Wearing time and recovery for respiratory protection

Guide values instead of a fixed time

DGUV Rule 112-190 contains a table with guide values for wearing duration and recovery in annex 2. Depending on device and strain the values range from under 30 minutes to unlimited wearing duration. The rule stresses that the wearing time cannot be stated generally. It is to be assessed case by case and set in the risk assessment.

As an example, specialist articles name for particle-filtering half masks with exhalation valve at medium-heavy work and continuous use two hours of wearing with 30 minutes of recovery afterwards. That gives up to three uses per shift. Recovery does not necessarily mean a break. It is enough that no mask is worn in that time.

These values are an example, not a law. The DGUV is working on a revision of the rule and wants to replace the term “wearing time” with “duration of use”. Check the current version of the rule before you set times.

What the time depends on

• Type of device: The rule gives different guide values depending on the device, for example for filtering half masks with exhalation valve.
• Heaviness of the work: With heavy work the reasonable times are shorter.
• Climate: Heat and humidity shorten the reasonable time.
• Confinement and surroundings: Confined spaces and forced postures increase the strain.
• Person: health, training and habituation. Occupational health care sorts this out, see G 26.

What this means for the masks

Anyone wearing respiratory protection for longer should take the mask off in breaks and recover. The duties around instruction and health care are in Respiratory protection duties.