Respirators used at work should comply with Australian standard AS/NZS 1716. This number is usually displayed on the respirator or its packaging.

People's faces vary significantly in size and shape so it is important that a tight-fitting respirator is a suitable fit for each worker.

Fit testing detects if air leaks into the respirator through gaps in the seal between the respirator facepiece and face. There are two methods of fit testing:

Any respirator will protect you in an idlh atmosphere

These tables are based upon the content of tables 4.2, 4.3, 4.5 and 4.6 from Australian standard AS/NZS 1715. Refer to this standard for further information on the selection of suitable RPE based on the required minimum protection factor.

Air compressors can be used to supply clean breathing air to RPE used in a range of industrial and manufacturing processes such as abrasive blasting and spray painting. The quality of supplied air must meet the minimum standard outlined in AS/NZS 1715. This standard defines acceptable levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oil, moisture and pressure for supplied-air respirators.

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This example is for illustrative purposes only. Other control measures such as local extraction ventilation, isolation and substitution must be implemented before RPE where reasonably practicable.

*P1 filters not suitable for particles produced by hot processes (e.g. soldering and welding). Note 1–Class AUS and Class 1 are not suitable where maximum gas/vapour concentration is over 1,000 parts per million. Note 2–Class 2 filters are not suitable where maximum gas/vapour concentration is over 5000 parts per million.

Particulate filters only protect against solid and liquid particles including micro-organisms. They do not protect against gases or vapours such as solvent vapour.

Half face-piece reusable respirator fitted with an A1 gas/vapour filter which has low to medium absorption capacity and is suitable for certain inorganic gases and vapours.

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*P1 filters not suitable for particles produced by hot processes e.g. soldering and welding. Note 1–Class AUS and Class 1 are not suitable where maximum gas/vapour concentration is over 1,000 parts per million. Note 2–Class 2 filters are not suitable where maximum gas/vapour concentration is over 5,000 parts per million.

Store gas and vapour filters in airtight bags or containers between uses as they continue to absorb airborne contaminants even when not being worn.

OSHArespiratory protectionstandard PDF

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Gas and vapour filters have a certain capacity for removing gases or vapours from the air. Once this capacity is reached, gas or vapour will pass straight through and provide no protection to the wearer.

Notes: For all two-door cabinets, the internal height taken from the top of the sump sill to the sequential chassis assembly. For single door cabinets, the internal height is taken from the top of the sump sill/bottom shelf to the ceiling. For total external width measurement, add 6mm vent bung for tight clearance locations.

Some RPE manufacturers or suppliers have selection charts that can help in selecting the correct type of respirator and filter.

when inspecting a respirator before you use it, ensure that:

Filters for gases and vapours are identified with letters and colours to indicate the type of chemical it will protect against. For example a respirator that will protect against ammonia is marked with K.

Workers should be clean shaven where the respirator facepiece comes in contact with the skin before wearing their respirator.

OSHArespiratory protectionfact Sheet

Establish a filter replacement schedule and keep a record of the date a filter is changed and when the next change is due.

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A fit-check is a quick check to ensure the respirator, which has been fit-tested, has been properly positioned on the face and there is a good seal between the respirator and face.

Surgical or patient care masks and nuisance dust masks do not protect the wearer from airborne contaminants such as small particles, aerosols, gases or vapours. These masks protects the wearer from splashes of large droplets of blood or body fluids only. Some nuisance dust masks look like respirators but usually have only one strap. In addition, these masks will not be marked with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1716.

Never use an air-purifying respirator in an area where oxygen levels may be low, such as a confined space, or where the level of airborne contaminants is immediately dangerous to life or health.

Before deciding to use a respirator, put in other practical control measures such as local exhaust ventilation to eliminate or minimise contaminants in the air.

Facial hair, including beards, moustaches, sideburns and stubble, between the sealing surface of a tight-facing facepiece and the face will stop the respirator from sealing properly.

For protection from gases and vapours, ensure the filter will absorb the type of gas or vapour you need protection against and has the capacity to absorb the level of contamination in the air. The capacity to absorb is indicated by the Class of the filter.  Absorption capacity, from lowest to highest, is indicated by the following – Class AUS, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3.

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A safety equipment supplier, occupational hygienist or occupational health and safety professional may be able to help select the most suitable respirator for your workplace.

There is no one type of filter that provides protection from all contaminants. However, some filters may give combined protection against a number of contaminants such as particles and gases.

The following table shows some RPE that may be suitable to protect the worker who is exposed up to two times the STEL and four times the 8 hour TWA for toluene.

Many respirator filter manufacturers produce guidance information and on-line tools for calculating expected filter life.

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Respirators come in different shapes and sizes. One size will not fit everyone. It is important that a fit-test is carried out for each person who will wear a respirator.

Who is responsible for respirator maintenance

General purpose air compressors designed to supply industrial air to equipment should not be used to supply breathing air, as the air can become contaminated with harmful gases and substances including carbon monoxide.

The following tables show examples of minimum RPE required depending on the level of air contamination based on AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

Knowing the level of air contamination in the workplace is an important factor in choosing the correct type of respirator. In some work situations it is possible for the level of harmful airborne contaminants to exceed the capability of the respirator to protect the wearer.

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where wouldbethe best place to store your respirator?

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Storage cabinet manufactured to comply with AS/NZS 5026 The storage and handling of class 4 dangerous goods.Suitable for storage of class 4 dangerous goods including flammable solids, spontaneously combustible and dangerous when wet.Key features include:Double steel wallsSelf-closing and non-latching door(s)The door will release in the event of a build-up of pressure within the cabinet (as required by the standard)150mm deep liquid light sumpRecessed door handle50mm vent bungs with flash arrestersAdjustable shelvesAdjustable feetClassification labelsContinuous piano hingeCapacity: 30LDoors: 1Shelves (incl. Base Level): 2External Dimensions: 770mm (H) x 515mm (W) x 465mm (D)Internal Dimensions: 525mm (H) x 420mm (W) x 370mm (D)Additional shelves can be purchased separately: DIL5517-29Warranty period of 2 yearsNotes: For all two-door cabinets, the internal height taken from the top of the sump sill to the sequential chassis assembly. For single door cabinets, the internal height is taken from the top of the sump sill/bottom shelf to the ceiling. For total external width measurement, add 6mm vent bung for tight clearance locations.

The effectiveness of a tight-fitting respirator facepiece, such as a half-face or full-face respirator that uses straps, relies on getting a good seal with the wearer's face. If a respirator does not fit properly, the wearer will not get the expected level of protection.

Particulate filters are classified and marked as P1, P2 or P3, with P3 providing the highest level of protection. However, P3 protection can only be achieved if the P3 filter is used in a full-face respirator.

*8 hour time-weighted average (TWA) is the maximum average airborne concentration of a substance when calculated over an eight hour working day, for a five day working week. The Hazardous Chemicals Information System (HCIS) provides more information on workplace exposure standards.

Filters used in air-purifying respirators must be suitable for the type of air contaminant you are protecting against. The filter in an air-purifying respirator is designed to protect from dusts, aerosols, fumes or gases. Filters may be built into the respirator or come separately and can be changed.

#Short term exposure limit (STEL) is the time-weighted average maximum airborne concentration of a substance when calculated over a 15 minute period. The Hazardous Chemicals Information System (HCIS) provides more information on workplace exposure standards.