PIP Consumables Catalogue JULY 2024 ED1 DIGITAL V3 - Flipbook - Page 159
Understanding the types of respiratory hazards you may
encounter on a worksite is the orst step in properly
managing them. Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009
classioes contaminated air into the following types:
DUSTS/FIBRES
MISTS
FUMES
GASES
VAPOUR
OXYGEN
DEFICIENCY/
ENRICHMENT
Solid particles generated by
mechanical means such as crushing,
cutting & sanding. Examples are
calcium carbonate, cement (silica)
dust, sulphur, glass-wool, coal, clay,
cellulose, cotton dust, nour, ferrous
metals (steel, stainless steel, cast iron),
wood dust & asbestos.
Airborne droplets of liquid suspended
in air. They are usually formed by
condensation of vapour back to a liquid
state or by breaking up as a liquid into
a dispersed state such as by splashing,
spraying or atomising. Examples are
oil mist produced during cutting &
grinding operations, acid mists from
electroplating, acid & alkali mists from
pickling operations, condensation of
water vapour to form a fog & paint mist.
Fine particles, usually less than 1.0¿m
in diameter, formed from a volatilised
solid that has condensed in cool air.
In most cases the hot vapour reacts
with air to form an oxide. Fumes
are often associated with molten
metals especially in processes such
as welding. Examples are welding,
soldering, brazing & bushore smoke.
Gases are formless nuids that expand
to occupy the space or enclosure
in which they are cononed. Examples
are nitrogen, oxygen & carbon dioxide
& carbon monoxide.
What is the Standard for respirators
and how are they tested?
AS/NZS1716:2012 is the Standard that dust masks must
comply with in Australia and New Zealand. Each device
must be tested to show that it provides efective respiratory
protection against certain hazards. The respiratory device
should be issued as part of a full respiratory protection
program that covers: Hazard Control, Selection of PPE,
Fit Testing, Maintenance and Storage Procedures.
Resistance to Flame Testing
This is where the respirator is assessed for its resistance
to heat, for use in hot work environments.
Quantitative Sodium Chloride Test
A panel of people assess the performance of the respirator
against sodium chloride (a gas which has much smaller
particles than those found in the workplace). The test is for
ot and does not indicate the performance of the respirator.
Breathing Simulator Test
This is where the respirator is tested on a breathing machine
which simulates natural breathing in one of a number of
environmental and test conditions such as carbon monoxide,
temperature rises, carbon dioxide accumulation, resistance
to breathing, positive pressure and exhaled air humidity.
Exhalation Valve Leakage Test
This is where the respirator is checked for potential leakages
with a leakage meter apparatus.
Breathing Resistance Test
Breathing resistance is measured under continuous now
conditions at specioed now rates at a temperature
of 23 +/- 3°C.
Simulated Rough Usage Test
This tests the respirators under conditions for rough usage
and handling such as vibration and impact from falls.
Particulate Filters 3 Test for Filtering Eïciency
Tests for initial olter penetration using sodium chloride.
Simulated Works Test
This test is designed to assess the suitability of self rescue
and supply-air respirators for a variety of work situations.
Cylinder Valve Requirements
Valves are assessed for construction, materials, pressure
rating, valve stem thread, valve outlet connection and
manufacturer markings.
Vapour is the gaseous form
of a substance which is normally
in the solid or liquid state at room
temperature & pressure. Examples
are methylene chloride, toluene
& mineral spirits.
When an atmosphere is likely
to contain less than 18% oxygen
(or where conditions may exist in the
future for this to happen); & in certain
circumstances where the risk may
be oxygen enrichment, which can lead
to explosion & severe impairment
of operatives.
PROCHOICESAFETYGEAR.COM
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Classiocation of respiratory hazards:
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
RESPIRATORY
PROTECTION
159
