Free Tool · Respiratory Protection Selection
Respirator & Filter Selector: Match the Hazard to the Filter
Select the airborne hazard closest to your task to see the typical respirator type and filter class required. Filtering respirators only work in oxygen-normal environments – never use one where oxygen levels may be depleted.
Fine Dust and Particulates
Wood dust, silica dust and similar particulates typically require an FFP2 or FFP3 disposable respirator, or a P2/P3 filter fitted to a reusable mask.
Relevant standards:
Fibrogenic or Carcinogenic Dust Exposure
High-risk respirable crystalline silica or similarly hazardous dust requires FFP3 as a minimum, and a powered air-purifying respirator should be considered for sustained high-exposure tasks.
Relevant standards:
Organic Vapour Exposure
Solvents, paints and adhesives release organic vapours requiring a Type A (brown) filter fitted to a half or full face mask.
Relevant standards:
Acid Gas Exposure
Chlorine, sulphur dioxide and similar acid gases require a Type B (grey) filter matched to a properly fitted mask.
Relevant standards:
Ammonia and Amine Exposure
Ammonia and amine compounds require a Type K (green) filter, which is specifically rated for this chemical group rather than general organic vapours.
Relevant standards:
Carbon Monoxide and Similar Gases
Filtering respirators do not protect against carbon monoxide or similarly low-molecular-weight gases. A supplied-air system or self-contained breathing apparatus is required instead.
Relevant standards:
Combined Particulate and Vapour Exposure
Spray painting and similar tasks releasing both particulates and vapours typically need a combined filter such as A2P3, fitted to a half or full face mask.
Relevant standards:
Oxygen-Deficient or Confined Space Atmosphere
Filtering respirators are not suitable in oxygen-deficient atmospheres regardless of filter class. Supplied-air respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus are required, alongside full confined space entry procedures.
Relevant standards:
How to Use This Tool
Identify the specific airborne contaminant first, since filter colour codes are matched to chemical groups, not generic “strength” levels. Where more than one contaminant type is present, a combined filter or a full risk assessment covering both is required, and a proper fit test must always be completed before relying on any tight-fitting respirator.
Why a Selector Tool Is Not a Substitute for Air Monitoring
Correct filter selection depends on knowing exactly what is in the air and at what concentration, which requires proper air monitoring or a documented risk assessment, not visual estimation. This tool gives a general starting category; a competent person should confirm the exact filter class and mask type needed for your specific exposure levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the filter colour codes mean?
Colour codes indicate the chemical group the filter is rated for: brown for organic vapours (Type A), grey for acid gases (Type B), yellow for sulphur dioxide (Type E), and green for ammonia (Type K), among others.
How do I know if my mask fits properly?
A qualified fit test, either quantitative or qualitative, is required to confirm a tight-fitting respirator seals correctly on your specific face shape. Facial hair at the seal line will prevent an adequate seal.
Can one filter handle multiple contaminant types?
Combined filters exist for common combinations such as organic vapour plus particulate, but they must be specifically rated for the exact combination present – a filter rated for one hazard type does not protect against unrelated hazards.
When is a powered respirator better than a disposable one?
Powered air-purifying respirators are preferable for high dust concentrations, longer duration tasks, hot environments, or where breathing resistance from a disposable mask would be uncomfortable over a full shift.
How often should filters be replaced?
Replace when breathing resistance increases noticeably, at the manufacturer’s stated service life, or immediately if the filter becomes damaged, contaminated with liquid, or has an unusual odour breaking through.
Explore the full EN Standards Library for every standard referenced above, or read real Field Stories showing what happens when selection goes wrong.