3M™ Versaflo™ Powered Air (PAPR)
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Respiratory Protection Product Guide
Respiratory protection is vital for those who are working in environments exposed to dust, fumes, vapours, gases, and airborne pathogens. These are most commonly found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Regulations in the UK, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and PPE at Work Regulations 2022, require employers to assess risks and provide suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). These include masks, Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR), and Supplied Air Respirators (SAR), depending on the task and environment. Choosing the right RPE not only ensures legal compliance but also protects long-term worker health and productivity.
What are the different types of respiratory protection equipment?
Different workplace environments require different types of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). The three most common forms are masks, Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), and Supplied Air Respirators (SARs). Each type is designed to protect against specific airborne hazards such as dust, fumes, vapours, or infectious aerosols.
Masks
A lightweight pressure respirator that filters air as the wearer breathes.
- Common Types: FFP2 and FFP3
- Protection against dust and fine particles
- Typical Use: Construction, general manufacturing, healthcare
- Must be fit tested, offer limited protection against gases or vapours, and may be uncomfortable over long periods.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
PAPRs use a battery-powered fan to pull air through filters and deliver clean air to a hood, helmet, or facepiece.
- Protection against: dust, fumes, biological hazards, some gases and vapours (with the right filter)
- Typical use: Healthcare (infection control), welding, laboratories, pharmaceuticals
- Benefits: Higher protection level, comfortable, suitable for bearded users
- Limitation: Requires battery power and regular maintenance
Supplied Air Respirators (SAR)
SARs deliver clean, breathable air from a remote source via a hose.
- Ideal for: confined spaces, oxygen-deficient environments, or where airborne contaminants are highly toxic
- Typical use: Chemical manufacturing, paint spraying, tank cleaning
- Benefits: Consistent supply of fresh air, very high protection
- Limitations: Tethered by hose, limited mobility, requires air quality control
Looking for the Right PAPR System?
Choosing the right powered air solution can be overwhelming, especially when considering comfort, protection level, and compatibility with your workplace tasks. The 3M Versaflo breaks down everything you need to know about selecting the right headtop, blower unit, and filters for your application.
Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or healthcare, Versaflo systems offer reliable, comfortable respiratory protection that meets UK safety standards.
When Should Respiratory Protection be used?
Respiratory protection should be used whenever workers are exposed to airbourne hazards that could harm their lungs or overall health.
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Cutting, drilling, or sanding materials like concrete, wood, or plasterboard
- Common in construction and renovation work
- Generates fine dust, including silica and wood dust
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Working with chemicals, paints, solvents, or adhesives
- Occurs in manufacturing, painting, automotive, and maintenance
- Releases harmful vapours and gases
- Often requires a half-mask or full-face respirator with gas filters, or a supplied air system
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Welding, soldering, or cutting metal
- Produces metal fumes and ozone
- Use of PAPRs or SARs with high-efficiency filters is common
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Working in healthcare or labs with airborne infectious agents
- Exposure to pathogens like COVID-19, tuberculosis, or influenza
- Powered hoods during aerosol-generating procedures
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Entering confined spaces or oxygen-deficient environments
- Found in tank cleaning, sewer work, or chemical storage
- Requires supplied air respirators (SARs) for safe breathing
Fit Testing Requirements
Fit testing is required for all tight-fitting respirators, including:
- FFP2 / FFP3 disposable masks
- Reusable half-face and full-face masks
- Supplied Air Respirators (SARs) with tight-fitting facepieces
Fit testing must be carried out:
- Before first use
- For each type/model of mask worn
- Repeated annually or if there are changes to the wearer’s face shape (e.g. weight loss, dental work, facial hair)
The HSE recommends using Fit2Fit-accredited testers to ensure proper method and documentation.
Training Requirements for All RPE Users
Employees must receive adequate training to use respiratory protection safely and effectively.
Employees must know the following:
- How to correctly put on and take off the RPE
- Perform pre-use checks
- Understand the different filter types and replacement times
- Cleaning, storage, and maintenance procedures
- Understanding and recognising the signs of RPE failure
Yes — especially PAPRs and SARs with loose-fitting hoods or helmets, which don’t interfere with eyewear.
Use a loose-fitting PAPR or SAR. Tight-fitting masks won’t seal properly over facial hair or coverings.
Filter life depends on the environment and usage but should be changed regularly — often daily in high-contaminant settings or when breathing becomes difficult.
FFP3 masks offer a higher level of protection than FFP2.
FFP2 filters at least 94% of airborne particles.
FFP3 filters at least 99% and protects against finer particles, including viruses, asbestos, and silica dust.
FFP3 is recommended for high-risk tasks and healthcare settings.
PAPRs use particulate (P), gas/vapour (A, B, E, K) or combined filters depending on the hazard. The right filter must match the airborne contaminant — for example, P3 for dust and fumes, or A2B2E2K filters for organic vapours, gases, and chemicals.