01
Purpose
EN 136:1998 covers requirements, testing and marking for full face masks used in respiratory protective devices. BSI currently lists the edition as current and under review.
Respiratory ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 136
Full Face Mask Respiratory Standard
EN 136:1998 covers requirements, testing and marking for full face masks used in respiratory protective devices. BSI currently lists the edition as current and under review.
Product type
Full face mask for respiratory protective devices
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 136
EN 136StandardMODEL/IDModel identityCONNECTIONConnectionAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Respiratory-protection systems using suitable filters or supplied air where full-face sealing and eye/face coverage are required.
03
What to look for?
Verify EN 136 marking, manufacturer/model, connection type and instructions for use with the compatible filter or breathing system.
CLASSES & SELECTION LOGIC
Technical classes in this standard
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
FULL FACE
Full-face seal
Facepiece covering face/eyes and respiratory connection in one full-face mask.
SYSTEM
System component
Protection depends on the mask together with a compatible filter or supplied-air system.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 136StandardFull-face-mask requirements, testing and marking standard.MODEL/IDModel identityManufacturer/model and traceability information.CONNECTIONConnectionConnection for compatible filter or breathing system.
READ THE PRODUCT IN THE FIELD
Where is the standard marking found?
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
1
Standard/model marking on mask body/frame
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Manufacturer use and connection instructions
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 136:1998Full face masks
EN 140Half masks are a separate product standard
EN 143 / EN 14387Particle and gas/vapour filters are separate product standards
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Full face mask ≠ correct filter selection
The mask is a facepiece; protection depends on the contaminant-appropriate filter or supplied-air system.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Assuming any filter on an EN 136 mask is suitable for every chemical.
Why is this a problem?
Filter type is selected by contaminant, concentration and use limits.
Better approach
Check risk/SDS, mask connection, appropriate filter standard and manufacturer data together.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Chemical process
02
Emergency response
03
Filtered respiratory protection
04
Supplied-air systems
HSE FIELD CHECK
30-second field check
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
CHECK FOCUS
Is the face seal clean and undamaged?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Assuming any filter on an EN 136 mask is suitable for every chemical.
BETTER APPROACH
Check risk/SDS, mask connection, appropriate filter standard and manufacturer data together.
1
Is the face seal clean and undamaged?
2
Any visor scratch/crack affecting vision?
3
Are valves clean and functional?
4
Is filter/system connection compatible and correct?
5
Are fit testing and wearer suitability current under the site program?
RELATED SERNEM RESOURCES