AP Mascarillas

Tlalnepantla,,  Estado de Mexico C.P. 
Mexico
www.apmascarillas.com.mx

• Booth: 300

Overview

Protecting workers for over 36 years. AP Safety manufactures high-quality respiratory protection and personal protective equipment. Operating as AP Mascarillas in Mexico, AP Safety in North America, and AP Andina in South America. We provide reliable PPE solutions guaranteed by internationally recognized Quality Management System certified to ISO 9001:2015. AP Safety USA 4602 De Zavala, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249-3545 AP Andina SAS Transversal 93 #53-32 Bodega 24, Bogotá DC, Colombia

  Press Releases

• AP SAFETY Makes History: Wins National Quality Award (Jul 28, 2026)

  After more than 15 years of strengthening its quality management system, AP Safety, a company based in Hidalgo, became the first in the state to receive the 2025-2026 National Quality Award, the country's highest business recognition, which distinguishes organizations for their leadership, innovation, and ability to generate value.

  Eduardo Soto Trujillo, the company's CEO, explained that the award represents another step in the company's growth strategy and recognizes its sustained efforts to professionalize its operations.

  He detailed that the evaluation process lasted almost a year and included a review of the quality management system's documentation, interviews with employees from all departments, meetings with senior management, and an on-site audit at the company's three plants. The evaluation not only verified process compliance but also how these processes generate solutions and value for customers and employees.

  Soto Trujillo highlighted that AP Safety evolved from a family business to a consolidated corporate governance model based on ISO 9001:2015 certification, implemented more than a decade ago, which has strengthened its competitiveness and organizational culture.

  The National Quality Award is promoted by the Business Coordinating Council, the Communication Council, and the Institute for the Promotion of Quality. In the 2025-2026 edition, 57 organizations from across the country participated, and only 14 were recognized, including AP Safety, for integrating purpose, strategy, innovation, leadership, and organizational transformation.

  This recognition also strengthens the company's next goal: obtaining certification to market its respiratory protection equipment in the United States. Although AP Safety already exports other industrial safety products to the U.S. market, Soto Trujillo explained that certification for masks requires a more complex audit, scheduled for October of this year.

• How does an N95 respirator protect you? (Jul 28, 2026)

  N95 Filtration Mechanisms: The filter material, composed of a dense, random network of polymer microfibers (as seen in the previous image), uses the following methods:

  1. Physical Mechanisms (Capture): These first three mechanisms depend on the size and inertia of the particles:

  A. Interception: This occurs when a particle travels close to a fiber but is large enough for its edge to touch and adhere to the fiber's surface.

  This mechanism is most effective for medium-sized particles (0.1 to 1 micron, or μm).

  B. Inertial Impaction: This affects larger, heavier particles (generally larger than 1 μm).

  Due to their inertia (their resistance to changing direction), these particles cannot follow the airflow around the curves of the fibers and instead collide directly with them and become trapped.

  C. Diffusion: This is the primary capture mechanism for the smallest particles (generally less than 0.1 μm, including many viruses). These particles are randomly struck by gas molecules in the air (Brownian motion).

  This causes them to move erratically, increasing the likelihood that they will be deflected from the airflow, collide, and adhere to a fiber.

  2. Electrostatic Mechanism (Attraction): This is the most crucial mechanism and what distinguishes high-efficiency respirators.

  D. Electrostatic Attraction:

  The microfibers of the N95 filter are charged with static electricity during the manufacturing process (charged polypropylene material).

  This charge creates an electric field that attracts and captures charged or polarized particles (such as viruses and bacteria) that pass nearby. It allows the mask to capture particles without being as dense (which would make breathing easier) as would be necessary if it relied solely on physical mechanisms.

• Why is it important to protect myself with a mask when working in areas wit (Jul 28, 2026)

  It is important to wear a mask when working with powders to avoid inhaling contaminant particles that can damage the respiratory system.

  Why is respiratory protection important?

  It prevents the inhalation of solid, liquid, or gaseous particles that can be harmful to your health.

  It reduces the risk of developing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD.

  It complies with workplace safety regulations.

  What type of mask should I use?

  The type of mask you should use depends on the type of contaminant and the level of exposure.

  To protect yourself from solid particles, such as dust, it is recommended to use masks with filters.

  For construction work or handling materials such as cement or plaster, N95 masks can be used.

  To protect yourself from gases and vapors, masks and half-masks with filters can be used.

  In addition to a mask, it is recommended to wear safety glasses and protective clothing to limit dust accumulation on your clothes.

