Finder

Choose a respirator and filter

Which respirator and which filter suit your work? The AirGuard-Pro respirator finder supports your choice for particles, gases and vapours. Enter the type of hazardous substance, its concentration and the oxygen content. You get first guidance on possible mask and filter combinations and their limits of use.

Two employees sanding wood with half masks, ear defenders and safety glasses; in front on the workbench the AirGuard Pro half masks AG360 and AG360W and the full-face mask AG700

1. Which hazardous substances are in the air?

2. How high is the concentration in relation to the workplace exposure limit (AGW)?

Calculate the multiple of the workplace exposure limit: concentration ÷ AGW. Use the same unit for both values, for example mg/m³. What is the AGW?

ConcentrationLimit value (AGW)

3. Has sufficient oxygen in the ambient air been verified?

In tanks, pits, shafts and confined spaces in particular, the oxygen content must be checked.

4. AlsoEyes and face are to be protected, for example from irritant substancesAsbestos, carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances, radioactive substances or pathogens

Information incomplete

Please complete all three entries on the left on hazardous substances, concentration and oxygen content. Only then can the respirator finder show your result.

The respirator finder gives first guidance under DGUV Rule 112-190 and does not replace a risk assessment. The specific hazardous substances, the conditions of use, the face seal of the mask and the manufacturer's information are decisive. The finder does not store any input.

Which respirator filter suits which hazardous substances?

Particle filters are used against solid and liquid particles such as dust, smoke and mist. Gas filters are intended for specific gases and vapours. If both occur together, suitable combination filters come into question. What matters are the exact type of substance, its concentration and the limits of use of the respective combination of respirator and filter.

How the finder selects

Mask by protection level: The multiple of the workplace exposure limit decides the mask. Half mask with P3 or gas filter up to 30 times, full-face mask up to 400 times (DGUV Rule 112-190, table 2).

Filter by substance and concentration: The type (A, B, E, K) follows from the substance, the class from the gas concentration. Particles are always filtered with P3 in the range. More under Filter classes and colours.

Limits: Filters do not supply oxygen. DGUV Rule 112-190 requires at least 17 % by volume, the instructions for use of the AirGuard Pro products 19.5 % by volume; the finder uses the stricter value. Additional rules apply to asbestos, carcinogenic substances and pathogens.

Protection level

Highest permitted multiple of the workplace exposure limit under DGUV Rule 112-190 (November 2021 edition), table 2. Rows without a device of their own: the alternative is the same type of mask with particle filter P3, which covers every lower multiple.
Device	Up to	In the AirGuard Pro range
Filtering half mask FFP1Disposable respirator 6100	4 × limit value	Disposable respirator 6100
Filtering half mask FFP2Disposable respirators 6201, 6203	10 × limit value	Disposable respirators 6201, 6203
Filtering half mask FFP3Disposable respirators 6311, 6311C, 6312	30 × limit value	Disposable respirators 6311, 6311C, 6312
Half mask with particle filter P1Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value)	4 × limit value	Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value)
Half mask with particle filter P2Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value)	10 × limit value	Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value)
Half mask with particle filter P3AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2	30 × limit value	AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2
Full-face mask with particle filter P1Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value)	4 × limit value	Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value)
Full-face mask with particle filter P2Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value)	15 × limit value	Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value)
Full-face mask with particle filter P3AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R	400 × limit value	AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R
Half mask with gas filterAG360 with gas or combination filter (bayonet)	30 × limit value	AG360 with gas or combination filter (bayonet)
Full-face mask with gas filterAG700 with gas or combination filter	400 × limit value	AG700 with gas or combination filter

Gas filter classes

Highest permitted gas concentration per gas filter class under DGUV Rule 112-190.
Class	Maximum	AirGuard Pro
Class 1	0.1 % by volume (1,000 ml/m³)	AGA1E1, AGABEKK1, AGABEKK1P3 (bayonet)
Class 2	0.5 % by volume (5,000 ml/m³)	AGA2E2, AGABEK2, AGABEK2P3 (RD40)
Class 3	1.0 % by volume (10,000 ml/m³)	not in the range

Frequently asked questions about the finder

How does the finder select mask and filter?

Under DGUV Rule 112-190: the mask by protection level (half mask up to 30 times, full-face mask up to 400 times the limit value), the gas filter by type and class, particles always with P3. Only combinations that fit together according to the data sheets of the filters are shown.

Why does the finder sometimes show no recommendation?

When a filtering respirator is not certainly sufficient or the range has no suitable filter: with oxygen deficiency, unknown substances or concentrations, above 400 times the limit value, above 0.5 % by volume gas or with substances such as carbon monoxide. Then we advise you.

Where do I find the workplace exposure limit?

In TRGS 900 (Germany) and in section 8 of the safety data sheet. The calculator in the finder divides the concentration by the limit value.

Does the finder replace the risk assessment?

No. It is guidance. The basis of the selection remains the determination of hazardous substances, the wearing trial and the instructions for use.