Australian standard
AS/NZS 1716: respiratory protective devices
Standards Australia publishes AS/NZS 1716 covering respiratory protective devices. Respirator and filter listings cite it, and filter markings such as P2 or A2P2 appear alongside it on the product listing.
What is AS/NZS 1716?
AS/NZS 1716 is the Australian and New Zealand standard for respiratory protective devices, published by Standards Australia. Disposable masks, half mask respirators and filter cartridges name it, and the filter marking on the listing, such as P2 or A2P2, describes what that filter is rated to capture.
AS/NZS 1716 is the Australian and New Zealand standard for respiratory protective devices. It is the designation you see on disposable masks, half mask respirators and their filters.
Which products does it apply to?
7 guides on this hub cite AS/NZS 1716, across ppe and protective equipment, respiratory protection, head protection.
| Marking on the listing | What it indicates | How it appears in these guides |
|---|---|---|
| P2 | Particulate filter marking | The most common marking in this corpus |
| A2P2 | Combined gas and particulate marking | Named on cartridge respirator listings here |
Guides that cite AS/NZS 1716
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator pack with A2P2 filters
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator pack with P2 filters
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator, ABEK1P2 multi gas kit
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator, ABEK1P2 pack
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator, asbestos and silica kit
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator, short wide
- JSP Typhoon 8 half mask respirator, spray painters kit
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between P2 and A2P2?
P2 describes a particulate filter, so dusts, mists and fumes. A2P2 describes a combined filter, adding organic vapour capacity to the particulate element. Which one a task needs depends on the substance involved, its concentration and the exposure controls already in place.
Does a respirator work with a beard?
A tight fitting respirator relies on a seal against skin. Facial hair that crosses the sealing surface breaks that seal, and no filter class compensates for a leak. Options include a powered or supplied air hood, or removing hair from the sealing area before wearing.
Do I need a fit test?
Fit testing is how a workplace confirms a specific tight fitting respirator seals on a specific person. A buying guide cannot do that for you. Treat the guide as a shortlist aid and follow your workplace procedure and the manufacturer instructions for fit testing and fit checking.
When should a filter be replaced?
Follow the manufacturer instructions and your workplace procedure. Common triggers are increased breathing resistance, any smell or taste of the contaminant, damage, and the end of the service life the manufacturer states. Guides on this hub do not set service intervals.
What this page is not
This page explains how AS/NZS 1716 is used in product listings. It is not the standard, and it does not reproduce its text. Compliance decisions should reference the published standard and your own workplace risk assessment.
- Standards Australia, AS/NZS 1716
- The product listings on donerightsafety.com.au that name this designation