PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR CATALOGUE - Flipbook - Page 89
The Pro Choice Safety Gear options include a choice of flat folded disposable masks
through to the ProMesh® range, as well as cartridge respirators. You can breathe easy
with Pro Choice Safety Gear.
Classification of respiratory hazards:
Our disposable and reusable respirators are colour coded
for easy selection for the correct application and fit.
For your safety and confidence all Pro Choice dust masks
are certified independently by the BSI Group or SAI Global
to AS/NZS 1716 requirements.
SAI GLOBAL
Is a disposable mask all that is needed to
protect against harmful airborne material?
AS/NZ Respiratory Protection Standards
There are two Australian/New Zealand Standards covering
personal respiratory protection and risk management. These
Standards form a basis for the selection, use and maintenance
of RPE in Australian and New Zealand workplaces. When
respirator use is required in the workplace, respirators shall
conform to the requirements of AS/NZS 1716.
AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory Protective Devices. This Standard
offers information to manufacturers, suppliers, employers and
users by setting out performance requirements for different
types of RPE.
AS/NZS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory
Protective Equipment. This Standard offers information
to employers and users on different types of RPE, how
to select the right type for the job and how to correctly
maintain it.
DUSTS/FIBRES
No. There are six types of airborne hazards – dust, mist,
fumes, vapour, gas and oxygen deficiency/enrichment.
Respiratory gear is designed, manufactured, tested and
Certified for use against a number of different hazards and
should be selected for a specific purpose. Charts are available
to choose the appropriate protection. Check the charts and
the label/type of each respirator.
BSI GROUP
Understanding the types of respiratory hazards you may
encounter on a worksite is the first step in properly
managing them. Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009
classifies contaminated air into the following types:
MISTS
P1 rated respirators protect against mechanically
generated particles.
P2 rated respirators protect against mechanically
and some thermally generated particles.
Respirators fitted with an Active Carbon Filter protect
against nuisance-level organic vapours.
P3 rated respirators protect against highly toxic
or irritant particles.
FUMES
Can a half mask with organic
filters be used to protect against
inorganic compounds?
No. The levels at which inorganic material can be detected
by taste or smell are much higher than the maximum exposure
limit, so it would be impossible to detect when exposure
is occurring. In these environments an air fed system
should be used.
GASES
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Is the use of respiratory equipment
required by law?
88
In certain hazardous conditions or in a workplace where fumes
or dust particles are present, OH&S regulations and company
policies require that appropriate respiratory gear is worn.
Fine particles, usually less than 1.0μm
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 & bushfire smoke.
Gases are formless fluids that expand
to occupy the space or enclosure
in which they are confined. Examples
are nitrogen, oxygen & carbon dioxide
& carbon monoxide.
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 effective 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
fit 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 flow
conditions at specified flow 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 – Test for Filtering Efficiency
Tests for initial filter 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.
• The respirator is removed in a contaminated area
VAPOUR
• The respirator becomes damaged
• The smell of vapours becomes apparent
Keep unused disposable respirators in their closed box
in a dry, uncontaminated area. Disposable respirators can
be stored for up to 3 years in this way. Half mask cartridges
and pre-filters can be stored for up to 3 years this way.
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.
Replace the respirator with a new one if:
• Excessive clogging of the respirator causes
breathing difficulty
How should respirators be stored?
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, flour, ferrous
metals (steel, stainless steel, cast iron),
wood dust & asbestos.
What is the Standard for respirators
and how are they tested?
A mask should fit snugly for the entire shift. If not, the
mask should be replaced, and the old one disposed
of in an approved rubbish receptacle.
OXYGEN
DEFICIENCY/
ENRICHMENT
What is technically meant
by oxygen deficiency?
Oxygen deficiency occurs when the percentage of oxygen
in the air falls below 18% by volume. It may be caused by fire
or when chemicals replace the oxygen in the air. Places with
poor ventilation or in confined spaces such as unventilated
workspaces, are likely environments for oxygen deficiency.
PA R A M O U N T S A F E T Y. C O M
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
RESPIRATORY
PROTECTION
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.
PA R A M O U N T S A F E T Y. C O M
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
RESPIRATORY
PROTECTION
89
