01
Purpose
EN 143:2021 specifies requirements, testing, classification and marking for replaceable particle filters used in respiratory protective devices. Particle filters do not protect against gases or vapours.
Respiratory ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 143
Respiratory Particle Filter Standard
EN 143:2021 specifies requirements, testing, classification and marking for replaceable particle filters used in respiratory protective devices. Particle filters do not protect against gases or vapours.
Product type
Replaceable particle filter
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 143
EN 143:2021Standard & editionP1/P2/P3ClassAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Tasks using replaceable particle filters on compatible half/full facepieces or other suitable RPDs for particle exposure.
03
What to look for?
Check EN 143:2021 marking, P1/P2/P3 class, connection compatibility and manufacturer use/service limits.
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.
P1
P1
Particle-filter performance class; actual selection depends on exposure assessment.
P2
P2
Higher particle-filter performance class.
P3
P3
High particle-filter performance class; total system protection also depends on facepiece and fit.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 143:2021Standard & editionCurrent European particle-filter reference.P1/P2/P3ClassFilter performance class.
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
EN 143:2021 and P class on filter body
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Model/lot/expiry information on packaging
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 143:2021Replaceable particle filters
EN 14387:2021Gas and combined filters
EN 149Filtering half-mask product standard
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
P3 ≠ gas filter
High particle class does not mean gas or vapour protection.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Treating a P3 filter as sufficient for solvent vapour.
Why is this a problem?
EN 143 is a particle-filter standard only.
Better approach
Verify a suitable combined filter where both particle and gas/vapour hazards exist.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Dust
02
Fume/particles
03
Replaceable-filter RPD
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 filter class suitable for exposure?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Treating a P3 filter as sufficient for solvent vapour.
BETTER APPROACH
Verify a suitable combined filter where both particle and gas/vapour hazards exist.
1
Is filter class suitable for exposure?
2
Is filter damaged, wet or contaminated?
3
Is facepiece connection compatible?
4
Is there also a gas/vapour hazard?
RELATED SERNEM RESOURCES