FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 dust masks are disposable respirators rated under EN 149, and the higher the number, the more protection they give. Dust might seem like a harmless nuisance, but breathing it in day after day causes serious, sometimes fatal, lung disease. Construction dust, silica, wood dust and fibres are linked to conditions that develop silently over years, making respiratory protection one of the most important pieces of PPE you'll ever wear.

FFP ratings compared

Disposable respirators are rated under EN 149 into three classes. Each has an assigned protection factor (APF), which tells you how much it reduces the dust a wearer breathes in, assuming it fits and is worn correctly. An APF of 10, for example, means the wearer should breathe in no more than a tenth of the dust in the surrounding air.

FFP1 offers the lowest protection and suits only low-level nuisance dusts. FFP2 filters finer particles and suits plastering, sanding and general construction dust. FFP3 provides the highest protection from a disposable mask.

Which mask for silica and hazardous dust?

Silica dust is created when cutting concrete, brick, block and stone, and it is one of the most serious health hazards in construction. For silica dust from cutting, chasing or drilling, HSE recommends RPE with an APF of 20, such as an FFP3 disposable or a half mask with a P3 filter. Insulation materials and wood dust also need suitable RPE, so check the safety data sheet and your COSHH assessment for the protection factor required.

Suspected asbestos is different again. A disposable dust mask is not the answer: stop work and get the material checked before going any further.

Valved masks reduce heat and moisture build-up, making them more comfortable for extended wear. Look out for the NR (single shift only) or R (reusable) marking, and the optional D marking, which shows the mask passed a clogging test and should stay easier to breathe through in dusty conditions.

Why face-fit testing matters

Fit is everything. A respirator only protects if it seals against the face, which is why tight-fitting masks must be face-fit tested for each wearer and each make, model and size of mask. Faces come in different shapes, so one style rarely fits a whole team.

Beards and stubble compromise protection, so the wearer must be clean-shaven where the mask seals. For staff who can't be clean-shaven, for religious or medical reasons, a powered hood that doesn't rely on a face seal is the usual alternative.

Wearers should also do a quick seal check every time they put a mask on, and replace it if it's damaged, dirty, wet or hard to breathe through. RPE must be provided free of charge, with training on how to use it; our guide to PPE and the law sets out the wider employer duties.

Masks are the last line of defence

Remember the hierarchy of control too: masks are the last line of defence. Dust suppression with water, on-tool extraction and good ventilation should come first, with respiratory protection covering what remains. Many cutting and chasing tasks need both together.

Respiratory protection also has to work with the rest of the kit. Check that safety goggles don't push the mask out of position, and consider coveralls or disposable coveralls to stop dust travelling home on clothing. For a wider view of site kit, see our construction site starter kit.

Quick answers

What is the difference between FFP2 and FFP3 masks?

FFP3 masks have an assigned protection factor of 20, compared with 10 for FFP2, so they let less dust through when properly fitted. HSE recommends APF 20 protection, such as FFP3, for silica dust from cutting, chasing or drilling.

Is an FFP2 mask OK for sanding?

For general sanding, plastering and construction dust, FFP2 is often suitable, but check your COSHH assessment and the product safety data sheet. Hazardous dusts such as silica need higher protection.

Do dust masks work with a beard?

No. Tight-fitting masks need a clean-shaven seal to work, and even stubble lets dust leak in. Workers with beards need RPE that doesn't rely on a face seal, such as a powered hood.

Browse our PPE range for FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 respirators alongside the rest of your site kit, or contact our team if you're unsure which rating your task requires.