Respiratory protection: respirators, masks and filters
First identify the hazard
A respirator is chosen not by brand but by what exactly you will be breathing. Construction dust, paint fumes and welding aerosols each need different protection, and a wrong choice only gives a feeling of safety.
- Dust and fine particles — disposable half masks rated FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 (or N95-type); the higher the class, the fewer particles get through;
- Fumes from paints, solvents and gases — a half mask or full face mask with replaceable filters; the type is marked with a letter, for example A for organic vapours;
- Mixed jobs — ABEK-type filters combined with P3, when there are both vapours and aerosols;
- Welding — a respirator that protects against metal fumes, sometimes together with a shield.
An exhalation valve reduces moisture and makes breathing under the mask easier, so it is chosen more often for long work. But it does not protect people around you from what the wearer breathes out.
What to put in your request
- Type — disposable respirator, half mask with replaceable filters, full face mask;
- Protection class — FFP2, FFP3 or a filter type such as A1 or P3;
- Protection from what — dust, paint, chemicals, welding;
- Quantity — for a crew the per-piece price in bulk can be lower;
- Size — S, M or L for reusable masks;
- Documents — a conformity certificate and, if needed, a proper tax invoice;
- Brand and budget — if you have a preference, for example 3M.
Example: “I need 200 disposable FFP3 respirators with a valve for grinding concrete. A conformity certificate is needed. Delivery to Gqeberha, budget up to R 24 per piece.”
How to compare offers
First check the protection class and the standard on the packaging. For half masks, find out whether the filters are in the price and how easy they are to buy later: a mask with no filters available soon becomes a problem. Ask about the expiry date, since both respirators and filters have one, and an unpacked filter absorbs moisture and contamination.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe the task once, and sellers reply in the chat with prices and terms and compete for your request. The best-value offer comes first, with seller reviews beside it. You reveal your contacts only to the one you choose. More on the “How it works” page.
Common mistakes
People take a surgical mask instead of a dust respirator, but it does not seal to the face and does not filter fine particles. They ignore a beard or stubble, which stops the mask sealing tightly. They do not change the filter even when they can already smell something through it.
For full protection, think also of head, eye and hearing protection and disposable clothing. If you work with harmful substances all the time, consult a safety specialist about your health.
