Escape mask

Escape masks are a simple variant of the gas masks, which provide short-term protection. Hence the name 'escape mask'. Escape masks are ideal to use to escape from emergency situations. Most escape masks are equipped with an ABEK-2 filter with a P2 or P3 dust filter. Choosing the right escape mask depends on the type of substances you may have to escape from.

All escape masks comply with EN 403: Masks especially to be used for an escape in case of emergency. They are usually good for 10-15 minutes, enough time to make an escape from the situation.

Escape masks for emergencies

The name escape mask says it all, intended for escaping in the event of an emergency. For example when transporting hazardous substances, gases or vapors where something can go wrong if the space becomes filled with these gases or vapors. This often happens in a short period of time and preparing a normal full face mask with ABEK filters is not fast enough. You can take an escape mask off the wall, unpack it and throw it over your head to then escape the danger zone. With approximately 15 minutes of air and filter capacity, this is enough to evacuate the room or building.

Full face masks

Where an escape mask provides short-term protection, cleaning up may require working in the room for a longer period of time. A full face mask with air supply works best for this, combined with suitable filters for reusable masks. The air supply ensures that you do not breathe in toxic air and can therefore work longer in a closed space. This is often combined with disposable overalls.

When to use which respiratory protection?

If respiratory protection is used, it is important to always use the correct protection. For example, look at the right filters and the right techniques. In an open space with only fine dust, dust masks are often sufficient. If you are dealing with gases and vapors, it quickly becomes necessary to also use half-face or full-face masks with filters to provide the right protection. The most important thing to make the choice is to know which materials the wearer comes into contact with. For example, if it is organic vapors, an A2 filter may be sufficient, if it is a combination of particulate matter and organic vapors, an A2-P3 for dust is sufficient.

The filters below are the available filters:

  • A (Brown): Organic vapors and solvents with a boiling point of >65° C
  • AX (Brown): Organic vapors and solvents with a boiling point of <65° C
  • B (Gray): Inorganic gases and vapors (with the exception of carbon monoxide)
  • E (Yellow): Sulfur dioxide & hydrogen chloride
  • K (Green): Ammonia
  • P (White): Protection against particulate matter

Always investigate which filters are needed for proper protection.