Respiratory Protection Technical Data Bulletin

Technical Data Bulletin
Respiratory Protection:
Acomparison of US Standard and EC Standard


Introduction

The rapid increase of infectious diseases, Influenza and multi resistant germs require adequate arrangements to prevent infections. This is why respiratory protection becomes more important. In the area of respiratory protection there are two Standards worldwide - European Standard (EN 149:2001 + A1:2009) and US Standard (NIOSH 42 CFR 84).
In the United States respirators are approved by NIOSH (the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health). Respirators must meet test and labeling criteria as stated in Standard 42 (FR Part 84.
In Europe respirators must meet the requirements, test and labeling criteria as defined in the Standard
EN 149:2001 + A1:2009. Respirators musttested according to European Harmonised standards and
approved by independent European Notified Bodies.
As a matter of fact the US Standard is better known than the European Standard in the countries out of
Europe. But which standard will be a right choice as intended?
This bulletin compiles the key parameters of both standards in order to give users an overview.

US Standard - 42 CFR part 84
Key parameters

Procedures for testing and certifying particulate respirators changed under a final standard (42 CFR part 84) published June 8, 1995 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The new standard revised test requirements of particulate filter respirators and pre filters for gas and vapor respirators resulting in nine classes.
NIOSH certifies three classes of filters, N- (for Not oil resistant), R- (for oil Resistant), and P- (for oil Proof) series, with three levels of filter efficiency, 95%, 99%, and 99.97%. These nine classes of filters are further summarized in the matrix below: