SAFETY – PPE
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
RESPIRATORY STANDARDS
In Australia and New Zealand a ‘Duty of Care’ requires all stakeholders to be able to identify hazards in the work environment, quantify the risk and formally (in writing and action) put into place training and controls for the proper selection and ongoing use of respiratory protective equipment. AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment This Standard sets out the principles of respiratory protection, requirements and recommendations for the selection, use and maintenance of personal Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in the workplace. AS/NZS 1716:2012 Respiratory protective devices This Standard specifies requirements for respiratory protective devices (respirators) intended to provide, according to type, varying degrees of protection against atmospheres containing substances which may be harmful if inhaled; also, with certain types, to provide protection against atmospheres which may be deficient in oxygen. It does not give guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of respirators. This is covered in AS/NZS 1715. The Standard also specifies requirements, performance and testing criteria to be observed in the manufacture of respirators.
TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Air-Purifying Respirators Respirators which filter contaminants from inhaled air. DISPOSABLE
Single use, protection against dusts, mists and fumes. Applications include sawing, grinding, welding fume and bushfire smoke
Air-Supplied Respirators Respirators that provide the user with clean air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere, either via a compressor through a filtering system or stored as high pressure air in cylinders. Airline supplied systems shall be used in the following conditions; the ambient conditions are unknown, concentration of contaminant could be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), oxygen content of the ambient air is below 19.5%, and confined, enclosed or unventilated spaces as per risk assessments.
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HALF FACE RESPIRATORS
FULL FACE RESPIRATORS
POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (PAPR)
Protection against dusts, mists, fumes, gases and vapours by using specific filters. Applications include painting, grinding, printing and mining
Higher levels of respiratory protection and/or where eye or face protection is required. Industries include chemical, petroleum, steel and pharmaceutical
Higher levels of respiratory protection and/or where head, eye, face or additional comfort is required. Industries include pharmaceutical, food manufacturing and foundries
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
COMPRESSED AIRLINE
AIRLINE ESCAPE
Applications
Applications
Applications
Emergency Response, Rescue, Confined Space Entry
Confined Space Entry, spray painting
Allows safe exit from hazardous situations
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