The EN143 standard is a European norm related to particle filters used in respiratory protective devices. This standard outlines the specifications and testing methods for particle filters that provide protection against solid and liquid aerosols.

Key Points of EN143:
- Filter Classes:
- P1: Low efficiency, protects against low levels of dust and solid particles.
- P2: Medium efficiency, suitable for environments with moderate levels of dust, toxic solid particles, and aerosols.
- P3: High efficiency, designed to protect against toxic substances, including radioactive particles and bacteria.
Here’s a table summarizing the differences between the particle filter classes defined in EN143:
Filter Class | Protection Level | Applications | Efficiency | Examples of Use |
---|---|---|---|---|
P1 | Low-level protection | Protects against non-toxic solid particles (e.g., dust) | 80% filtration of airborne particles | General construction, light-duty dust exposure |
P2 | Medium-level protection | Protects against hazardous dusts, fumes, and aerosols | 94% filtration of airborne particles | Metalworking, mining, healthcare, woodworking |
P3 | High-level protection | Protects against highly toxic and harmful particles, including radioactive particles, bacteria, and viruses | 99.95% filtration of airborne particles | Asbestos handling, pharmaceutical industry, chemical processing |
Key Differences:
- P1 filters are designed for low-risk environments where the exposure to non-toxic dust is minimal.
- P2 filters offer medium protection and are suitable for environments with moderate exposure to hazardous particles.
- P3 filters are used in high-risk situations where there is exposure to highly toxic or hazardous particles, providing the highest level of particle filtration.
Usage Notes:
- P1 filters are often used in industries like construction or agriculture where dust exposure is limited.
- P2 filters are ideal for metalwork, mining, and certain healthcare settings where the risk of inhaling harmful aerosols is higher.
- P3 filters are used in situations like asbestos removal, pharmaceutical production, and in labs handling infectious materials.
- Filter Types:
- Filters under this standard are purely particle filters and are classified by their filtering capacity.
- EN143 does not cover filters used for gases or combined gas and particle filters, which are governed by other standards like EN14387.
- Applications:
- Commonly used in industries requiring respiratory protection from particulate matter, such as mining, construction, and certain healthcare settings.
- Testing:
- EN143 establishes stringent test methods, including efficiency tests under various conditions to ensure filters meet the required protection levels.
Important Considerations:
- Filters that conform to EN143 are marked with the standard and the filter class (e.g., P1, P2, or P3).
- They are typically used in combination with other respiratory devices like half masks or full-face masks to ensure a comprehensive level of protection.