In many workplaces, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required to protect employees from hazardous airborne contaminants such as silica dust, asbestos, biohazards (such as viruses and bacteria) and gases/vapours/chemicals.
Many countries have developed standards, guidelines, and protocols to ensure RPE is selected, used, fitted, and maintained properly.
This article will explore key international standards relevant to Australia, highlighting their differences and specific protocols.
We'll explain why the AS/NZS 1715:2009 standard is the benchmark in Australia, how we're moving towards an international standard, and how fit testing protocols are typically adapted from the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
AS/NZS 1715:2009 - Selection, Use, and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment
The AS/NZS 1715:2009 provides comprehensive guidelines on selecting, using, and maintaining respiratory protective equipment. This standard emphasizes the importance of implementing a comprehensive respiratory protection program and the safe use of RPE.
A few of the key components of the AS/NZS 1715 include:
Program Administrator: Someone to run the entire show!
Risk Assessment: Identifying and assessing respiratory hazards in the workplace.
Selection of RPE: Choosing appropriate RPE based on the identified hazards and ensuring it fits the wearer properly.
Training: Educating workers on the correct use, maintenance, and limitations of the RPE.
Fit Testing: Conducting regular fit tests to ensure the RPE provides an adequate seal.
Maintenance: Implementing procedures for the regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement of RPE.
In Australia, despite being last updated in 2009, the AS/NZS 1715:2009 remains the quintessential guideline all PCBUs should refer to if they have workers who must wear RPE in the workplace. Following this standard increases your likelihood of complying with OHS regulations and fulfilling your duty of care towards employees.
You can read more about the AS/NZS 1715:2009 here.
ISO 16975 - Respiratory Protective Devices: Selection, Use, and Maintenance
The ISO 16975 series is an international standard that provides comprehensive guidelines for the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective devices.
This standard is similar to the AS/NZS 1715:2009 and is divided into several parts:
ISO 16975-1: Implementing a respiratory protection program
ISO 16975-2: Selection, use and maintenance of RPE
ISO 16975-3: Fit testing procedures
The ISO 16975 series is widely recognised and adopted to ensure a consistent framework around respiratory protection programs and appropriate use of RPE.
Australia plans to move away from the AS/NZS 1715:2009 and officially adopt the ISO 16975 standard before 2030 (these things take time :-).
To get a head start, Australia recently implemented the fit testing portion of the ISO 16975. And we aptly call it 'AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023'. The next section provides more details.
AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023 - Fit Testing
The AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:23 standard is identical to the ISO 16975.3 providing guidance on conducting fit testing of tight-fitting RPE, appropriate fit test methods (qualitative and quantitative), and fit tester competencies.
The AS/NZS ISO 16975:3:2023 loosely conforms with Section 8 of the AS/NZS 1715:2009 which outlines, you guessed it, fit testing.
Clear as mud, hey?
OSHA Fit Test Protocols
Ok, let's throw a spanner in the day (or at least this article).
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910.134 is the comprehensive respiratory protection program and RPE standard in the United States - akin to the AS/NZS 1715:2009 and ISO 16975.
Within this standard, there are several fit test protocols including:
OSHA 29CFR1910.134. This protocol takes around 7 minutes to complete and can be used with disposable filtering facepiece (N95/P2) respirators and half or full face reusable respirators.
OSHA Fast Filtering Facepiece. This protocol takes 2.5 minutes and is used for disposable filtering facepiece respirators.
OSHA Fast Full/Half. This protocol takes 2.5 minutes and is used for reusable half and full face respirators.
Most fit testers in Australia, including us here at Fit Test Victoria, use the OSHA Fast Filtering Facepiece (for N95/P2 disposable masks) and the OSHA Fast Full/Half (for reusable respirators). The reason is that it's much faster than the original protocol (bullet point one above).
Below is an example of different fit test protocols to choose from when using FitPro software for PortaCount machines (notice there is no AS/NZS 1715:2009 protocol):
Bonus Section: The AS/NZS 1716:2012
Woo hoo! It's your lucky day. You get a bonus section.
We just want to make sure you know the difference between the AS/NZS 1715:2009 and the AS/NZS 1716:2012. They are not the same.
The AS/NZS 1716:2012 specifies requirements, performance and testing criteria for the manufacture of respiratory protective devices.
When you see AS/NZS 1716:2012 printed on your respirator's packaging (or on the front of a disposable P2), this means the respirator has passed a lab-based performance test and is fit-for-purpose.
Unfortunately, being AS/NZS 1716 certified does NOT mean the respirator will achieve an adequate fit for the wearer. We have come across some brands and models of respirators (both disposable and reusable) that NEVER pass a fit test. They are complete rubbish.
When it comes to RPE, you get what you pay for.
It's important to ensure any RPE you choose is AS/NZS 1716:2012 certified. If it's not, don't purchase it or use it.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the key respiratory protective equipment standards relevant in Australia and our alignment with OSHA fit test protocols.
To sum it all up:
In Australia, PCBUs should refer to the AS/NZS 1715:2009 to establish a robust respiratory protection program. This standard requires fit testing for all tight-fitting respirators.
We recommend using the AS/NZS 1715:2009 alongside ISO 16975 as part of your strategy. Australia aims to adopt ISO standards by 2030 so you might as well get friendly with them.
The most common quantitative fit test protocols used in Australia are the OHSA fast protocols. (These are the protocols for the CNC quantitative method using the AccuFit or PortaCount machines). There is no AS/NZS 1715:2009 fit test protocol.
The AS/NZS 1716:2012 and AS/NZS 1715:2009 are different. The 1716 has to do with respirator performance and the 1715 is around the selection, use, fitting and maintaining of RPE.
If you need you need to get your staff fit tested or need help implementing a respiratory protection program to align with the AS/NZS 1715:2009, give us a call on 0428 630 109 or email info@fittestvic.com.au
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