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3M, the diversified technology company and a leading manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment, welcomes the introduction of two usability classifications for disposable respirators; single shift only (non reusable) and reusable. The amended European Standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009 supersedes the previous version and states that all reusable devices must withstand being cleaned and disinfected using a method provided by the manufacturer. This change, along with new performance requirements, is intended to give the user further confidence in respirators providing continuous respiratory protection in hazardous environments.

The standard and the notified bodies do not state how a product should be constructed. 3M has decided that for its respirators to be deemed reusable they should have a face seal that can be effectively cleaned. Therefore only 3M respirators with a face seal gasket will be classified as R – reusable and all other products as NR – non reusable.

Alan McArthur, Technical Specialist for 3M says: "The amendment to the EN149 standard affects all products in our range of disposable respirators. We can confirm that they will all be retested to the product performance requirements of EN 149:2001+A1:2009 and will be re-approved to the requirements of the PPE directive.

"Once approved, these products will be reclassified and marked as R - reusable or NR - non reusable. The new classification will be clearly marked on products and packaging and we will also be providing user information sheets with an explanation of the new classification and reference to the new standard, which can be downloaded from our website."

Go to EN149:2001+A1:2009 Amendment (PDF, 283KB) now.

For further advice and information about the new standards or 3M’s complete safety range, please call the 3M Health and Safety Helpline on 0870 60 800 60 (UK) or 1 800 320 500 (Ireland) or visit www.3M.co.uk/ohes.