What is BS EN 143 about?
BS EN 143 discusses respiratory protective devices (RPDs). BS EN 143 highlights the minimum requirements for particle filters in specifies particle filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted RPDs except for escape devices and filtering facepieces. Laboratory tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
Some filters complying with BS EN 143 can also be suitable for use with other types of respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices.
Note: BS EN 143 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 is not determined.
Who is BS EN 143 for?
BS EN 143 on requirements, testing and marking of particle filters in RPDs is useful for:
- Manufacturers of respiratory protective devices
- Quality control personnel
- Health and safety departments
- Inspection personnel
Why should you use BS EN 143?
Particle filters are used in RPDs to protect the users only against particles—not gases or vapours. Particle filters prevent hazardous microbiological particles from entering the RPD wearers respiratory organs.
BS EN 143 provides users with a list of requirements for particle filters that are helpful during production stages. BS EN 143 also guides you on the classification of the particle filters based on their efficiency and the test methods to verify that efficiency. BS EN 143 guides you on the appropriate storage methods for particle filters ensuring they are not damaged.
BS EN 143 guides you to produce quality particle filters in RPDs thereby improving the quality of the overall product.
What is changed since the last update?
BS EN 143:2021 supersedes EN 143:2000, EN 143:2000/A1:2006 and EN 143:2000/AC:2005. BS EN 143:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 143:2000. These include:
- Definitions and symbols, use of a risk assessment, twin filters are added
- Nominal values and tolerances are changed, visual inspection changed to inspection and detailed list inserted, marking changed to filters in general, filter penetration test changed to refer to EN 13274-7
- Description, clogging is deleted