3M Safety Equipment

3M at a glance

Founded

1902

Origin

Maplewood, Minnesota, USA (founded Two Harbors, MN)

Parent company

3M Company (NYSE: MMM)

Specialises in

Respiratory, hearing, eye and welding protection

Typical sectors

Manufacturing, engineering and fabrication, construction, pharmaceutical and food production, welding and metalwork

Key 3M ranges we stock

• Aura 9300+ disposable respirators
• 6000/7500 half masks and Pro 2000 filters
• Versaflo powered air
• Peltor hearing protection
• SecureFit and Virtua eyewear
• Speedglas welding helmets

Standards 3M products are certified to

• EN 149 (FFP1/FFP2/FFP3)
• EN 140 and EN 136 (reusable masks)
• EN 12941/12942 (powered air)
• EN 352 (hearing)
• EN 166 (eyewear)
• EN 379 (welding filters)

Certification varies by product — always check the individual product page for the marking that applies to the line you are buying.

Browse these categories across all brands

3M sits alongside the other makes we stock in each of these ranges — useful if you are comparing options rather than buying to a fixed brand spec.

• PPE (54)
• Respiratory Protection (29)
• Hearing Protection (23)
• Ear Defenders (17)
• Masks (17)
• Filters (12)
• Ear Plugs (6)
• Powered Respiratory (4)
• Coveralls (1)
• Disposable (1)
• Head Protection (1)
• Helmets (1)
• Mask Fit Testing (1)

Standards and how to choose

Specifying 3M kit correctly means matching the product to the right EN standard. These guides explain what the ratings mean, in plain English:

• FFP1 vs FFP2 vs FFP3: Which Respirator Mask Do You Need?The FFP rating on a disposable respirator tells you how much airborne particulate it filters out — but the differences between FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 aren't always obvious. Here's a plain-English guide.
• What Is Face Fit Testing? A Plain-English Guide for EmployersIf your team wears tight-fitting masks, UK law expects each person to be face-fit tested. Here is what that means, when it applies, and the two methods used.
• Coverall Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 Explained: Disposable Protective ClothingType 5/6, Type 4-B, Type 3? The Type number on a disposable coverall tells you what it was tested to keep out — and a Type 5/6 suit is not a chemical suit. Here is how the types work.
• Hearing Protection SNR Explained: How Much Do You Need?SNR 27 or SNR 37? A higher number is not always better. Here is what SNR means, how much you need for the noise you work in, and why over-protecting can be as risky as under-protecting.

3M — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 3M FFP2 and FFP3?

FFP3 filters a higher proportion of airborne particulate than FFP2 and is required for more hazardous dusts and fumes. Our FFP guide explains the thresholds.

Do 3M masks need face fit testing?

Yes — UK law expects anyone wearing a tight-fitting mask to be face fit tested for the specific make and model they will use.

Bulk orders and trade accounts

Standardised on 3M across your sites? We quote for bulk and recurring orders and can hold agreed lines in stock for scheduled call-off, so your teams always get the same product code. Request a quote with your quantities, or talk to us about opening a trade account. You can also browse our other brands.