• Coated Knit Gloves (Aug 08, 2026)

  Protective Gloves: These are items of personal protective equipment designed to protect the hands—or parts thereof—against specific hazards. They consist of a covering shaped to fit the hand, generally comprising a palm, back, and cuff (which may extend to cover part of the forearm). Their protection level regarding mechanical hazards is measured in accordance with standard NMX-S-060/1-SCFI-2008 (*Protection Against Mechanical Hazards*), a standard addressing risks present in all industrial work environments. In this issue, we focus on the launch of the AP Safety line of coated knitted gloves. These personal protective gloves combine a breathable textile backing with a polymer palm coating, offering protection against mechanical hazards and—depending on the specific coating—contact with certain chemicals. Furthermore, they provide users with excellent handling precision, dexterity, and grip when performing various tasks across different industries. Key points regarding hand protection in Mexico are summarized below:

  1. Certification Standards and Protection Levels.

  The standard (NMX-S-060/1-SCFI-2008) establishes requirements, test methods, and marking protocols for performance-level ratings of gloves (or similar hand-protection products) designed to guard against mechanical hazards: Abrasion (A), Cut (C), Puncture (P), and Tear (D). It is aligned with International Standard ISO 21420:2020 A1:2024 and EN 388:2016 A1:2018, which introduced safety specifications regarding: DMFa (Dimethylformamide) >1000 mg/kg; and PAHs (strict limits on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). XRF screening: Ensures the coating meets environmental standards and has the appropriate thickness for performance; XRF screening (Tin): Guarantees the glove coating does not contain excessive or prohibited levels of tin; Phthalates: Ensures the plasticizer makes the material flexible, soft, durable, and resistant. Additionally, there is a cut-resistance method that measures force in Newtons rather than just an index level. These are represented by the Mechanical Risks pictogram to indicate protection levels determined by laboratory testing.

  2. Types of Mechanical Risks to the Hands.

  2.1 Hand abrasion as a mechanical risk arises from repetitive tasks—such as grasping, holding, squeezing, or pushing—that cause wear-related injuries (skin redness and blisters, which can develop into calluses) or skin erosion and scrapes caused by friction against rough surfaces. It can also result in skin injuries (scrapes or wounds). Abrasion injuries often occur due to the failure to wear protective gloves.

  2.2 Cuts are injuries caused by sharp objects or tools, such as knives, utility knives, sheet metal, machinery, or broken glass. These injuries can range from minor wounds to severe hand damage. Given the potential severity of this risk, prevention is crucial; understanding how cuts occur—often through contact with sharp edges—leads to safe handling practices: avoid sliding the sharp edge across your hands; instead, grasp, hold, squeeze, and move the object securely. When cutting products, do not slide the blade; furthermore, when using knives or blades, always cut away from your hand or body. 2.3 Hand puncture refers to the potential for serious injury (such as puncture wounds or lacerations) caused by sharp objects, drill bits, or moving industrial sewing machine components; it is classified as a puncture or penetration hazard. This risk involves the mechanical action of tools or machinery parts on the worker's hands.

  2.4 In the context of mechanical risk, tearing refers to a physical injury to soft tissues (skin, muscles, tendons) caused by violent interaction with mechanical elements, tools, or moving machinery. It is a direct consequence of mechanical hazards—such as entrapment, cuts, or friction—where an external force exceeds the tissue's resistance, causing a rupture or separation.

  3. Hand Protection

  AP offers hand protection in the form of polyurethane- or nitrile-coated knitted gloves. These provide great comfort thanks to their seamless design and elastic fit, allowing for comfortable movement during prolonged use. They are available in four models with the following characteristics:

  3.1 Polyurethane-coated knitted gloves feature a liner made of HPPE fiber (high-performance polyethylene monofilament)—recognizable by its speckled appearance—with the following characteristics:

  • Extreme Strength: Stronger than steel relative to its weight.

  • High Tenacity: Maintains high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand heavy loads without breaking.

  • Low Density: Lightweight and capable of floating on water.

  • Durability: Offers exceptional resistance to abrasion, impact, and friction.

  • Chemical Resistance: Inert when exposed to most acids, bases, and solvents.

  The polyurethane (PU) coating offers an excellent combination of high dexterity, tactile sensitivity, and mechanical resistance (abrasion and tear), with the following qualities:

  Dexterity and Sensitivity: The very thin polyurethane coating allows for high tactile sensitivity and precision, making them ideal for light handling and electronic assembly.
  Grip and Resistance: They offer good grip in dry and slightly oily conditions, as well as resistance to abrasion and tearing.
  Common Uses: Ideal for the automotive and mechanical industries, handling precision parts, inspection, and general maintenance.
  Limitations: Not recommended for immersion in oils, strong chemicals, or extreme heat. We offer two models, presented below:

  3.2 Nitrile-coated knitted gloves are available in two knit styles: one made of polyester fiber and the other of HPPE fiber (high-performance polyethylene monofilament). Model details are attached.

  Features of Nitrile-Coated Gloves:

  Superior resistance: Nitrile protects against abrasion, cuts, punctures, and various chemicals, including hydrocarbon derivatives.
  Exceptional grip: The coating ensures a firm hold on dry, wet, or oily surfaces.
  Comfort and dexterity: The base knit (nylon, polyester) offers breathability and a snug fit, allowing for high tactile sensitivity during precision work.
  Hypoallergenic: As they are made of synthetic rubber, they are an excellent alternative for individuals allergic to latex proteins.
  Versatile applications: Ideal for maintenance, the automotive industry, parts handling, assembly, cleaning tasks, and food handling (subject to
  specifications).
  Knitted cuff: Typically features an elastic cuff to keep the glove in place and prevent dirt from entering.

