Simple Rules for Using a Dust Mask

By: Lasse Mortensen | Published: 31/01-2020 | Readtime: 1m 15s

Dust mask rules

When did you last use breathing protection in your work? Never. Are you sure? One thing is certain. You should always think about your need for personal safety products when working in environments with a lot of dust, vapors and similar particles.

You won’t notice when working. But after a while you start to get puffed and you may cough up even if you are not smoking or are / have been ill. The doctor tells you that your lung function has been damaged and is reduced by 50%. He asks you about work to find a possible cause and suddenly it's crystal clear. The grind station you have operated in the last 5 years has caused your chronic respiratory disease. But you do not understand anything. You always used a dust mask ...

Remember the rules

We can always feel annoyed by all the rules we meet at work and in our spare time. But often the rules are there for a reason, and when it comes to dust masks they are not even exempted from rules. They generally comply with European standards, but in addition, special national rules must be followed.

This article is the basis of dust masks. In Denmark, you may only use a dust mask for 3 hours a day. In the rest of Europe, this is not the case. So, if you need to work with respirators for more than 3 hours, dust masks are not an option.

When you choose your mask, you must have certain things in mind. For example, what should you protect yourself against? Or what are the requirements for the dust mask? Solid, liquid particles or viruses. What surrounds you and what content?

The mask should always be as tight as possible to your mouth and nose. Therefore, consider the size of the mask and whether it is to be placed on a beard or a beard stump. Beard is no go, if optimal fit is to be achieved.

Always New Requirements

Fit dust mask selection will soon become mandatory, which means that anyone who needs a dust mask on their work must pass a test referring them to the most optimal personal solution for each single user.

You're starting out well with this article about dust mask rules. But to get a perfect picture of your situation and the need for personal safety, you can always get in touch with Stennevad to help meet your security challenges.

Our consultants know what questions they need to ask to find your mask.