Respiratory Protection

  • Disposable Respirators
  • Half & Full Face Respirators
  • PAPR Units
  • Airline & SCBA
  • Gas Detection

    USEFUL REFERENCES

  • AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices.
  • AS/NZS 1716:2003/Amdt1:2005 Respiratory protective devices.

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APPLICATION

An employer is required to demonstrate compliance to AS/NZS 1715 along the lines of the information above.
Airborne contaminants must be controlled using one or a combination of the 5 hazard control methods, placing PPE as a last choice control.

Classification Efficiency
 Application
 When To Change
P1 80% (particles to 1 micron)
 Dusts AS/NZS1715:1994 states that particulate filters are changed when breathing resistance is experienced.
P2 94% (particles to 0.3 micron)
 Toxic dusts including asbestos, welding fumes
P3 99.95% (particles <0.3 micron)
 Toxic dusts including asbestos, welding fumes, full face & powered air performance at P3 only
Activated Charcoal Class 1
 1000 ppm in, 10 ppm out
 Colours:
A - Organic - Brown
B - Inorganic - Grey
E - Acid Gases - Yellow
K - Ammonia - Green
 AS/NZS1715:1994 states that charcoal cartridges are changed when breakthrough / smell / taste is detected.
Activated Charcoal class 2
 5000 ppm in, 10 ppm out
Activated Charcoal Class 3
 10000 ppm in, 10 ppm out



RISK ASSESSMENT

According to the 2009 AS/NZS 1715, there is now a need for risk & systems management along with a respiratory protection program and the appointment of a program administrator where respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required to be worn.
Maintenance in line with the manufacturer’s instructions is now mandatory. RPE must be cleaned after each use and disinfected, especially if the facepiece is to be used by more than one person.
Training in the safe use and limitations of RPE at the commencement of employment and at routine intervals is now mandatory.
RPE must have an adequate face seal. The program administrator must ensure & record that a suitable fit test has been carried out for all users of RPE. This includes both qualitative & quantitative fit test methods. See page 32 for the Bitrex® fit test kit, a qualitative respirator fit testing system.

Safety Tips

  • Facial hair will compromise the face seal of any respirator.
  • RPE may affect the fit of eye protection at the nose bridge.
  • Try to use activated charcoal filters with P2 or P3 particulate filters combined in all applications.
  • Store RPE away from work areas to extend filter life.

    • All workers should be trained in the correct use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.


SafetyQuip offers a full scope safety supply service for hearing protection including dust mask, dust masks, respirator masks, full face respirator, half mask respirator, powered respirators and air supplied respirators.