Standards and labels

• EN 14387:2004

  EN 14387:2004 is a European standard that sets guidelines for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by firefighters and other emergency responders. It states how the SCBA should work, how long it should last and how easy it should be to use. To make sure the SCBA meets these guidelines, it goes through testing. Possible test results include whether the SCBA met the requirements set in the standard.

  Test results

  Filter Type P

  EN 14387:2004 specifies standards for gas filters and combined filters for use in respiratory protective devices, with 'Filter Type P' designed to protect against phosphine. This designation indicates that the filter has been rigorously tested for its effectiveness in adsorbing phosphine gas under specific test conditions, such as defined concentrations and exposure durations. The testing procedure involves challenging the filter with phosphine gas and assessing its capacity to prevent gas breakthrough, ensuring worker safety. Filters that comply with the Type P standard are essential in sectors like agriculture, pest control, and chemical manufacturing, where phosphine is commonly used as a pesticide or fumigant. These filters play a critical role in protecting workers from the toxic effects of phosphine, which can be fatal at high concentrations, ensuring a safer working environment.

  Filter Type A

  EN 14387:2004 sets the requirements for gas filters and combined filters used in respiratory protective devices. The 'Filter Type A' designation indicates that the filter is specifically designed to protect against organic gases and vapors with a boiling point above 65°C. The test method used for certifying this type of filter involves exposing it to a specific concentration of a test gas (like carbon tetrachloride for Type A filters), measuring the filter's capacity to adsorb the gas, and ensuring that it does not exceed permissible limits of breakthrough. The practical implication for products meeting the 'Type A' standard is that they are suitable for use in environments where organic solvents and other similar organic compounds are present, providing essential safety to workers in industries like chemical processing, painting, and agriculture, where exposure to organic vapors is a common hazard.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.

• PPE Category 3

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 3 refers to equipment that is complex and provide the highest level of protection such as powered respirators, SCBA, and full body suits. In Europe, PPE Category 3 must meet certain safety standards set by the European Union, which means that it must be designed and manufactured to protect the user without causing harm. Companies that make or sell PPE must prove that it meets these standards. They also must have a quality management system in place, have to be audited regularly by a notified body and have to have a technical documentation.