Your questions answered

The following questions are ones that Alpha Solway have been asked most frequently in the past and may offer some answers to any concerns that you may have regarding your own circumstances.

I am looking for a Respirator which will provide suitable protection for Welding - what would you recommend?

The recommendation will depend on the type of welding, the working environment, whether any ventilation is in place etc. Please contact our Sales Team on sales@alphasolway.com or telephone 01461 202452.

I am looking for Chemical Protective Clothing to protect against a variety of chemicals, can you help?

Yes we can. We do need to know what circumstances the chemicals are being used in and at what concentration so that we can advise which of our chemical clothing would be most suitable. The more information you can supply the better, particularly if you can supply a chemical data sheet. Each of our garment User Information Sheets supply details of some chemical breakthrough times and you can contact our Sales Office on sales@alphasolway.com or by telephone 01461 202452 for information.

I have heard a lot about Face Fit Testing - what is it?

Alpha Solway have developed a Qualitative Face Fit Test Kit. For more information please refer to our Face Fit Test Kit section.

I am looking for a suit to protect against wet weather but with reinforced knees for people who are kneeling down. I also need some which may not be 'standard' sizes.

We are happy to quote for 'bespoke' garments which are different to our standard designs and sizes. Please contact our Sales Team with specific details of your enquiry by e-mail sales@alphasolway.com or telephone 01461 202452.

What types of respirators can be tested by a Qualitative Face Fit Test Kit?

All disposable respirators and half masks fitted with particulate filters can be tested. Please contact us on 01461 202452 for more information.

We require chemical protective clothing to protect employees from splashes of chemicals but they also require anti-static and flame retardant properties.

Alpha Solway manufacture a range of clothing called Chemsol Plus where the fabric has anti-static properties to EN 1149-1 and flame retardant properties to EN 533 Index 1, which may be suitable. Please read more information on this range by clicking on the link above or contact our sales team.

What is the purpose of the small valve at the front of some masks?

The valve helps lower the temperature inside the mask and also reduces condensation caused by the mask on wearers' spectacles.

Our employees are at risk from flame and heat, as well as chemicals and we have been advised that we require a protective suit to BS EN 533. What is this and can you help?

BS EN 533 is a British Standard which covers garments offering protection against flame and heat - limited flame spread (materials and material assemblies). Our Chemsol Plus range conforms to BS EN 533 Index 1. However, BS EN 531 offers greater protection and our Chemsol531 range of clothing has been developed specifically to offer greater protection to workers exposed to heat. Please refer to our Chemsol531 section and contact our sales office for further details sales@alphasolway.com or 01461 202452.

What is the life span of a disposable dust respirator?

A disposable respirator will last for a maximum eight-hour shift or until the wearer finds the breathing resistance is too great.

Our employees are hosing down large drums with chemicals and are finding that the chemical is seeping into the cuff area of the chemical suit they are wearing. Can you suggest a possible solution for this?

Yes - we have a system called Glovezon. This works by us adapting the sleeve of the garment being worn (the complete garment needs to be made-to-order) which then allows for various types of glove to be attached to the garment and provide a spray tight seal to stop seepage. A Glovezon kit also needs to be purchased with the suit for this. For further information please refer to our Glovezon section and contact our Sales Team.

What is the current standard for disposable respirators?

The current standard is EN149: 2001, although respirators are still legally in the marketplace under the previous EN149 standard.

What is the difference between the old EN149 standard and the EN149: 2001 standard?

Simply, the new standard combines solid and liquid test methods for each respirator, but precisely:

Under the old EN149 standard the classifications were FFP1S, FFP2S, FFP2SL, FFP3S and FFP3SL. These have now been superseded by just FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.

Previously, whilst the old 'S' type respirator protected only against solid and non-volatile liquid particles, the 'SL' type had also to protect against oil based mists. This could potentially lead users to select by mistake an 'S' model instead of the correct 'SL' model when one or more of the hazards was an oil based mist.

Today with the new standard in place all models conforming to EN149:2001 must offer protection against all of the hazards mentioned previously, which can only decrease the risk to the health and safety of the end user.


What is the difference between an FFP1, FFP2 and an FFP3 dust respirator?

Simply, an FFP3 will offer greater protection than FFP2 and FFP1.

An FFP1 has an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 4, FFP2 has an APF of 10 and an FFP3 has an APF of 20.

Selection of the most appropriate respirator depends on the contaminant and Occupational Exposure Level (OEL) and guidance should always be sought. You can use our Respirator Selector Guide for initial guidance but please contact us direct for more specific information.