PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR CATALOGUE - Flipbook - Page 91
Assigned Protection Factors
The assigned protection factor (APF) of a respirator reflects
the level of protection that a properly functioning respirator
would be expected to provide to a population of properly fitted
and trained users. For example, an APF of 10 for a respirator
means that the air inside the respirator is ten times cleaner
than the outside contaminated air. An APF of 20 means the
air inside the respirator is 20 times cleaner than the outside
air and where a user could expect to inhale no more than one
tenth of the airborne contaminant present.
MAXIMUM GAS/VAPOUR
CONCENTRATION
PRESENT IN AIR P.P.M.
SUITABLE RESPIRATOR
REQUIRED FOR THE JOB
Up to 10
1,000
Class AUS, 1, 2, 3 filter
with HALF mask
or disposable mask
Up to 50
1,000
Class AUS or Class 1
filter with FULL mask
REQUIRED MINIMUM
PROTECTION FACTOR
P2 is the rating
given to a
respirator for
protection against
mechanically and
thermally generated
particles. e.g.
welding fumes and
paint mists.
A1P2 is the rating
given to a respirator
for protection
against organic
gases, vapours, and
mechanically and
thermally generated
particles.
ABEK1 is the
rating given to
a respirator for
protection against
a wide range of
chemicals including
organic vapour, acid
gas, sulphur and
ammonia.
ABEKP2 is the
rating given to
a respirator for
protection against
organic, inorganic,
acid gases and
vapours, ammonia,
and solid and
liquid particles.
PC3O1
PC321
HMA1P2
HMABEK1
HMABEK1P2-HP
CUTTING
CUTTING
CUTTING
VAPOUR/GAS
CUTTING
DRILLING
DRILLING
DRILLING
CHEMICALS
DRILLING
GRINDING
GRINDING
GRINDING
GRINDING
SANDING
SANDING
SANDING
SANDING
WELDING
WELDING
WELDING
VAPOUR/GAS
VAPOUR/GAS
(PARTS PER MILLION BY VOLUME)
All references to Australian Standards have been reproduced with permission from SAI Global under copyright
Licence 0912-C043 and is exclusive to Paramount Safety Products. These standards may be purchased online
at www.saiglobal.com. The granting by SAI Global of a licence to reproduce is in no way represented
as approval from SAI Global of any alterations, additions or deletions.
WHICH TYPE OF MASK SHOULD I USE?
MASK TYPE
DESCRIPTION
WHEN DO YOU USE IT?
A disposable respirator is a maintenance free, single
shift, single use item. This means that when you put
it on and start your shift and then take it off
(for example a tea break), the shift is over and
the mask should be replaced. The mask can
be used for a maximum of an 8 hour shift.
When a maintenance free form of respiratory
protection is required or preferred.
Combination Mask
A device combining the filtration capabilities
of gas/vapour and particulate filters.
When the filtration of multiple types of substances
is required and are likely to be present in the
environment in which you will be working.
Half Mask Respirator
A close fitting device to cover the nose, mouth and
chin and can be secured in position by suitable means,
such as a head strap. These are to be used with the
appropriate Filter Cartridges.
When certain gases and vapours are required
to be removed from the inhaled air.
Disposable Mask
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
The rating given
to a respirator for
protection against
mechanically
generated dust
particles. e.g.
particles formed by
grinding, drilling,
sanding and cutting.
HOW TO CORRECTLY FIT A DISPOSABLE MASK
1
Hold respirator in hand
with moulded nose
contour (narrow end)
at fingertips. Allow
head-straps to hang
below hand.
2
Place respirator
against your face with
the nose-piece on the
bridge of your nose.
3
Place the top strap
high on the back of
your head. Move the
bottom strap over your
head and position
it below your ears.
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
PRO RESPIRATOR
PROTECTION CLASSES
4
Use both hands to
mould the nose-piece
to the shape of your
nose for a secure,
comfortable fit.
5
Test the fit. Cup
both hands over the
respirator and exhale
strongly. If airflows
around your nose,
tighten the nose-piece.
If air escapes around
the edges, reposition
the straps for
a better fit.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
RESPIRATORY
PROTECTION
CHEMICALS
PLEASE NOTE: This guide is produced as an aid to selection of respiratory protective equipment and is a general guide only. This information should not be considered a final or authoritative list.
90
PA R A M O U N T S A F E T Y. C O M
PA R A M O U N T S A F E T Y. C O M
91
