There’s a range of different filters to use with respirator masks – and the wrong filter is as useful as a t-shirt in a rainstorm (no use at all!) So, what is the easiest way to get the right filter? Everyone loves an app, right! But before you download though, it helps to have a little smarts about the results you’ll get.
Here’s a brief summary to understand the categories.
Filters work in very different ways. A particle filter is a very fine fibre mesh which captures dust particles while letting clean air through. But it will not stop gas or vapour from getting through.
A gas filter contains activated carbon, which works like blotting paper: it absorbs the gas molecules and binds them to the carbon before they can reach your lungs. Different gas filters suit different gases. However, the carbon is not an effective barrier to fine dust particles and will clog up quickly if exposed to dust particles.
That’s why Sundstrom filters can stack a particle filter ‘on top’ of a gas filter, to provide protection against both hazards!
Sundstrom’s Phone App is an easy way to choose filters – just type in your hazardous substance or CAS number, and it’ll suggest a filter. You should cross-check with the substance’s SDS / MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).
Sundstrom App is available in
FILTER CHOICES
A Single Particle Filter: There is only one particle filter in the Sundström range. The particle filter protects against all types of coarse and fine particles, such as dust, fibres, smoke & fume, aerosols (wet particles; spray, mist), mould, bacteria, viruses & other solid particles
Several Gas Filters: There are several different gas filters for different types of gas. The various filters can be recognised by their colour coding* on the label.
Colour Coding of Filters: Your Sundström filters are colour coded and marked with a letter code. Combination filters have more than one colour code and letter code
There are two major categories of filters: Gas filters & Particle filters. Gas filters protect ONLY against gas or vapour. Particle filters protect ONLY against particles. If the atmosphere contains a mixture of gas and particles, both filter types must be used.
Always be safe when working around particles and gases AND when in doubt, please just ask!
If you still have questions feel free to call our friendly staff at 1300ABSAFE or email [email protected].
