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Safety Equipment · Fire Resistant Face Mask

FACE MASK FIRE RESISTANT, REUSABLE 331202

Reusable fire-resistant face mask: what a flame-resistant cloth covering protects against, what it does not, and what to ask the supplier when ordering.

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What it is

IMPA 331202 is a reusable fire-resistant face mask: a face covering made of a flame-resistant fabric.

Ask which fibre it is made of. Nomex, for example, is a meta-aramid fibre whose flame resistance is inherent, so it cannot be washed or worn away, and the fibres do not melt, drip or support combustion.[1]

How to specify and order it

Order it as what it is: a flame-resistant cloth face covering. It is not respiratory protective equipment. COSWP says light, simple face masks are useful against dust nuisance and non-toxic sprays but must never replace proper protection against harmful dusts or sprays, and that a respirator must be designed for the hazard met. If the job involves fumes, dust or gases, order an approved respirator and filters as well.[3]

Ask the supplier to state the fabric and any test standard the product is certified to. NFPA 2112 is the standard on flame-resistant clothing for industrial personnel exposed to short-duration thermal exposures from fire. Its treatment of face coverings changed in 2022: an amendment to the 2023 edition (TIA 23-3) deleted paragraph 5.1.4.1, which had exempted flame-resistant barrier face coverings from the requirements of 5.1.4. So ask which edition a “meets NFPA 2112” claim refers to.[2]

State the quantity per person. The mask is reusable, so allow for washing turns, and ask for the maker’s care instructions with the delivery.

Rules and approvals

COSWP 8.7: respiratory protective equipment is essential when people work in irritating, dangerous or poisonous dust, fumes or gases. A respirator filters the air, breathing apparatus supplies it. The face-piece must fit correctly to avoid leakage. Respirators do not protect against an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, and in enclosed spaces only breathing apparatus gives protection against dangerous fumes, gases or vapours.[3]

For hot work, COSWP lists flame-retardant, long-sleeved natural-fibre clothing free from grease, oil and other flammable substances, with RPE for toxic atmospheres where needed to avoid exposure to welding fumes.[3]

Questions buyers ask

Does a fire-resistant face mask protect against smoke or fumes?
No. It is a flame-resistant cloth covering, not a respirator. COSWP says simple face masks must never replace proper protection against harmful dusts or sprays. Fumes and gases need a respirator designed for the hazard or, in enclosed spaces, breathing apparatus.

Sources

  1. Arclin: Nomex for PPE
  2. NFPA: Tentative Interim Amendment 23-3 to NFPA 2112 (2023 edition), flame-resistant barrier face coverings
  3. UK MCA: Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP), 2024 edition

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Published by Sherif Awad, founder of GeoMarineHub — in ship supply since 1990, a family business since 1981 (45 years). Last checked .

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