulate filters –...

  54. Respiratory protection for bioaerosols

    Biological matter in an airborne state can transmit microorganisms via aerosol. These hazards are referred to as ‘bioaerosols’ and...

  55. Understanding the limitations of facial hair

    Terminology used to describe facial hair and suitable RPE can often be lost in translation. It is important to...

  56. How to protect against construction dust

    Construction dust poses a huge hazard on site. Inhaling dusts from stone, concrete, wood and other construction materials can...

  57. What does FFP mean? Respiratory protection abbreviations explained

    When reading or talking about respiratory protection, you will come across many abbreviations. These terms are shortened forms of...

  58. What type of respiratory protection is required for cutting MDF with power tools?

    It is important to consider more than just dust when selecting a respirator for working with medium-density fibreboard (MDF)....

  59. What does Assigned Protection Factor (APF) mean?

    An Assigned Protection Factor (APF) refers to the level of protection that a wearer can reasonably expect from a...

  60. What type of respiratory protection is required for asbestos work?

    Occupational exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops...

  61. How to clean and maintain my half mask?

    An effective system of maintenance for RPE is essential to ensure the equipment continues to provide the level of protection for...

  62. What respiratory hazards are encountered in the workplace?

    Understanding Exposure Hazards  Workplace respiratory exposure hazards are encountered in four forms: solid particulates, liquid particulates, gases, and vapours....

  63. Ear loop respirators are not adequate respiratory protection

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a safety notice stating that ear loop respirators do not provide protection as tight-fitting respiratory protective...

  64. Why is low breathing resistance important when wearing respiratory protection?

    Selecting RPE with low breathing resistance helps to reduce fatigue and increase comfort levels. Respirators with exhalation valves and minimal inhalation...

  65. Is half mask size important?

    Face Size and Shape Face size and shape are important considerations when selecting RPE. The mask must fit the wearer’s...

  66. How can I tell if my dust mask is genuine and properly certified RPE?

    With many types of respirators, masks, and face coverings in use and on the market, it is important to understand how...

  67. What type of mask is appropriate in construction environments?

    Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is extremely important in construction environments, where dusts such as Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) and other...

  68. What respiratory protection can I wear if I have facial hair?

    Dust in the workplace is a significant issue. HSE research from November 2020 estimates 17,000 new cases of work-related respiratory disease,...

  69. Why is a clean shave essential for a proper tight-fitting respirator seal? Can I have a beard?

    Tight-fitting RPE relies on creating a seal between the mask body and the wearer’s face to provide protection – a poorly...

  70. Can I wear a face covering while on site?

    Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in construction environments Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is extremely important in construction environments, where dusts such...

  71. Compatible high-performance protection with EVOGuard® visor systems

    EVOGuard® maximises compatibility, offering seamless integration with safety headwear and ear defenders for combined protection. One-piece moulded visors are supplied...

  72. How to select appropriate filter for your half mask and full face mask

    Filters for half and full face masks protect against various forms of hazardous substance, including particulates and gas/vapours. Both half masks and full face...

  73. How to set up a Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Programme

    Implementation of a Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) programme can help to ensure workers are protected from exposure to hazardous substances. To...

  74. Respiratory Standards Explained: - What do the numbers on my mask mean?

    Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is covered by a number of standards. Separate European (EN) standards give requirements specific to certain...

  75. How to select the correct RPE

    Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is available in several different types, some of which can be used interchangeably and some that...

  76. What is the difference between disposable respirators, surgical masks and face coverings?

    The three main types of protection used are respirators, surgical masks, and face coverings.... but how do they differ? Disposable...

  77. Guide to Exhalation Valves

    Most half mask and full face respirators, along with some disposable respirators, feature an exhalation valve on the facepiece. An exhalation valve is...

  78. Guide to Loose-Fitting Respirators

    How do loose-fitting respirators offer protection? Loose-fitting respirators provide filtering of the ambient air, with a power unit to...

  79. How is fit testing carried out?

    Respirators protect the wearer against hazardous substances. Tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) creates a tight seal with the face...

  80. Ultimate protection, fully compatible – JSP’s EVO®VISTA® Helmet and Force™8 half mask

    Compatibility in PPE is not only about products fitting correctly, but also working correctly when worn together. Some products...

  81. Prolong the Life of your Reusable Half-Mask

    With Respiratory masks in short supply for industrial use – prolong the life of your reusable half-mask by cleaning...

  82. How can I make sure my respirator fits?

    Interest in respiratory protection has grown rapidly in recent years. Due to the pandemic, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and...

  83. What are the hazards for welding and what are the requirements for protection?

    Welding and allied processes present a multitude of risks due to the use of high-heat, light-emitting equipment and materials...

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