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    AS/NZS 1715:1994

    AvailableSuperseded An Available Superseded Standard is one, which has been made available for a period of time although it has been formally superseded by another Standard. Its availability is maintained where it is referenced in legislation/regulations or in other Standards and its use should be restricted to where so referenced. No responsibility is taken by SAI Global as to the ongoing technical validity of such a Standard, the responsibility resting with the referencing authority.

    Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices

    Available format(s):  Hardcopy, PDF 1 User, PDF 3 Users, PDF 5 Users, PDF 9 Users

    Language(s):  English

    Published date:  16-05-1994

    Publisher:  Standards Australia

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    Table of Contents - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    1 - AS/NZS 1715:1994 SELECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    4 - PREFACE
    5 - CONTENTS
    7 - SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
    7 - 1.1 SCOPE
    7 - 1.2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
    7 - 1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
    8 - 1.4 RELATED DOCUMENTS
    8 - 1.5 DEFINITIONS
    8 - 1.5.1 Acute
    8 - 1.5.2 Air-hose respirator
    9 - 1.5.3 Air-line respirator
    9 - 1.5.4 Air-purifying respirator
    9 - 1.5.5 Atmospheric contaminant
    9 - 1.5.6 Breathing air
    9 - 1.5.7 Chronic
    9 - 1.5.8 Combination filter respirator
    9 - 1.5.9 Demand valve
    9 - 1.5.10 Disposable respirator
    9 - 1.5.11 Dust
    9 - 1.5.12 Escape type respirator
    9 - 1.5.13 Facial fit check
    9 - 1.5.14 Facial fit test
    9 - 1.5.15 Filter
    9 - 1.5.16 Filtration type escape respirator
    9 - 1.5.17 Full facepiece
    9 - 1.5.18 Fume
    9 - 1.5.19 Gas
    9 - 1.5.20 Gas filter
    10 - 1.5.21 Gas filter respirator
    10 - 1.5.22 Half facepiece
    10 - 1.5.23 Head covering
    10 - 1.5.24 Hose-mask respirator
    10 - 1.5.25 Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
    10 - 1.5.26 Informative
    10 - 1.5.27 Inspirable fraction
    10 - 1.5.28 Local effects
    10 - 1.5.29 Mechanically generated particulates
    10 - 1.5.30 Mist
    10 - 1.5.31 Mouthpiece
    10 - 1.5.32 Natural breathing
    10 - 1.5.33 Normative
    10 - 1.5.34 Nose clip
    10 - 1.5.35 Occupational hygiene
    10 - 1.5.36 Occupational hygienist
    10 - 1.5.37 Oxygen-deficient atmosphere
    11 - 1.5.38 Oxygen generating respirator
    11 - 1.5.39 Particulates
    11 - 1.5.40 Particulate filter
    11 - 1.5.41 Particulate filter respirator
    11 - 1.5.42 Powered air-purifying respirator
    11 - 1.5.43 Protection factor
    11 - 1.5.44 Qualitative fit test
    11 - 1.5.45 Quantitative fit test
    11 - 1.5.46 Regulatory authority
    11 - 1.5.47 Required minimum protection factor
    11 - 1.5.48 Respirable air
    11 - 1.5.49 Respirable dust fraction
    11 - 1.5.50 Respirator
    11 - 1.5.51 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
    11 - 1.5.52 Single use low-boiling point filter
    11 - 1.5.53 Shall
    12 - 1.5.54 Should
    12 - 1.5.55 Smoke
    12 - 1.5.56 Sorbent
    12 - 1.5.57 Supplied-air respirator
    12 - 1.5.58 Supplied-oxygen respirator
    12 - 1.5.59 Systemic effect
    12 - 1.5.60 Thermally generated particulates
    12 - 1.5.61 Toxicity
    12 - 1.5.62 Vapour
    12 - 1.5.63 Worksets
    13 - SECTION 2 ENTRY OF SUBSTANCES IN TO THE BODY
