Description
European Standard EN 14683 specifies the construction and performance requirements, and test methods for surgical
masks intended to limit the transmission of infective agents from staff to patients and (in certain situations vice-versa)
during surgical procedures in operating theatres and other medical settings with similar requirements.
Key requirements of EN14683
1. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency
Determination of the filtration efficiency of the face mask. The higher the BFE %, the better the protection.
Classification: BFE = ≥ 95 % TYPE I
BFE = ≥ 98 % TYPE II
2. Breathing Resistance
Determination of the airflow resistance of the surgical mask. The lower the differential pressure, the higher the breathing
comfort.
Classification: TYPE I & II (non splash resistant) = < 29.4 Pa/cm2
TYPE IR & IIR (splash resistant) = < 49.0 Pa/cm2
3. Splash Resistance
Determination of the resistance of the mask of potentially contaminated fluid splashes.
Classification: TYPE I & TYPE II not applicable
TYPE IR & TYPE IIR >120 mmHg