Types of Respirators and Protection Factors

The higher the exposure, the more protection is necessary. According to AS/NZS 1715, different combinations of respirators are assigned a Required Minimum Protection Factor (RMPF) for wearers who are clean shaven, fit tested and properly trained. The RMPF is the minimum reduction in exposure needed to bring the wearer's exposure below the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES). Ideally, the exposure should be reduced to a level significantly lower than the WES.

The RMPF is based on the characteristics of the respirator in question such as:

1. Air Purifying or Air Supplied?
2. Positive or Negative Pressure?
3. Tight Fitting Face Piece or Loose Fitting Head Top?
4. Sealing area of the tight fitting Face Piece – Half Face or Full Face?
5. Rating of the filter and class of the cartridge?

RMPF 100+

• Self Contained Breathing Appratus (SCBA) positive pressure demand.
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with Class PAPR-P3 particulate filter with a full facepiece.
• Full facepiece or head covering with airline respirator supplied air continuous flow.

RMPF Up to 100 or up to 5000ppm

• Full Facepiece Reusable Respirators with P3 particulate filter.
• Full Facepiece Reusable Respirators with Class 2 gas and vapour cartridge.

RMPF Up to 50 or up to 1000ppm or 5000ppm

• Full Facepiece Reusable Respirators with P2 particulaute filter.
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with Class PAPR-P2 particulate filter with any headcovering or full facepiece.
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with Class PAPR-P3 particulate filter with any headcovering.
• Full Facepiece Reusable Respirators with Class Aus or Class 1 gas and vapour cartridge.

RMPF Up to 10 or up to 1000ppm

• Disposable Respirators P1 or P2.
• Half Face Reusable Respirators with P1, P2, P3 Particulate Filter.
• Class AUS, 1, 2, 3 gas & vapour cartridge.
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with Class PAPR-P1 particulate filter with any headcovering.
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with Class PAPR-AUS, 1, 2 g.