Respiratory Protection

Choosing the right respiratory protection

Respiratory hazards in Australian workplaces cover four broad groups: particulates (silica, asbestos, welding fume, wood dust), chemical vapours (solvents, paint, pesticide), gases (CO, H₂S, NOx), and oxygen-deficient atmospheres (confined space, inerting). Each requires a different respirator class, and the wrong protection class is effectively no protection at all. Our range covers disposable masks, half and full-face reusable respirators, powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), all certified to AS/NZS 1716.

Disposable respiratory protection

Single-use P1, P2, and P3 particulate masks for dust, welding fume, and biological aerosol work. Correctly-fitted P2 respirators are the minimum for silica, wood dust, and general construction particulate. Browse disposable respirators →

Half and full-face reusable respirators

Silicone or rubber masks with threaded DIN filter cartridges — user-replaceable P3, gas, combined, and chemical-specific filters. Correctly-fitted half-face gives a Required Protection Factor of 10; full-face reaches 50. Browse Maxiguard respirators →

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

Belt-mounted or back-mounted motor blows filtered air into a hood, helmet, or full-face mask under positive pressure. Eliminates the fit-test burden of negative-pressure masks and is the correct choice for asbestos removal, chemical work, and sustained silica exposure. Our range includes CleanAir, AERGO, and specialist welding-integrated PAPR systems.

Welding-integrated PAPR helmets

Welding helmets with auto-darkening filters and integrated PAPR ducting — essential for sustained welding of stainless, galvanised, or chromium-bearing steels where welding fume exposure is high. Browse Omnira welding PAPR →.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Positive-pressure cylinder-supplied breathing apparatus for confined space entry, emergency escape, and IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmospheres. Not appropriate where PAPR can be used. Browse SCBA →

Dust & fume monitoring

Real-time and sampling dust monitors for silica, respirable crystalline dust, and total-inhalable particulate. Essential for regulatory reporting under WHS and mandatory silica risk-assessment requirements. Browse monitors →

Understanding AS/NZS 1716 classifications

Australian respirators are classified by filter type and protection level:

• P1 — fine mechanical dust, pollen. Minimum protection for low-toxicity particulates.
• P2 — fine particulates including silica, wood dust, welding fume, bacteria. The construction and industrial minimum.
• P3 — highly toxic particulates including asbestos, beryllium, hexavalent chromium. Mandatory for most scheduled carcinogens.
• A, B, E, K — organic vapour (A, solvents), inorganic gas (B, chlorine), acid gas (E, sulphur dioxide), ammonia (K) respectively. Combined with P-classes (e.g., ABEK-P3) for mixed exposure.
• ABE1-P3 — general-purpose multi-gas + particulate combination, the most common welding/paint/workshop filter.

Required Protection Factor (RPF)

The ratio between ambient contamination and maximum safe contamination inside the mask. AS/NZS 1715 specifies minimum RPFs by hazard concentration:

• RPF 10 — half-face negative pressure (P2/P3 with fit test).
• RPF 50 — full-face negative pressure or loose-fitting PAPR.
• RPF 100 — tight-fitting PAPR.
• RPF 1000+ — SCBA, positive-pressure supplied air.

Fit testing is non-negotiable

Any tight-fitting respirator (disposable, half-face, full-face) requires an AS/NZS 1715-compliant fit test for each worker and each mask model before use. Beards prevent an effective seal — clean-shaven is mandatory under the standard, or switch to a loose-fitting PAPR or SCBA system. Annual re-fit-testing is required; sooner if the worker's face shape changes (significant weight loss, dental surgery).

Related respiratory buying guides

• P2 vs P3 respirators for dust-heavy worksites
• PAPR buying guide for welding and grinding work
• PPE checklist for asbestos and hazardous dust work

Frequently asked questions

Do I need P2 or P3 for silica?

P2 at minimum; P3 for concentrations near or above the workplace exposure standard, or for powered-tool dry cutting without dust suppression. Many silica-risk worksites now mandate P3 across the board regardless of measured concentration.

Can I grow a beard and still wear a respirator?

Not with a negative-pressure mask — any facial hair under the sealing surface compromises fit. For bearded workers, a loose-fitting PAPR hood or helmet maintains protection without requiring a facial seal.

When is SCBA required over PAPR?

For Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmospheres, unknown contaminants, oxygen-deficient atmospheres (<19.5% O₂), and confined space entry where atmosphere testing cannot be continuously maintained. PAPR is not appropriate where the supply air itself may be contaminated.

How often should filters be changed?

Particulate (P-class) filters are changed when breathing resistance increases noticeably or the manufacturer's use-time is exceeded. Gas (A/B/E/K) filters are changed by smell/taste breakthrough or at the manufacturer's service time — whichever comes first. Record filter change dates on the mask.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and carton-quantity discounts apply across disposables, filters, and reusable respirators. PAPR systems and fit-test services are available on request. Apply for a trade account →