Guide to selecting respiratory filters, especially gas filters for industrial respiratory protection
(according to DIN EN 143 and DIN EN 14387)
The safety of employees is paramount in any industrial environment—particularly when hazardous gases, vapors, or particles may be present in the air. In such situations, choosing the correct gas filter determines whether the respiratory tract is reliably protected.
Whether in the chemical and petrochemical industries, the pharmaceutical sector, fire and rescue services, or automotive and food production: Only those who select a suitable respiratory filter in accordance with the above-mentioned standards can work safely in the long term.
As one of the leading manufacturers of respiratory protection equipment with over 160 years of experience, BartelsRieger supports you in selecting and applying your respiratory filters—ensuring maximum safety, comfort, and cost efficiency.
Why choosing the right gas filter is vital
Industrial processes often produce gases, vapours and aerosols that are harmful to health or even lethal.. These substances can quickly become dangerous, especially in chemical and petrochemical operations, painting work, or maintenance activities.
An incorrectly selected gas filter may provide little to no protection—potential consequences include poisoning, loss of consciousness, or long-term health damage.
The standards therefore define precisely which filter types are approved for which hazardous substances and how they are classified. This ensures that your employees always wear the optimal respiratory filter.
Standard DIN EN 14387 – overview of gas filter classification
DIN EN 14387 is the key standard for gas filters and combination filters used in industrial respiratory protection. It defines which hazardous substances a filter is capable of retaining and specifies its absorption capacity.
Filter classes (1-3)
- Class 1: low capacity
- Class 2: medium capacity
- Class 3: high capacity
The higher the number, the more hazardous substance the filter can absorb. A distinction is also made between screw-type filters (standard RD40 connection) and push-in filters, e.g. with bayonet connections, commonly used with powered air-purifying respirators or half masks.
Selection criteria for the appropriate respiratory protection filter
The correct respiratory protection filter must always be chosen based on the specific application. The following steps help ensure safe selection:
- Identify the hazardous substance: Which gases, vapors, or particles are present?
- Determine concentration & exposure time: How high is the contamination?
- Select the filter type according to DIN EN 14387: Suitable for the hazardous substances (e.g. A2, B1, K2, etc.)
- Check compatibility: Does the filter fit your respiratory mask or powered air-purifying respirator?
- Observe maintenance & storage: Inspect filters regularly and replace in due time.
Tip: Use the professional consulting services of BartelsRieger to match filters and masks precisely to your working environment.
Service life
The durability of gas filters depends on multiple factors such as concentration of hazardous gases, ambient temperature, humidity, workload, and body posture; therefore, it cannot be predetermined.
Opened filters must be replaced after a maximum of 6 months. Damaged filters must not be used! Used respiratory filters may need to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Operating limits
(according to TRGS 900 “Occupational Exposure Limits”)
- with half/quarter mask: 30 × occupational exposure limit
- with full face mask: 400 × occupational exposure limit
Maximum allowable gas concentration:
- Gas filter class 1 (A1, B1, E1, K1): 1,000 ml/m³
- Gas filter class 2 (A2, B2, E2, K2): 5,000 ml/m³
- Ambient air must contain at least 17 vol% oxygen.
Industrial gas filter A2P3 – application, protection classes, and compatibility
An A2P3 gas filter is a combination filter offering two protective functions:
- A2: Protection against organic gases and vapors with a boiling point above 65 °C (e.g. solvents such as toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, petrol, alcohols such as benzene, paints, varnishes).
- P3: Highest-class particulate filter—for dusts, fumes, and aerosols.
This makes the A2P3 respiratory protection filter one of the most effective filters used in industrial environments.
Typical application areas in logistics and warehousing
In logistics and warehouse environments, cleaning agents, solvents, or disinfectants are frequently used.
Dangerous vapors can also be released during packaging, loading, or disposal of hazardous substances.
The A2P3 filter provides optimal protection here, as it retains both gaseous and particulate contaminants.
Examples of use:
- Maintenance and repair work
- Painting and coating processes
- Storage of organic solvents
- Handling and disposal of hazardous materials
Compatibility and system integration
The A2P3 gas filter is available as a screw-type filter (RD40). It is compatible with:
- Full masks (e.g. BartelsRieger BRK) for respiratory filters up to 500 g
- Half masks (e.g. BariMask HF) for respiratory filters up to 300 g
BartelsRieger offers all filter variants according to DIN EN 14387—tested, durable, and optimally matched to the company’s own masks.
Advantages of BartelsRieger filters:
- Certified according to DIN EN 14387 and DIN EN 143
- High filtration performance and breathing comfort
- Robust housing materials
- Individual consulting & service
Maintenance, inspection, and replacement intervals for gas filters
Even the best respiratory protection filter loses effectiveness over time. Therefore, note:
- Replace when saturated: If gas odor or taste becomes noticeable.
- Storage: Factory-sealed respiratory filters may be stored in pollutant-free rooms protected from dust, moisture, heat, cold, and sunlight until the printed expiration date. 6 years from manufacturing date.
- Regular inspections: Training and service inspections increase operational safety.
BartelsRieger offers comprehensive maintenance, inspection, and training concepts to keep your respiratory protection systems reliably operational.
BartelsRieger – your partner for certified respiratory protection technology
For over 160 years, BartelsRieger has stood for safety, quality, and innovation in respiratory protection technology. From respiratory filters to compressed-air hose equipment to stationary and mobile breathing air supply systems—you receive everything from a single source.
Our services:
- Individual consultation for filter selection
- Maintenance, repairs, and spare parts service
- Training & workshops
- Rental and leasing solutions for respiratory protection equipment
Rely on tested qualit - Made in Germany.
Request your suitable gas filter according to DIN EN 14387 now—directly from BartelsRieger Atemschutztechnik GmbH!