    13 - 2.1 GENERAL
    13 - 2.2 INHALATION
    13 - 2.2.1 General
    13 - 2.2.2 Inhalation of gaseous contaminants
    15 - 2.2.3 Inhalation of particulates
    15 - 2.2.4 Particle size
    16 - 2.3 ABSORPTION
    16 - 2.3.1 Skin absorption
    17 - 2.3.2 Eye absorption
    17 - 2.4 INGESTION
    18 - SECTION 3 OXYGEN-DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERES
    18 - 3.1 GENERAL
    18 - 3.2 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION
    19 - 3.3 SYMPTOMS OF OXYGEN DEFICIENCY
    20 - SECTION 4 HAZARD RECOGNITION, EVALUATION AND CONTROL
    20 - 4.1 RECOGNITION OF HAZARDS
    20 - 4.1.1 General
    20 - 4.1.2 Classification of inhalation hazards
    20 - 4.2 HAZARD EVALUATION
    20 - 4.2.1 General
    21 - 4.2.2 Exposure standards
    21 - 4.3 HAZARD CONTROL
    22 - SECTION 5 TYPES OF RESPIRATOR
    22 - 5.1 METHOD OF PROVIDING PERSONAL RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
    22 - 5.2 TYPES OF RESPIRATOR
    22 - 5.3 AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATORS
    22 - 5.3.1 General
    22 - 5.3.2 Particulate filters
    24 - 5.3.3 Gas filters
    25 - 5.3.4 Combination particulate and gas filters
    25 - 5.3.5 Filter self-rescue respirators
    26 - 5.4 SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATORS
    26 - 5.4.1 General
    26 - 5.4.2 Supplied air
    26 - 5.4.3 Mode of air delivery to the respirator
    27 - 5.4.4 Respirators supplied through an air hose
    27 - 5.4.5 Respirators supplied through an airline
    27 - 5.4.6 Self-contained breathing apparatus
    28 - 5.4.7 Auxiliary protection systems
    28 - 5.4.8 Low flow warning devices
    29 - SECTION 6 SELECTION OF RESPIRATORS
    29 - 6.1 FACTORS IN SELECTION
    30 - 6.2 SELECTION FACTORS-CONTAMINANT-RELATED
    30 - 6.2.1 General
    30 - 6.2.2 Nature, toxicity, physical form and concentration of the contaminant
    35 - 6.2.3 Protection against particulates
    36 - 6.2.4 Protection against toxic gases
    37 - 6.2.5 Protection against combined particulates, gases and vapours
    37 - 6.2.6 Protection against oxygen-deficient atmospheres
    38 - 6.2.7 Additional protection
    38 - 6.2.8 Adequacy of the warning given by the contaminant
    39 - 6.2.9 Respirators for use in flammable or explosive atmospheres
    39 - 6.3 SELECTION FACTORS-TASK-RELATED
    39 - 6.3.1 General
    40 - 6.3.2 Frequency and length of usage
    40 - 6.3.3 Degree of activity and mobility
    40 - 6.3.4 Location of the task
    40 - 6.3.5 Vision and communication
    40 - 6.3.6 Maintenance
    41 - 6.3.7 Air-hose or air-line
    41 - 6.4 SELECTION FACTORS-OPERATOR-RELATED
    41 - 6.4.1 General
    41 - 6.4.2 Basic physiological considerations
    41 - 6.4.3 The importance of facial fit
    41 - 6.4.4 User acceptance
    43 - SECTION 7 THE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM
    43 - 7.1 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
    43 - 7.2 COMPLIANCE OF EQUIPMENT
    44 - 7.3 MEDICAL SCREENING
    44 - 7.3.1 General
    44 - 7.3.2 Specific factors affecting performance
    45 - 7.4 ISSUE OF RESPIRATORS
    45 - 7.5 FACIAL FIT TESTS
    45 - 7.5.1 General
    45 - 7.5.2 Frequency of fitting tests
    45 - 7.5.3 Facial hair in respirator fitting
    46 - 7.5.4 Eye correction in respirator fitting
    46 - 7.6 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
    46 - 7.6.1 General
    46 - 7.6.2 Cleaning and disinfection
    47 - 7.6.3 Storage of equipment
    47 - 7.6.4 Maintenance
