All 3M's disposable particulate respirators have been recertified, and the company advises that products manufactured from 31 July this year will be marked in accordance with the EN149:2001+A1:2009 standard.
This amended European standard supersedes EN149:2001 and states that all reusable devices must pass a particle loading test and be able to withstand being cleaned and disinfected using a method provided by the manufacturer.
Alan McArthur, of 3M's Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Group, explains that the new standard also specifies two new product usability classifications – single shift only (non-reusable) and reusable, with new performance requirements.
"The amended standard is designed to ensure reusable products can be effectively cleaned and that all particulate respirators are clearly defined as either single-use or reusable. All 3M products will be marked as per the new standard, giving peace of mind to both specifiers and users," says McArthur.
