Does a P3 filter mean a respirator is TH3?

No. P3 describes the filter's efficiency, while TH3 describes the certified performance of the complete powered respirator. A device can use a P3 filter and still only be certified to TH2, because the TH rating depends on the whole system (blower, airflow, hose, headtop and filter) tested together, not the filter alone.

What is the difference between TH2 and TH3?

TH2 has an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 20 and TH3 has an APF of 40, so TH3 provides twice the protection of TH2 under EN 12941. TH2 is appropriate where a COSHH risk assessment shows exposure falls within its range. Many organisations choose TH3 for the extra headroom and flexibility across varied tasks.

What is the APF of a TH3 respirator?

A TH3 powered respirator has an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 40, meaning it is designed to be used in atmospheres up to 40 times the Workplace Exposure Limit, subject to a suitable risk assessment.

Is TH3 always the right choice?

Not automatically. The correct level of respiratory protection should always be determined by a suitable COSHH risk assessment. TH3 offers the highest certified protection under EN 12941, but a lower rating may be appropriate depending on the contaminant, concentration and task.

Do you need a face fit test for a TH3 powered respirator?

Loose-fitting powered respirators, including TH3 devices like the AirMask 1000, do not require face fit testing because they do not rely on a tight seal against the skin. This is different from tight-fitting masks (disposable, half and full-face), which legally require a face fit test for each wearer under HSE guidance.

Can you wear a TH3 powered respirator with a beard?

Yes. Because loose-fitting powered respirators do not seal against the face, they can be worn with beards, stubble and other facial hair. Tight-fitting masks cannot, because facial hair breaks the seal they depend on, so a loose-fitting powered respirator is often the only effective option for workers with beards.

You Don’t Have to Be Creating the Dust to Be Breathing It In

Cires-Safe

Sep 23

2 min read

When we think about dust exposure, we often focus on the person actually cutting, drilling, grinding or sanding.

But airborne dust doesn’t stay neatly around the tool.

Fine particles can spread through a work area, remain suspended in the air and expose people who may not even be involved in the task. Someone walking through the area, supervising nearby or carrying out completely different work can still be breathing the same contaminated air.

That creates a simple problem: how do you protect people when exposure isn’t always predictable?

Traditional RPE can make this difficult

For tight-fitting respirators such as disposable FFP3 masks, protection depends on achieving a suitable face seal. That normally means face-fit testing, being clean-shaven in the sealing area and making sure the correct mask is available when exposure occurs.

For workers who only occasionally enter dusty environments, maintaining that level of preparedness can be difficult.

How the AirMask 1000 helps

The AirMask 1000 is a loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), certified to EN 12941 TH3.

Rather than relying on a tight seal against the face, filtered air is continuously supplied into the mask, providing an APF of 40 when used correctly.

That means:

No face-fit testing is required
Facial hair and stubble do not compromise a face seal
It can be quickly donned when entering a contaminated area
P3 filtration provides protection against hazardous particulates
Its compact, around-the-neck design makes it practical for workers who move between clean and dusty areas