    48 - 7.7 INSPECTION FOR DEFECTS
    48 - 7.7.1 General
    48 - 7.7.2 Inspection schedules
    48 - 7.7.3 Record keeping
    48 - 7.8 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS
    48 - 7.8.1 General
    48 - 7.8.2 Disposable respirators
    48 - 7.8.3 Re-usable air-purifying respirators (half face piece, full face piece)
    49 - 7.8.4 Supplied-air respirators
    50 - 7.8.5 Filter self-rescuer (mines)
    50 - 7.8.6 Care of rechargeable batteries
    51 - 7.8.7 Final inspection
    51 - 7.9 SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
    51 - 7.9.1 General
    51 - 7.9.2 Provision of assistance
    51 - 7.9.3 Use of speech transmission devices
    51 - 7.9.4 Entry to confined spaces
    51 - 7.9.5 Low and high temperature
    52 - 7.9.6 Use of hoses
    52 - 7.10 REPLACEMENT OF FILTERS
    52 - 7.10.1 General
    52 - 7.10.2 Particulate respirators
    52 - 7.10.3 Gas respirators
    52 - 7.10.4 Combined respirators
    53 - 7.11 ENSURING THE CONTINUED EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RESPIRATOR PROGRAM
    53 - 7.11.1 General
    53 - 7.11.2 Monitoring of atmospheric contaminant concentration
    53 - 7.11.3 Program evaluation
    53 - 7.12 TRAINING IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION USAGE
    54 - SECTION 8 SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
    54 - 8.1 SERVICING FACEPIECES
    54 - 8.2 SERVICING EXHALATION VALVES
    54 - 8.3 SERVICING OTHER COMPONENT PARTS
    55 - APPENDIX A - REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR QUALITY (COMPRESSORS OR CYLINDERS) FOR SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATORS
    55 - A1 AIR SUPPLY
    55 - A1.1 Capacity
    55 - A1.2 Air temperature
    55 - A1.3 Avoidance of stale air or moisture
    55 - A1.4 Compressors
    56 - A1.5 General works air supply systems
    56 - A1.6 Air quality
    56 - A2 COMPRESSED OXYGEN SUPPLY
    57 - APPENDIX B - ADVISORY AUTHORITIES
    59 - APPENDIX C - RESPIRATOR SELECTION EXAMPLES
    59 - C1 EXAMPLE 1
    59 - C2 EXAMPLE 2
    61 - APPENDIX D - TYPICAL RESPIRATOR FIT TESTS
    61 - D1 GENERAL
    61 - D2 TEST METHODS
    61 - D2.1 Types
    61 - D2.2 Qualitative fit testing
    61 - D2.3 Qualitative tests
    63 - D2.4 Quantitative tests
    64 - D2.5 Fit checks
    66 - APPENDIX E - FACIAL SEAL OF RESPIRATORS
    66 - E1 GENERAL
    66 - E2 BEARDS
    66 - E3 MOUSTACHES
    66 - E4 SIDEBURNS
    66 - E5 STUBBLE GROWTH AND LONG HAIR
    66 - E6 MOUTHPIECE AND NOSE CLIP
    68 - APPENDIX F - EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAM
    68 - F1 OUTLINE
    68 - F2 FORMAT
    68 - F3 INSTRUCTIONS TO TRAINEES
    69 - F4 EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAM GUIDE
    73 - APPENDIX G - TYPICAL METHOD OF MEASURING VALVE LEAKAGE
    73 - G1 LEAKAGE METER
    73 - G2 USE OF METER
    75 - APPENDIX H - COMPRESSED BREATHING AIR FILTRATION SYSTEMS
    75 - H1 SCOPE
    75 - H2 COMPRESSOR LOCATION
    75 - H3 AIR PURIFICATION ELEMENTS
    75 - H4 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
    75 - H5 MAINTENANCE
    75 - H6 AIR PURIFICATION TRAIN
    77 - APPENDIX I - TYPICAL METHOD OF MEASURING INHALATION AND EXHALATION RESISTANCE
    77 - I1 RESISTANCE METER
    77 - I2 APPARATUS
    77 - I3 PROCEDURE
    79 - APPENDIX J - CHECKPOINTS FOR RESPIRATOR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION
    79 - J1 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
    79 - J2 PROGRAM OPERATION
    81 - INDEX

