Tuesday 18th January 2022
Breathing is such an important body process, and it takes
place subconsciously & automatically. This makes it more important to breathe clean
air and have the correct respiratory protection when necessary. Especially in
the world we live in today!
Dirty air can trigger asthma and respiratory illness. It creates a risk factor for developing lung diseases and provokes development or progression of chronic illnesses including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema.
There are various kinds of airborne hazards:
Choosing the correct type of Respiratory device
First and foremost, ensure the device are tested and certified to meet AS/NZS1716:2012: Respiratory Protective Devices. Although there are also other genuinely certified and equivalent masks available in New Zealand such as N95 or KN95.
The AS/NZS1716 classification system rates respirator filters for particulate hazards into three classes:
P1 - Particles generated by Mechanical processes eg Grinding, Sanding, Mining
P2 - Particles generated by mechanical and thermal processes, eg welding, metallic fumes
P3 - Highly toxic particles, eg organophosphate insecticides, radionuclides
P1 Filter
Suitable for relatively large particles (>1 micron) generated by mechanical processes, eg. grinding, sanding, drilling, sawing, mining. Filters at least 80% of airborne particles.
Commonly used in environment that are/have not highly hazardous, dust from timber, MDF, masonry, plasterboard, concrete, plaster, brick, stone, painted surfaces; roof and tile dust, metallic dusts; glass, rock wool & mineral wool fibres, large paint particles, pollen, hay, feathers, animal feed dust, spores
P2 Filter
This class of filters has a higher capture efficiency to deal effectively with smaller, thermally generated particles like sub-micron sized welding fumes or fertiliser. P2 filters can also capture biologically active airborne particles under specified conditions and are recommended for specific infection control applications (e.g. SARS, TB or other infectious diseases). Filters at least 94% of airborne particles.
Commonly used in environment that are/have Fine dust, higher concentrations of dust, welding and metal fumes; low level non-restricted asbestos work, low level water & oil based mists
P3 Filter
Suitable for highly toxic particles, eg. organophosphate insecticides, radionuclides, asbestos (the filter is required to be used with a full facepiece). Filters at least 99.95% of airborne particles.
Commonly used in environment that are/have toxic materials and/or when very high protection levels are needed.
View our wide range of Respiratory gear here.
To enquire about our protective masks range, just call 0800 102 996.
Dirty air can trigger asthma and respiratory illness. It creates a risk factor for developing lung diseases and provokes development or progression of chronic illnesses including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema.
There are various kinds of airborne hazards:
- Dust particles
- Hazardous fumes
- Gas
- Mist created from eg. spraying
- Vapour
- Oxygen Deficient environment
Choosing the correct type of Respiratory device
First and foremost, ensure the device are tested and certified to meet AS/NZS1716:2012: Respiratory Protective Devices. Although there are also other genuinely certified and equivalent masks available in New Zealand such as N95 or KN95.
The AS/NZS1716 classification system rates respirator filters for particulate hazards into three classes:
P1 - Particles generated by Mechanical processes eg Grinding, Sanding, Mining
P2 - Particles generated by mechanical and thermal processes, eg welding, metallic fumes
P3 - Highly toxic particles, eg organophosphate insecticides, radionuclides
Suitability and Usability of different Filters:
P1 Filter
Suitable for relatively large particles (>1 micron) generated by mechanical processes, eg. grinding, sanding, drilling, sawing, mining. Filters at least 80% of airborne particles.
Commonly used in environment that are/have not highly hazardous, dust from timber, MDF, masonry, plasterboard, concrete, plaster, brick, stone, painted surfaces; roof and tile dust, metallic dusts; glass, rock wool & mineral wool fibres, large paint particles, pollen, hay, feathers, animal feed dust, spores
P2 Filter
This class of filters has a higher capture efficiency to deal effectively with smaller, thermally generated particles like sub-micron sized welding fumes or fertiliser. P2 filters can also capture biologically active airborne particles under specified conditions and are recommended for specific infection control applications (e.g. SARS, TB or other infectious diseases). Filters at least 94% of airborne particles.
Commonly used in environment that are/have Fine dust, higher concentrations of dust, welding and metal fumes; low level non-restricted asbestos work, low level water & oil based mists
P3 Filter
Suitable for highly toxic particles, eg. organophosphate insecticides, radionuclides, asbestos (the filter is required to be used with a full facepiece). Filters at least 99.95% of airborne particles.
Commonly used in environment that are/have toxic materials and/or when very high protection levels are needed.
Why Choose a Valved Mask?
Valved masks are basically used in hot & humid condition to allow air flow and avoid the accumulation of heat & moisture.
3S Safety Respiratory Protection Range
We offer a complete range of Respiratory protection which includes Disposable masks, Half Face & Full Face Masks and various different filters from some the biggest and trusted brands Such as Esko & PRO.
View our wide range of Respiratory gear here.
To enquire about our protective masks range, just call 0800 102 996.
Blog reference from Esko Safety
