Silica, coal dust, diesel particulate and welding fume all call for particulate respirators: P2 as the minimum for most dust, and P3 — which in Australia means a full-face respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) — for the highest exposures. Whatever the rating, the filter only works with a face seal, so fit testing under AS/NZS 1715 comes first. Below is what we stock from 3M, Moldex, Maxisafe and Eagle, available for delivery Australia-wide or collection from Auburn NSW by arrangement.
P1, P2, P3 — what the ratings mean (AS/NZS 1716)
- P1: low-efficiency filter for coarse, low-toxicity dust. Not for silica.
- P2: filters fine particulates including silica, coal dust, wood dust and welding fume; the usual site minimum. Available as disposables and as filters for half-face masks.
- P3: the highest particulate efficiency — but under AS/NZS 1715 the P3 protection factor is only credited to a full-facepiece respirator or PAPR. A disposable or half mask fitted with a P3 filter is used as P2.
- Valved masks vent heat and moisture on long shifts; unvalved masks are used where the wearer must also protect the product or other people.
- GP2 = P2 with nuisance-level organic vapour relief; A1P2 and similar codes on half masks add gas/vapour cartridges to the P2 filter.
Disposable P2 respirators
- 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9320A+, P2 (Pack of 20) — three-panel flat-fold with soft inner cover web and low breathing resistance; the standard site P2.
- 3M Aura 9322A+ P2 valved (pack of 10) — the same fold with a Cool Flow exhalation valve that also cuts eyewear fogging.
- 3M™ Aura™ Flat Fold Particulate Respirator 9422+, P2, valved (Pack of 10) — the food-and-beverage version: blue, staple-free, welded headstraps, Cool Flow valve.
- 3M™ Cupped Particulate Respirator 8210 (Pack of 20) — the cupped classic with welded straps; 3M 8822 P2 valved (pack of 10) adds the Cool Flow valve.
- 3M™ Cupped Particulate Respirator 8110S, P2 - Small (Pack of 20) — P2 sized for small faces.
- Moldex P2 Particulate Respirator 2200N SERIES 20 each per box and Moldex 2300N P2 with exhale valve (10) — Moldex states three sizes to fit most faces; the 2300N suits most welding applications.
- AirWave P2 Particulate Respirator, Size Medium/Large (10 per box) — the wave-pleated design doubles the filter surface area behind a Dura-Mesh shell.
- Maxisafe - P2 3-Panel Flat Fold Respirator with valve, box 20 — AS/NZS 1716-rated per Maxisafe, with exhalation valve; box of 20.
- P2 Eagle Disposable Respirator AG2200 (Box of 20) — the value P2 with an adjustable strap buckle; AS/NZS 1716 per Eagle.
Reusable half-face respirators
- 3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, Respiratory Protection, 6000 Series (Box Of 1) — economical elastomeric half mask with bayonet filter connection; the 3M 6225 Dust/Particle Kit bundles it with P2 filters and a storage container.
- 3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7500 Series, Respiratory Protection (Box Of 1) — soft silicone face seal and Cool Flow valve; the 3M 7535 Asbestos/Dust Kit pairs it with 6035 P2/P3 filters.
- 3M™ Reusable Half Face Mask 6500 Series (Box Of 1) — quick-latch drop-down so the mask hangs at the neck between contaminated areas.
- 3M™ Secure Click™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator with Speaking Diaphragm HF-800SD (Box Of 1) — Secure Click quad-flow cartridges, three sizes, speaking diaphragm.
- Maxisafe Half Mask Silicone General Purpose Kit R7500GK — silicone half mask supplied with P3 carbon cartridges; Maxisafe labels it General Purpose (Silica). The R7500CK chemical kit comes with ABEK1P2 cartridges; AS/NZS 1716:2012 certified per Maxisafe.
- Moldex 7000 Series Pre-Assembled Respirator P2/P3 — low-profile, sits under a welding helmet, supplied ready to wear.
Full-face respirators (P3 protection) and PAPR
- 3M™ Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator, Series FF-400 (Each) — large Scotchgard-coated lens, Cool Flow valve, takes 3M filters, cartridges and supplied air.
- 3M™ Front-Fitting Reusable Full Face Mask FF-600 SERIES — front-fitting DT-series filters and a panoramic visor (formerly the Scott Vision 2).
- 3M Secure Click FF-800 full facepiece and Moldex 9000 Series full facepiece.
- Powered air for extended wear or asbestos work: Maxisafe CleanAIR UniMask & AerGO PAPR kit and the CleanAIR RGX02 full-face asbestos PAPR kit.
Respirator checklist for mine and construction sites
- Match the filter to the hazard: P2 minimum for silica and coal dust; P3 via full-face or PAPR for high exposures and extended tasks
- Fit test to AS/NZS 1715 before issue and repeat at least annually or when the face changes; tight-fitting masks need a clean-shaven seal
- Change filters on the site schedule or as soon as breathing resistance rises; store masks sealed between shifts
- Sizes matter: 3M 7500/6500/HF-800 and Moldex come in multiple sizes, the 8110S suits small faces
- Complete the kit: mining PPE guide, mining boots, hearing protection; browse all respiratory protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a P2 mask enough for silica dust?
P2 is the minimum specified for respirable crystalline silica in Australian guidance. Higher-exposure tasks — dry cutting, blasting, extended shifts in dusty headings — call for P3 protection through a full-face respirator or PAPR, as set by the site’s risk assessment. Fit testing decides whether the rating you bought is the rating you get.
Do you sell P3 disposable masks?
In Australia a disposable or half-face mask fitted with a P3 filter is only credited with P2-level protection under AS/NZS 1715. For P3 you need a full-facepiece respirator such as the 3M FF-400 or FF-600, or a powered air-purifying respirator.
Valved or unvalved?
Valved masks are cooler and drier for long shifts and reduce eyewear fogging. Unvalved masks are used where exhaled air must also be filtered — cleanrooms, food handling and infection control.
Can you supply a whole site?
Yes — boxes of 10 and 20, carton pricing and trade accounts, with delivery Australia-wide from Sydney; free shipping on orders over $200.
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.