Masks and Filtering Facepieces
We may consider all masks dust masks, surgical masks, and filtering facepieces to be "masks," but they are very different in their design, performance, and purpose.
The Difference Between Respirators and Surgical Masks
What's the difference?
- Dust Masks: Dust masks are also called filtering facepieces by OSHA and are designed to protect the wearer from inhaling dust, dirt, and other small particles in the air. They are typically made of a lightweight, disposable material such as paper or cloth, and are designed to be worn for a short period of time. They are not as effective as N95 or surgical masks but are still recommended for use in certain situations. Dust masks that don't have NIOSH certification are not respirators.
- Surgical N95 Respirators: Surgical face masks are designed to protect against large respiratory droplets and to prevent the spread of infectious agents from the wearer to others.
- Particulate N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators: These masks are considered respirators and they are designed to filter out airborne particulates and liquids (oil) to at least a ninety-five percent effectiveness.
- N95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
- Surgical N95 – A NIOSH-approved N95 respirator that has also been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a surgical mask.
- N99 – Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
- N100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
- R95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Somewhat resistant to oil.
- P95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
- P99 – Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
- P100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
Only masks certified by NIOSH are considered respirators and are covered under 1910.134 rules. The video to the right helps to explain the differences between respirators and facemasks. See more information on The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL).
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2-8. What must dust masks have in order to be considered a respirator?
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