When undertaking the processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS), respiratory protective equipment means personal protective equipment that is designed to prevent a person wearing the equipment from inhaling airborne contaminants.

All respiratory protective equipment must comply with:

  • AS/NZS 1716:2012 (Respiratory protective devices), and
  • AS/NZS 1715:2009 (Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment)

AS/NZS 1716:2012 sets out performance requirements for different types of respiratory protective equipment. To ensure compliance with this standard, employers should buy their respiratory protective equipment from a reputable supplier and ensure that it is certified to this standard.

Under AS/NZS 1715:2009:

  • the respiratory protective equipment must incorporate a particulate filter (P1, P2 or P3 – dependent on the type of respiratory protective equipment selected and the level of airborne contamination present)
  • where tight fitting respiratory equipment is used:
    • the respiratory protective equipment must be successfully fit-tested to the wearer by a competent person before use
    • a further fit test should be performed at least annually or whenever there is a change in the wearer's facial characteristics or other features which may affect the facial seal of the respiratory protective equipment, and
    • there can be no facial hair where the mask seals to the face (during fit testing or when wearing respiratory protective equipment).

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