If you work in dust or chemical-filled environments, it is important to wear the right respiratory protection to comply with applicable safety requirements. Ahlsell offers a wide range of different types of respiratory protection for every need. We have both disposable dust masks as well as half and full masks, along with a broad variety of filters for any situation.

Order by noon, and you can pick up most in-stock items as early as the next business day at your nearest Ahlsell store.

There are several considerations and rules that you need to be aware of when using respiratory protection. Additionally, respiratory protection is a solution that should only be used if the work cannot otherwise be planned, organized, and carried out safely.

According to occupational safety legislation, hazardous airborne pollutants should be removed as much as possible at the location where they develop, and exposure to air pollution should be reduced as much as possible. If exposure cannot be sufficiently reduced through technical measures, it is necessary to use respiratory protection.

However, respiratory protection can also be used as the only measure. This may apply where the work is, for example, short-term cleaning or repairs, and where the respiratory protection is in place as a temporary measure until technical improvements can reduce the pollution. Here you will find our selection of as well as .

What you need to know about respiratory protection

Naturally, your lungs and breathing are vital for you. This means it is very important to properly protect yourself against dust, gas, or life-threatening vapors. Without protection, you risk injuries in the short or long term, which can lead to illness, disability, and in the worst case, an untimely death. Therefore, there is good reason to investigate—and follow—the applicable rules in this area.

Overall, respiratory protection can be divided into three categories:

• Filtering respiratory protection: This removes pollutants in the inhaled air but does not protect against oxygen deficiency. The three-hour rule applies here.
  
  
• Turbo unit respiratory protection: This removes pollutants in the inhaled air but does not protect against oxygen deficiency.
  
  
• Air-supplied respiratory protection: This protects against both pollutants and oxygen deficiency.

For the respiratory protection to provide optimal protection, it is important to strictly follow all instructions in the supplier's user manual regarding maintenance and storage. The durability of the respiratory protection is entirely dependent on compliance. Before use, you should also check that the respiratory protection is functional and clean.

How to use respiratory protection

It is important that before you choose a respiratory protection, you thoroughly investigate how to use it safely and in the best possible way. Respiratory protection should be used when the inhaled air is either contaminated, or if there is even a suspicion that the air is contaminated with, for example, particles, gases, vapors, or smoke in concentrations above the limit value.

Additionally, you should use respiratory protection if the oxygen level in the air is below 17 volume percent. Any user of respiratory protection should, before starting work, receive thorough theoretical and practical instruction on the proper use and maintenance of the respiratory protection. It may be a good idea to test the fit on the employees.

We have a rule in Denmark called the three-hour rule. It exists because respiratory protection is generally straining on the body. As a result, the use time has been limited for certain types. With filtering respiratory protection, where you must breathe through a filter, you may only use these for three hours per day.

If your work is expected to extend beyond those three hours, you must already ensure that you use turbo unit respiratory protection or air-supplied respiratory protection before starting work.

Only use respiratory protection for a limited time

You should use filtering respiratory protection for a maximum of three hours per day in total, as there is a risk of moisture accumulating in the lungs from condensation from your breath. If you need to use respiratory protection for more than a total of three hours, a turbo respiratory protection that is suited to your situation and work environment is recommended.

is like the other respiratory protection personal protective equipment against particles. Often, you can use a face mask and a dust mask for up to four hours at a time, after which their effectiveness stops, and the mask needs to be replaced. Masks and face coverings are often not very comfortable to wear. They are typically very warm to wear, and you may feel restricted in your ability to breathe properly. Despite this, they are effective against the hazards they are designed to protect you from.

At Ahlsell, we also offer a wide selection of - both for single use and models with replaceable filters. You will find respiratory protection and filters that are approved for various tasks and exposures.

Look for respiratory protection with the CE marking

All respiratory protection and components that are important for the functioning of the equipment must be CE marked. The marking is always followed by a registration number from the independent testing institute responsible for the quality control of that particular protective equipment.

A respiratory protection device marketed before July 1, 1995, can still be used until it needs to be replaced—even though it is not CE marked. The condition is that it complies with the rules that were applicable before that date. It is the manufacturer who applies the mark.

Ahlsell is your dealer of respiratory protection

We have everything in respiratory protection. Find everything for your project in Ahlsell's webshop - around the clock.

Timely delivery is a given. Using Ahlsell's TIMED delivery, you can order delivery down to just a one-hour interval, earliest from 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, exactly when it suits you best. You can find our entire range online at our webshop.

We have several years of experience with products from various leading manufacturers. Therefore, you can also count on us to provide you with good service and guidance when you need to order your new respiratory protection at your nearest Ahlsell store.

You can choose to have your new products delivered to your home, construction site, or any other location. You can also simply reserve the products at your nearest Ahlsell store. Shortly, all your products will be ready for pickup.

FAQ:

How long can you use respiratory protection?

• In Denmark, we have a three-hour rule. It exists because respiratory protection is generally taxing on the body. Thus, the use time has been limited for certain types. With filtering respiratory protection, where you must breathe through a filter, you may only use these for three hours per day. Often, you can use a face mask and a dust mask for up to four hours at a time.

Which respiratory protection should I choose?

• You can find several different types of respiratory protection and masks. Some are suitable for long-term use, while others must be disposed of after use. Furthermore, there is also a difference in how many hours the various mask types can be used per day. Some may only be used three hours a day, while others can be used for an entire working day.

Do you sell accessories for respiratory protection?

• Yes, at Ahlsell, we also sell filters and accessories for respiratory protection. Therefore, if you only need a new filter or other spare parts, you can find various types in our assortment. This way, you don't have to buy an entirely new respiratory protection. Just explore our range.