EN 14387:2021
Respiratory protective devices – Gas filter(s) and combined filter(s)
EN 14387:2021 supersedes EN 14387:2004+A1:2008.
EN 14387 refers to gas filters and combined filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices. Filters for use against CO are excluded from this standard. 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 assisted respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices. If so they need to be tested and marked in accordance with the appropriate European Standard.
In short, the EN 14387 standard covers gas filters and combined filters used as components of unsupported respiratory protective equipment. The main goal of the respiratory protection program is to prevent exposure to air contaminated with harmful dusts, mists, fumes, gases, vapors or sprays. This is important above all in terms of preventing occupational diseases.
Filters are marked, according to their scope, through letters and colors indicating their type and through numbers indicating their class. The combined filters are marked in accordance with gas and particle information.
| Filter type | Color | Main scope/ protection against |
| AX | Brown | Against organic compounds with a boiling point below 65°C (low
boiling) |
| A | Brown | Against organic compounds with a boiling point above 65°C |
| B | Grey | Against inorganic gases and vapors such as chlorine, hydrogen
sulphide, hydrocyanic acid, hydrochloric acid |
| E | Yellow | Sulphur dioxide, hydrochloric acid |
| K | Green | Ammonia |
| CO | Black | Carbon monoxide |
| Hg | Red | Mercury vapors |
| NO | Blue | Nitrous gases, including nitrogen monoxide |
| Reaktor | Orange | Radioactive iodine including radioactive methyl iodide |
| P | White | Against dusts and aerosols |
| SX | Purple | Against special gases and vapors |
Each one of these class types is further classified in three further classes relating to filter absorption capacity. These classes are:
Class 1 (Low Capacity) Suitable for pollutant concentration of < 0.1%, or up to 1000ppm.
Class 2 (Average/Medium Capacity) Suitable for pollutant concentration of < 0.5%, or up to 5000ppm.
Class 3 (High Capacity)Suitable for pollutant concentration of < 1%, or up to 10,000 ppm.
Gas and combination filters will often feature additional markings for specialized standards. These include:
R (= reusable), or NR (= not reusable /single shift)