  At AP Safety, we are at your service for any technical information you may require—such as technical data sheets or protection level certificates for these coated knitted gloves. Please consult your sales representative.

• Workplace Noise (Aug 08, 2026)

  NOISE:

  Noise consists of sounds whose sound pressure levels—combined with the duration of worker exposure—can be harmful to the worker's health. Unlike other contaminants, it leaves no physical residue, yet it causes serious adverse effects such as hearing loss, stress, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular problems.

  It is measured in decibels (dB) and regulated by standard NOM-011-STPS-2001, with limits varying according to the schedule and the industrial work environment.

  The following is a summary of key points regarding noise protection in Mexico:

  1. Regulatory Framework and Exposure Limits

  Standard NOM-011-STPS-2001 establishes safety and hygiene conditions for workplaces where noise is generated that—due to its characteristics, levels, and duration—could impair workers' health. It defines maximum levels and maximum permissible exposure times per workday, the correlation between them, and the implementation of a hearing conservation program.

  This standard establishes maximum permissible limits for worker exposure to steady, unsteady, or impulsive noise during the performance of their duties over an 8-hour workday, as set forth in the following table:

  Table A.1 MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS

  NER    TMPE
  90 dB(A)    8 HOURS
  93 dB(A)    4 HOURS
  96 dB(A)    2 HOURS
  99 dB(A)    1 HOUR
  102 dB(A)    30 MINUTES
  105 dB(A)    15 MINUTES

  Applies to all workers exposed to an A-weighted sound level (NSA) equal to or greater than 85 dB(A). Section 8.5.1. Workers exposed to a daily noise exposure level (NER) of 80 dB(A) or higher must be instructed on control measures through a training program covering health effects, maximum permissible exposure levels, protective measures, audiometric testing, and workplaces presenting critical exposure conditions.

  2. Hearing Protection Selection

  If earplugs are not inserted correctly, or if they are uncomfortable, difficult to use, or interfere excessively with workers' ability to hear, the percentage of time employees wear hearing protection—known as "wear time"—may decrease. Even the best earplugs likely won't be used if they are inconvenient or incompatible with the task at hand, the clothing being worn, or other personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers need protection against loud, hazardous sounds, but they also often need to hear and communicate while working. Therefore, it is important to choose an earplug with the following characteristics:

  3. Features of the Ambar Reusable Earplug

  AP offers reusable earplugs featuring flexible, elastic flanges attached to a stem, providing the following benefits:

  -Reduced hazardous waste: Users can wear them multiple times.
  -Cost-effective: They require less frequent replacement due to their durability and lower purchase price.
  -Practical: Users do not touch the flanges themselves, as they handle the plug by the stem—even when wearing gloves or with dirty hands.
  -Composition: Made of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), a polymer combining flexibility and elasticity; suitable for reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions in users' ears.
  -Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) = 26 dB (per ANSI S3.19):

  Model    NRR    Frequency (Hz)    125    250    500    1000    2000    3150    4000
  AS-026cc
  Ambar
  26 dB
  Attenuation
  (dB)
  29.4    29.3    30.7    32.2    37.4    41.9    38.5
  AS-026cc
  Ambar
  26 dB
  Std. Dev. Est.

  (dB)

  4.2

  4.7 5 3.4 2.8 3.4 4.5

  HEARING PROTECTION FIT TESTING

  The actual performance of an earplug depends not only on its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) but primarily on how well it fits each worker's ear. An improperly fitted or poorly selected hearing protector can significantly reduce its protective capability.

  To verify that hearing protectors are providing adequate attenuation, AP Testing Lab offers on-site hearing protection fit testing. These tests measure the actual noise reduction level achieved by each worker with the hearing protector they use.

  These tests make it possible to evaluate whether the worker is using their protective equipment correctly and whether the selected earplug type is suitable for the noise conditions of the work area.

  Test Application:

  It is recommended to conduct this test in workplaces where employees use:

  -Disposable earplugs.

  -Reusable earplugs.

  -Twist-in earplugs.

  The evaluation can be performed directly in the work area, allowing for the verification of hearing protection equipment performance under actual operating conditions.

  Benefits of conducting hearing protection fit tests:

  Implementing this type of testing within industrial safety programs offers several benefits:

  -Verifying that hearing protectors provide the actual attenuation needed to protect the worker.

  -Supporting compliance with the Hearing Conservation Program required by NOM-011-STPS-2001.

  -Identifying errors in earplug insertion.

  -Training workers on the correct use of personal protective equipment.

  -Reducing the risk of occupational hearing loss associated with prolonged noise exposure.

  Applicable Standards

  Hearing protection fit tests are conducted in accordance with the guidelines established in the following standards:

  NOM-011-STPS-2001: Safety and hygiene conditions in workplaces where noise is generated.

  ANSI S12.6-2016: Methods for measuring the noise attenuation of hearing protectors. Available Services

  AP Testing Lab offers this service as part of its personal protective equipment evaluation solutions, enabling companies to strengthen their occupational health and safety programs by validating the performance of the hearing protection used by their personnel.

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