01
Purpose
EN 14387:2021 specifies requirements, classification, testing and marking for replaceable gas filters and combined filters used in unassisted respiratory protective devices. Filter selection depends on contaminant type and concentration.
Respiratory ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 14387
Gas and Combined Respiratory Filter Standard
EN 14387:2021 specifies requirements, classification, testing and marking for replaceable gas filters and combined filters used in unassisted respiratory protective devices. Filter selection depends on contaminant type and concentration.
Product type
Replaceable gas or combined filter
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 14387
EN 14387:2021Standard & editionA/B/E/KTypeEXPExpiryAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Risk-based filter selection for organic/inorganic gases, acid gases, ammonia and relevant combined exposures using a compatible facepiece connection.
03
What to look for?
Check EN 14387:2021 marking, filter type such as A/B/E/K and where applicable AX/SX, class, colour code, particle combination and expiry date.
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.
A/B/E/K
Main gas-filter types
Filter letter code identifies contaminant group; selection uses SDS and manufacturer data.
CLASS
Capacity class
Filter class indicates capacity/performance category; service life cannot be derived from class alone.
COMBINED
Combined
Gas filter may be marked together with a particle class.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 14387:2021Standard & editionCurrent gas/combined-filter reference.A/B/E/KTypeFilter type by target gas/vapour group.EXPExpiryExpiry date and storage condition for unopened filter.
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 14387, type/class and colour coding on filter body
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Expiry and storage information on packaging
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 14387:2021Gas and combined filters
EN 143:2021Particle-only filters
EN 136 / EN 140Compatible full/half facepiece product families
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
A/B/E/K letter ≠ protection against every chemical
Filter type identifies a contaminant group; SDS and manufacturer data are required.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Using filters without a change schedule and relying only on smell.
Why is this a problem?
Odour threshold is not a reliable service-life indicator and varies by contaminant.
Better approach
Use risk assessment, manufacturer service-life data and a planned change-out approach.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Organic vapours
02
Inorganic gases
03
Acid gases
04
Ammonia
05
Combined exposure
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
Are contaminant and concentration known?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Using filters without a change schedule and relying only on smell.
BETTER APPROACH
Use risk assessment, manufacturer service-life data and a planned change-out approach.
1
Are contaminant and concentration known?
2
Are filter type and class suitable?
3
Are expiry date and packaging condition acceptable?
4
Is change-out schedule based on manufacturer/risk data?
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