P2 Masks, Respirators & Gas Masks Australia

P2 masks, respirators and gas masks

Disposable P2 masks, half-face and full-face respirators, powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), filters and fit-testing kits from 3M, Sundström, MSA, Maxisafe (CleanAIR), TRIDENT and Moldex, for construction, mining, manufacturing, spray painting and chemical work. In Australia, respirators are certified to AS/NZS 1716, and AS/NZS 1715 covers how to select, fit and use them. Many listings state their AS/NZS 1716 rating — check each listing before you buy for a site.

Guides: P2 & P3 Respirators for Mining & Dust · Getting a Proper Respirator Fit · P2 vs N95

P1, P2 and P3

Particulate filters are classed P1 (mechanically generated dust), P2 (also fine dust and fumes, such as silica and welding fume) and P3 (the highest). Under AS/NZS 1715, full P3 protection needs a full-face respirator or a PAPR; a P3 filter on a half-face mask or a disposable is credited as P2.

Disposable P2 masks

For lighter or intermittent dust: the 3M Aura 9422+ P2 (valved), 3M 8822 Cupped P2 (valved) and TRIDENT Flat Fold P2 (valved). We also stock the Harley N95, which is certified to the US NIOSH standard rather than AS/NZS 1716 — if your site requires AS/NZS 1716, choose a P2 that lists it. See P2 vs N95.

Half-face and full-face respirators

• Half-face — reusable masks with replaceable filters: 3M 6500 Series, 3M 7500 Series, Moldex 7000 Series, or the ready-to-go 3M Construction Respirator Kit (P2).
• Full-face — adds eye and face protection and can give full P3 protection: 3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator and the Sundström AS200 Full Face Kit with ABEK1 filter.

Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)

A PAPR blows filtered air into a hood, helmet or mask, which is cooler for long shifts. Loose-fitting hoods and helmets don’t rely on a face seal, so they suit workers with beards. Options include the 3M Versaflo TR-819A Starter Kit (intrinsically safe), Sundström AS500, CleanAIR BASIC and the CleanAIR RGX02 Full-face & Asbest PAPR Kit. For welding, the Sundström SR500/580 PAPR kit with welding visor combines a PAPR and a welding shield.

Gas and vapour filters

Match the filter letter to the hazard: A organic vapours, B inorganic gases, E acid gases, K ammonia and Hg mercury; the number (1–3) is capacity. Examples: 3M 6035 P2/P3 particulate, 3M 6057 A1B1E1, 3M 6096 A1E1HgP3 and 3M 6099 A2B2E2KHg2P3 + formaldehyde. Filters don’t supply oxygen — for confined spaces with low oxygen, use supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus such as the MSA M1 SCBA, with escape sets such as the MSA Lifegard III.

Fit testing

Tight-fitting masks only protect if they seal against the face. AS/NZS 1715 calls for fit testing, and stubble or a beard under the seal stops it working. The 3M FT-30 Qualitative Fit Test kit lets you run qualitative fit tests on site.

Asbestos and silica

For respirable crystalline silica, regulator guidance commonly treats a P2 respirator as the minimum, with higher protection where exposure is higher — your risk assessment and air monitoring set the level. For asbestos, requirements depend on the type of work under the asbestos codes of practice; licensed friable removal typically needs full-face or powered respirators.

Kitting out a crew? Trade pricing and account terms are available — contact us or call 0457 545 175. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $200; collection from our Auburn NSW warehouse by arrangement (call first), 7:30am–3:30pm Mon–Fri.