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3M Consumables Rotation: When did you last change your filters?

Respirator filters do not last forever. Once a gas and vapour filter has been used to its full capacity, it will no longer offer any protection. An overused particulate filter may still protect you, but it will be hard to breathe through, potentially leading to fatigue and reduced productivity. 

How well are you looking after your respirator?

As a very minimum, filters must be changed:

- Before the contaminant can be smelled or tasted (gas and vapour or combination filters)

- When the filter becomes difficult to breathe through (particulate or combination filters)

- When the expiry date of the filter has passed

- When the filter has been out of its packaging for 6 months or more (gas and vapour or combination filters) 

- When the filter shows any signs of damage

Are you changing your filters often enough?

To maintain protection levels, optimise the effective lifetime of the equipment and avoid the additional cost of replacement, it is extremely important to carry out regular checks and maintenance on your Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).