What is EN143:2000?
The European Standard EN143:2000 describes the standard for Particulate filters, which include the 3M 5000 Series Particulate Pre-filters, 3M 2000 Series Particulate filters, 3M 6035 and 6038 Encapsulated Particulate Filters as well as the 3M Crusader P3 Particulate Filter.
A1:2006: Loading and Storage Amendment
This standard was amended in mid June 2006 to include an extended loading test and extended 24hr aging in order to assess the impact of storage on performance. A transition period of 12 months to 01 June, 2007 was been agreed with UK Notified Bodies.
How are 3M Products affected?
All 3M filters have been tested and meet the new EN143:2000 / A1:2006 standard loading and storage requirements with no change in classification or construction. This underlines the quality and high performance of 3M´s filter technology.
3M is in the process of completing all necessary approval work with the Notified Bodies, and conformity with the amendment will be reflected in the updated CE certificates.
What has changed?
Products will now be classified as either Re-usable or Non Re-usable filters and marked by either R or NR respectively.
R = Re-usable filters - any device that can be used for more than one shift i.e. used, stored, and then used again.
NR = Non Re-usable filters - any device that is single-shift use only.
The changes visible to the customer include product marking, user instructions and packaging information. For example, 3M 2125 filter will now be marked as EN143:2000 P2R.
What is the benefit of this change?
It will now be clearer which particulate filters for use with Respiratory protective devices can be re-used for more than one shift, and which are single-shift use filters only.
The wearer has continued confidence that 3M products meet the loading and storage requirements detailed in the amendment to EN143:2000 without any modification to the products or any change in price.
Logistics and timings?
In order to support a smooth transition there is no change to the 3M stock numbers, however a visual identifier (yellow sticker) on the shipper cases will indicate "New Product" inside.
From 01 June 2007 all products have been manufactured to the amended standard, however, there will be a period of phasing-in and phasing-out throughout the distribution channel.
3M would re-assure customers that 3M filters meeting the current EN143:2000 can still be purchased and used during this transition period.
Future Changes - Particulate filter(s) meeting other standards referring to EN143?
To date, no other amendments to the other particulate filter standards are available but are anticipated to be published later this year or early next year.
These cover:-
Negative pressure devices (EN149:2001, EN405:2001, EN14387:2004)
Powered Air Devices (EN12941:1998, EN12942:1998)
3M has tested all 3M Negative and Powered air devices to the draft test method. This testing indicates that all 3M Products meet the requirements of the draft loading and storage test. CE certificates cannot be updated until such time as the amended standards are officially published. As soon as the amended standards are published 3M will recertify products to the new standard.
For further information, please contact the 3M Health and Safety Helpline on 0870 60 800 60 (UK) or 1 800 320 500 (Ireland).
