New respirator standards demand particle loading test25 June 2010

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.

Brian Tinham

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3M UK plc

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