Quick Overview

Work activities may result in harmful substances contaminating the air in the form of dust, mist, vapour, gas or fume. For example, when:

cutting a material such as stone or wood;

using a product containing volatile solvents;

handling a dusty powder;

welding stainless steel.

Workers may also need to work in areas where oxygen levels are or may become low, for example:

■ confined spaces, such as a trench, silo or tank.

When selecting a dust mask, you should refer to Australian/New Zealand Standard 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment. Dust masks that are suitable for use in construction work will be marked to indicate that they conform to AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory Protective Devices and will contain information on the filter class (P1 or P2). Class P1 masks are intended for mechanically generated particles, and P2 masks for mechanically or thermally generated particles. Class P1 or P2 dust masks will not protect against chemicals or toxic vapours such as:

organic vapours from paint fumes, thinners or glue;

acid fumes; or

gases such as carbon monoxide from petrol engines.