EN 143:2021
Respiratory protective devices – Particle filters
EN 143:2021 supersedes EN 143:2000 Corrected 2002, 2006, Amended 2006
EN 143:2021 specifies particle filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices and filtering face pieces. Laboratory tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements. Some filters complying with this standard can also be suitable for use with other types of respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices. If so, they need to be tested and marked according to the appropriate European Standard. This standard does not cover requirements concerning respiratory hygiene. Requirements for decrease of the microbiological hazards caused by the growth of bacteria and viruses on the filtration material are not determined.
The following main technical changes have been made compared to EN 143:2000:
- a) Definitions and symbols added;
- b) Description deleted;
- c) Nominal values and tolerances changed;
- d) Use of a risk assessment, e.g. a Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) added;
- e) Twin filters added;
- f) Clogging deleted;
- g) Visual inspection changed to inspection and detailed list inserted;
- h) Filter penetration test changed to refer to EN 13274-7;
- i) Marking changed to filters in general;
- j) All figures adapted to the changes made in the test procedures, where appropriate.
Based on their efficiency, particle filters are divided into three categories:
- P1 – low filtration, intended for use against solid particles only
- P2 – medium filtration, subdivided according to the filters’ capacity to remove both solid and liquid particles or solid particles only
- P3 – high filtration, subdivided according to the filters’ capacity to remove both solid and liquid particles or solid particles only
| Class | Filter penetration limit (at 95 L/min air flow) |
| P1 | Filters at least 80% of airborne particles |
| P2 | Filters at least 94% of airborne particles |
| P3 | Filters at least 99.95% of airborne particles |
Markings:
P + particle category
R (= reusable), or NR (= not reusable /single shift)
CE marking with approval number of notified body
Color code: white
Additional markings:
- Whether the filter is intended for use in a multi-filter device
- Indication (+ expired hourglass symbol) of filter’s expiration date, formatted as “yyyy/mm”
