FFP2 at work: what the new AMR 14.2 changes for occupational health checks
Occupational health checks no longer have to be offered for FFP masks. Wearing times, breaks and instruction still apply. What employers need to know now.
If your organisation uses FFP2 masks, whether in a hospital, care home, laboratory or workshop, you have one obligation fewer since this summer. The reason is the revised German occupational health rule AMR 14.2. Here is what has changed and what still applies.
What the new AMR 14.2 changes
AMR 14.2 divides respiratory protective devices into groups. The group determines whether employers have to offer occupational health checks or even make them mandatory. Until now, FFP masks were in group 1, and employees who wore them had to be offered a health check.
The new version of 22 June 2026 no longer assigns particle-filtering half masks of classes FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 to any group. For respiratory protection with an inhalation resistance of up to 5 mbar, mandatory or offered health checks are no longer required. The manufacturer’s information must still be observed.
- Until now
- group 1, health check offered
- Since 2026
- no mandatory or offered health check
- Still possible
- health check on request
- Published
- GMBl. of 28 July 2026
Health checks on request remain
Health checks have not disappeared altogether. If a health risk cannot be ruled out, the employer must allow a health check on request. Employees must be informed of this, for example during their safety instruction.
Wearing times still apply
The new AMR does not change wearing times. The German statutory accident insurance rule DGUV 112-190 on the use of respiratory protective devices gives these guide values for FFP masks without an exhalation valve:
- At a time
- 75 minutes
- Then rest
- 30 minutes
- Per shift
- at most 360 minutes
- If fully used
- at most 2 days in a row, 4 days a week
Masks with an exhalation valve may be worn for 150 minutes at a time, at most 420 minutes per shift. However, they release exhaled air unfiltered. The PREMIUM FFP2 YOU-M4 has no valve, so the values above apply.
These figures are guide values. For heavy physical work, an unfavourable indoor climate or additional protective clothing, the rule provides for shorter times. The rest period must always be observed, and no heavy work should be done during it. The exact times are set in the risk assessment, ideally together with the company doctor.
What belongs in the risk assessment
- Which tasks require FFP2 and who wears it
- Wearing times and breaks to suit workload and indoor climate
- Instruction: putting the mask on correctly, checking the fit, disposing of it after the shift
- Information about health checks on request
- Enough masks in stock so that every shift starts with fresh masks
Putting on the mask and checking the fit in six steps
For companies and facilities
An FFP2 mask marked NR is intended for one shift at most. We usually ship on the day you order, with free delivery within Germany from €100. The larger the pack, the lower the price per mask. For pallets and fixed delivery dates, we will prepare a quote.
Sources: AMR 14.2 “Classification of respiratory protective devices into groups”, version of 22.06.2026 (GMBl. No. 20 of 28.07.2026, p. 458); DGUV Rule 112-190 “Use of respiratory protective devices”, table 21. This article is not legal advice.