Understanding the different types of particulate filters and gas and vapour cartridges will help you select the right one.

As per AS/NZS 1715 there are 3 different classes of particulate filters, P1, P2 and P3.

The negative pressure particulate categories are based facepiece coverage. All particulate filtering facepieces that cover the nose and mouth area only can achieve only a P1 or P2 classification. A P3 classification can ONLY be achieved when worn with a full facepiece.

• Class P1 particulate filters are used against mechanically generated particulates e.g. silica and wood dust.
• Class P2 particulate filters are used for protection against mechanically and thermally generated particulates or both e.g. metal fumes.
• Class P3 particulate filters are used for protection against highly toxic or highly irritant particulates e.g. beryllium (when worn with a full facepiece).
• NOTE: certain contaminants may have specific respiratory selection criteria outside this guide e.g. asbestos.
• Gas and vapour cartridges categories are distinguished by their filter type and class. Refer to AS/NZS 1715 for the complete list of filter types and what they are used for. Some commonly used filter types are:
• Filter type A = Certain organic vapours (boiling point above 65⁰C) from solvents such as those in paints and thinners (cartridge label colour = brown)
• Filter type B = Acid gases such as chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (sulphide) and sulfur dioxide (cartridge label colour = grey)
• Filter type E = Vapours from sulfur dioxide (cartridge colour = yellow)
• Filter type ABE = are suitable for both certain organic vapours/acid gases and sulfur dioxide e.g. solvents, chlorine and sulfur dioxide (cartridge label colour = brown, grey and yellow)
• Filter type K = ammonia gas (cartridge label colour = green)
• Filter type ABEK = are suitable for both certain organic vapours/acid gases, sulfur dioxide and ammonia (cartridge label colour = brown, grey, yellow and green)

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Differential Permeation. Applied to returning you home safely.

Science has the power to change the world, solve the toughest problems and shape the future. But science is just science, until you apply it to something. Make it do something, change something. No one knows this better than 3M. The average person uses 3M science many times a day and doesn’t even know it. But it is everywhere, supporting 46 separate technology platforms and continuously driving our innovations. No other company uses science like we do. That’s 3M Science. Applied to life.™

At 3M we have a select and high quality range of Coveralls, which provide protection against many hazards. The 3M range of Protective Apparel offers a variety of features, from the use of fabrics with specialist treatments for enhanced wear and added protection, to breathable back panels for increased comfort. Our experts can work closely with you, to help you identify hazards and best protect your workers against them.

Eye Protection

The portfolio of 3M™ Eye Protection products promises quality eyewear that provides an optimal balance of comfort, protection and design. 3M™’s Engineers have worked hard to ensure that the level of comfort and style matches the standard of protection offered. The 3M™ portfolio offers the highest level of optical class. A broad range of eyewear products include durable anti-scratch and convenient anti-fog coatings.

About the range

Eye Protection products are used in many industries to protect against fl ying particles, liquids, chemicals, molten metals, radiated head and glare. The 3M™ range of safety spectacles and goggles off er the user protection from eye hazards including medium impact flying fragments. Our 3M™ safety spectacles and goggles can be used in conjunction with other Personal Protective Equipment products to give you added protection in diff erent situations. The 3M™ eye protection portfolio off ers an unrivalled range of products for companies looking for comfortable and high-quality solutions to meet a variety of industrial applications.

Eye Protection for Infection Control

US CDC/NIOSH Recommendations

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has provided the following information concerning the use of goggles, face shields, safety glasses, and full face respirators for infection control purposes in their publication Eye Protection for Infection Control.

CDC/NIOSH recommends eye protection for a variety of potential occupational exposure settings where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular (eye) exposure. Eye protection is intended to provide a barrier to infectious materials entering the eye and is often used in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and respirators.

European Union Export Restrictions and 3M Product Availability Update re: 2019 Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19

Dear Valued Customer,

On March 15th, the European Union introduced export authorization requirements for exports of certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) outside of the European Union in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The regulation is (EU) 2020/402 and is initially effective for a six-week period but could be extended. This regulation will be enacted by each country’s customs authority which will establish a process for receiving export licenses from EU to other countries.

This new regulation will likely impact 3M’s ability to supply certain Personal Protective Equipment sourced from our manufacturing operations in the European Union to customers in non-European Union countries.

3M Technical Bulletin

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR), which are sometimes called disposable respirators, are subject to various regulatory standards around the world. These standards specify certain required physical properties and performance characteristics in order for respirators to claim compliance with the particular standard. During pandemic or emergency situations, health authorities often reference these standards when making respirator recommendations, stating, for example, that certain populations should use an "N95, FFP2, or equivalent" respirator.

This document is only intended to help clarify some key similarities between such references, specifically to the following FFR performance standards:

The general rule for filter replacement is to leave the contaminated area and dispose of the filter if it becomes damaged, soiled, or breathing becomes difficult. Even if none of these things happen, it's recommended to dispose of filters after 40 hours of use or 30 days, whichever comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions - Aura 9320A+ and 9322A+ Bulk Packs

How are CPS and rebate programs going to be managed?

The standard price per respirator and contract price arrangements per respirator remain unchanged regardless of the packaging.

What does this mean with our existing orders for 9320A+ and 9322A+ in the system / When will we be supplied with those orders / When current boxes run out what happens to back orders?

Stock delivered in June will have the standard box packaging. From July onwards, stock will be delivered in bulk packs.

An email from the distributor confirming willingness to receive the new codes instead of the old codes would suffice to update backorders.

Alternatively, the backorders with old codes can be cancelled, and new orders can be placed using the new codes.

Are all the back orders going to be consolidated and then shipped in new volumes?

For orders that would be supplied with 9320A+ or 9322A+ from July onwards, yes this can be done, provided the distributor confirms via email their willingness to receive the new codes

What happens to distributors who have their end users wanting less than case quantities of 9322A+ or volumes that are not a multiple of 200 units?

The intention behind bulk packing is to increase productivity and release orders faster. However, this comes at a cost of ordering by the case unfortunately.

How do distributors sell this product in less than carton QTY do they have the fitting instructions etc. on the packaging?

According to the TGA they cannot be sold loose either by 3M Au or by 3M authorised distributors.

Can distributors repackage into smaller volumes?

Yes

Can distributors sell individual masks?

As per TGA, neither 3M Australia nor 3M distributors would be able to sell individual units unless it comes with user instructions, 3M sponsor details, the required intended use, the product cat code, lot number and expiry.

Do you have any indication if this will be a permanent change considering the communication state effective July?

No changes until further notice

3M Aura 9320A+ and 9322A+ standard packs – update

Based on some customers feedback, a limited quantity of the 9322A+ (standard packs XA010017854 are on plan to be delivered in July.

Prioritization of stock

We continue to focus on Healthcare with support for critical industrial and key industries.

The majority of our stock on hand is being released to Healthcare/Frontline HC workers dealing with Covid-19 and Govt/Hospitals and the remaining to Critical Infrastructure and existing DR customers in Industrial markets

DR Quantities and ETAs cannot be committed to customers because demand from frontline customers is being prioritised.

Regards