The last line of defence — only as good as its seal
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) protects workers from dusts like silica and asbestos, plus fumes, gases and vapours. It is the last line of defence — used when higher-order controls cannot fully manage the hazard, never as a first choice. RPE must meet the right standard and be the right type for the hazard, and every tight-fitting respirator must be fit tested for the wearer — because if it does not seal, it does not protect.
RPE protects against airborne hazards — dusts such as silica and asbestos, wood dust, metal fume, diesel particulate, chemical vapours and gases, and biological material. But it is the lowest control in the hierarchy. Use it only when you cannot eliminate the hazard or fully control it with higher-order measures, and as a backup to those measures — not instead of them.
See silica & engineered stone and hazardous substances for the controls that should come first.
RPE used at work should comply with AS/NZS 1716, and be selected, used and maintained to AS/NZS 1715. Match the respirator to the hazard and to the level of contamination, and check the assigned protection factor is enough for the exposure.
| Filter class | Protects against |
|---|---|
| P1 | Mechanically generated particles — for example some dusts. |
| P2 | Mechanically and thermally generated particles — dusts such as silica, plus metal fume. The common workplace minimum. |
| P3 | Highly toxic or highly irritant particles — used with a full facepiece. |
For gases and vapours you need the right chemical cartridge, not just a particle filter. A nuisance or surgical mask is not RPE.
A respirator only works if it seals to the face. Fit testing measures that seal and is mandatory under AS/NZS 1715 for all tight-fitting respirators — disposable P2, reusable half- and full-face, and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR). Fit test when a worker is first given a close-fitting respirator, at least annually after that, and whenever their facial features change. There are two methods: qualitative (a pass/fail taste or smell test, for half-face only) and quantitative (a measured test).
Facial hair, including stubble, on the seal line will break the seal — workers using tight-fitting RPE need to be clean-shaven, or use a loose-fitting alternative such as a hood or helmet PAPR. Check the RPE is genuine and compliant: it should be marked with the filter class (P1/P2) and the manufacturer and standard. Non-compliant or counterfeit masks give a false sense of protection. Store, clean, maintain and replace RPE per the manufacturer's instructions, and consider health monitoring for workers with significant exposure.
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No. RPE is the last line of defence. You should first eliminate the hazard or control it with higher-order measures such as substitution, ventilation and dust suppression, and use RPE as a backup.
RPE used at work should comply with AS/NZS 1716, and be selected, used and maintained in line with AS/NZS 1715. A nuisance or surgical mask is not RPE.
P1 protects against some mechanically generated particles, P2 against mechanically and thermally generated particles such as silica dust and metal fume, and P3 against highly toxic or irritant particles with a full facepiece.
Yes. Every tight-fitting respirator, including disposable P2 masks, must be fit tested under AS/NZS 1715 when first provided, at least annually, and when facial features change.
No. Facial hair or stubble on the seal line breaks the seal and stops the respirator protecting. The worker needs to be clean-shaven or use a loose-fitting hood or helmet powered respirator.
