When did you last change your filters?

Respirator filters do not last forever. Once a gas and vapour filter has been used to its full capacity, it will no longer offer any protection. An overused particulate filter may still protect you, but it will be hard to breathe through, potentially leading to fatigue and reduced productivity. The service life of a filter can be affected by a number of factors, including the type of filter, the concentration of contaminants in the air, breathing rates, humidity and temperature. Best practice is to establish a filter change schedule – a specified time period after which filters will be replaced. This time period is best set by using objective data and a service life estimate tool, such as the 3M Service Life Software. Alternatively, a filter change out schedule can be developed by considering typical breakthrough times for gas and vapour filters, or clogging times for particulate filters, in your workplace, and applying a safety margin. However, this method is less accurate as it relies on human senses which are both subjective and variable. 

As a very minimum, filters must be changed:

• Before the contaminant can be smelled or tasted (gas and vapour or combination filters)
• When the filter becomes difficult to breathe through (particulate or combination filters)
• When the expiry date of the filter has passed
• When the filter has been out of its packaging for 6 months or more (gas and vapour or combination filters)
• When the filter shows any signs of damage

See the range of consumables here - Filters