    Abstract - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Sets out the principles of respiratory protection. Provides information concerning the effects on the body and protection from harmful substances and atmospheres deficient in oxygen. Offers guidance on considerations critical to the correct selection, use and maintenance of respirators specified in AS/NZS 1716. Advice on the range of protection factors and the level of protection provided by different respiratory devices is covered. Gives guidance on hazard reduction and respiratory protection programs. This Standard does not deal with the special problems associated with underwater breathing, use of respirators in aircraft or life support respirators for medical or resuscitation purposes.

    Scope - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    This Standard sets out the principles of respiratory protection and makes recommendations for the selection, use and maintenance of personal respiratory protective devices (respirators) for the protection of the body against atmospheres deficient in oxygen or against harmful substances which could enter the body through the respiratory system, or both. Harmful substances may be in the form of dusts, mists, fumes, smokes, gases and vapours, or combinations of these substances.This Standard does not deal with the special problems connected with diving and underwater breathing (see AS 2299), the use of respirators in aircraft, or the use of life support respirators for medical or resuscitation purposes.Design, manufacturing and type approval test requirements for respiratory protective devices are not covered in this Standard, but are specified in AS/NZS 1716.

    General Product Information - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Committee SF-010
    Document Type Standard
    Publisher Standards Australia
    Status AvailableSuperseded
    Superseded By
    Supersedes
    Under Revision

    History - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    First published in Australia as AS CZ11-1960.Second edition 1968.AS CZ11-1968 revised and redesignated AS 1715-1975.Second edition 1982.Third edition 1991. First published in New Zealand as part of NZS 1586-1961 (being endorsement of BS 2091:1954 with amendments).NZS 1586-1961 revised and redesignated in part as NZS 2267:1969.NZS 2267:1969 replaced by NZS/AS 1715-1991 (harmonized 1992).NZS 2267:1969 withdrawn 1992. Jointly revised and designated as Joint Standard AS/NZS 1715:1994. First published in Australia as AS CZ11-1960. Second edition 1968. AS CZ11-1968 revised and redesignated AS 1715-1975. Second edition 1982. Third edition 1991. First published in New Zealand as part of NZS 1586-1961 (being endorsement of BS 2091:1954 with amendments). NZS 1586-1961 revised and redesignated in part as NZS 2267:1969. NZS 2267:1969 replaced by NZS/AS 1715-1991 (harmonized 1992). NZS 2267:1969 withdrawn 1992. Jointly revised and designated as Joint Standard AS/NZS 1715:1994.

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    AS 1345-1995 Identification of the contents of pipes, conduits and ducts (Reconfirmed 2018)
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    AS 2380.2-1991 Electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres - Explosion-protection techniques Flameproof enclosure d
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    AS 2299-1992 Occupational diving
    AS/NZS 1020:1995 The control of undesirable static electricity
    AS 1210-1989 Unfired Pressure Vessels (known as the SAA Unfired Pressure Vessels Code)

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    AS 2714-1993 The storage and handling of hazardous chemical materials - Class 5.2 substances (organic peroxides)
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    AS 2601-2001 The demolition of structures
    AS/NZS 1336:1997 Recommended practices for occupational eye protection
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    AS 3848.2-1999 Filling of portable gas cylinders Filling of portable cylinders for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) and non-underwater self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) - Safe procedures
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