Gas Mask Questions

How do gas masks work?

The filtering media in the gas mask cartridges adsorb and trap airborne contaminants before they enter the respiratory system.



How long can someone expect a gas mask to protect them?

There’s no single answer to that question. The effectiveness of a gas mask depends on several factors, such as the hazard encountered, the concentration of that hazard, the filter type being used and the breathing rate of the wearer. Based on these factors, they could be effective for minutes or hours. We recommend you purchase at least one set of spare filters.



What do your gas masks protect against?

Our gas masks are designed to protect against nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) agents including:

o Anthrax and Smallpox

o Smoke

o Dust, Riot control gas

o Organic gases and vapours

o Inorganic gases (Chlorine, Hydrogen sulphide)

o Acid gases and vapours (Sulphur dioxide, ammonia)

o Nuclear contaminated dust



What size gas mask do I need?

The medium size fits 96% of most adults. Only people with very large or very small faces need to consider ordering a different size to the medium.

What is the shelf life of a mask?

5 years for full face masks. (For a mask that has not been exposed to contaminants.)
Approx 4 years for emergency escape masks. All compact emergency escape masks come with the expiration date clearly marked on them.




Can Infants wear Gas Masks?

Gas masks are not recommended for infants and small children. We have been advised by MSA that they are not aware of any gas masks currently on the market that are CE approved for use by infants. The lung capacities of infants vary greatly depending upon the age and stature of the infant. Breathing resistance in a gas mask is often quite high and in some instances may be too difficult for an infant to overcome. This can result in a loss of air supply to the infant and may place them at greater risk.

Can children wear Gas Masks?

There are no masks on the UK market designed for children. However, most small size masks do comfortably fit the majority of children from the ages of 9 to 14. (15+ need the standard adult size.) We have decided to stock the MSA Advantage 3000 in this size, specifically with children in mind for 2 main reasons. 

1. Wearing a gas mask can give the user a feeling of claustrophobia. As the 3000 Advantage has one o the best fields of vision on the market, this greatly reduces such feelings.

2. By having twin filters, the breathing resistance for the child is significantly reduced. There is a huge difference with regards to breathing resistance between single filter and twin filter masks.

Peace of mind: If you do decide to purchase a mask for your child, perform the "air tightness test" listed below without placing the filters on. If you find there is any leakage, please return the product to us and we will happily refund your money.

Using your gas mask.

Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5

1. Stand By (when gas mask is not in use) For stand-by the mask should be stored in a carrier or carrying bag to protect it against dirt. 2. Putting on the Gas Mask Spread the head harness with both hands and first place the chin into the chin stop. Pull the harness over the head (make sure that the straps lie flat against the head) and tighten the straps evenly and firmly, starting with the neck straps, then temple straps and lastly the forehead strap (Fig. 1 & 2). Note: This sequence must be maintained under all circumstances in order to assure that the center section of the harness encompasses the back of the head! 3. Tightness check In order to check the facepiece-to-face seal, a tightness check must be performed. To do this, cover the connector opening or the entry opening of the filter with the palm of the hand (palm test, Fig. 3). When inhaling and holding the breath no air should leak in. This check has to be performed before each use. A more reliable tightness check is with the complete respiratory protective device in a test chamber. 4. Removal To loosen the head harness, push the buckles forward with the thumbs (Fig.4). Then grasp the mask by the connector and pull it backwards over the head (Fig. 5).

Air Tightness Test

Perform this test each time the gas mask is put on to ensure a sufficient face-to-facepiece seal is achieved before exposure to a hazardous agent. Perform the test as follows:



1. Block off canister inlet using the palm of hand.

2. Inhale gently and hold breath for 10 seconds. If the seal is good, the facepiece will collapse and remain collapsed against face. Remove hand and breathe normally.

3. If the facepiece did not remain collapsed during the test, or any leakage is noticed, readjust straps and test again.

4. If this does not correct the leak, the mask will not provide protection. If the leakage is from the face seal a different size mask may provide a good seal. If other than face seal leakage is detected, the condition must be corrected before performing another test.