Code Class ISO Code ISO Comments AS/NZS Code AS/NZS Comments
Gas Vapour OG Organic Gas low boiling point <65°C, 1 class. Gas filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4", after the efficiency and/or capacity class. AX Organic Compounds Boiling Point <65°C
Gas Vapour OV Organic Vapour ≥65°C, 1-4 classes. Gas filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4", after the efficiency and/or capacity class. A Organic Vapour Boiling Point ≥65°C, Class 1-3
Gas/Vapour AC Acidic Compounds, 1-4 classes. Gas filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4", after the efficiency and/or capacity class. B & E Acid and Inorganic Gases, Class 1-3
Gas/Vapour BC Basic compounds (Ammonnia & Methylamine). Gas filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4", after the efficiency and/or capacity class. K Ammonia, Class 1-3
Gas/Vapour NOX Nitrogen Oxides, 1-3 classes. Gas filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4", after the efficiency and/or capacity class. NO Nitrogen Oxide & Nitrogen Dioxide
Gas/Vapour Specific AH Arsine, 1 Class - Refer to manufacturer for Arsine (AH) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Gas/Vapour Specific CD Chlorine Dioxide, 1 Class - Refer to manufacturer for Chlorine Dioxide (CD) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Gas/Vapour Specific CO Carbon Monoxide, Three classes based on time. (20 min, 60 min or 180 min) e.g. Class 20 Class60, Class180 - Refer to manufacturer for Carbon Monoxide (CO) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Gas/Vapour Specific ETO Ethylene Oxide, 1 or 2 class - Refer to manufacturer for Ethylene Oxide (ETO) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Gas/Vapour Specific FM Formaldehyde, 1-3 classes - Refer to manufacturer for Formaldehyde (FM) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Gas/Vapour Specific HCN Hydrogen Cyanide, 1-4 classes B HCN was one of the3 B class Acid Gas test gases, Class 1-3
Gas/Vapour Specific HF Hydrogen Fluoride , 1-3 classes - Refer to manufacturer for Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Gas/Vapour Specific HG Mercury classes 1-3 Hg Mercury. 2 Classes
Gas/Vapour Specific MB Methyl Bromide, 1-3 classes MB Methyl Bromide, 2 Classes
Gas/Vapour Specific ND Nitrogen Dioxide, 1-3 classes NO Nitrogen Oxide & Nitrogen Dioxide
Gas/Vapour Specific OZ Ozone, 1 Class - Refer to manufacturer for Ozone (OZ) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Particle Filters F1 ≥80% filter efficiency. Particle filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4" after the efficiency and/or capacity class. e.g. F1w1, F1w2, F1w3, F1w4 P1 ≥80% filter efficiency @ equivalent to ISO Workrate 1
Particle Filters F2 ≥95% filter efficency. Particle filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4" after the efficiency and/or capacity class. e.g. F2w1, F2w2, F2w3, F2w4 P2 ≥94% filter efficiency @ equivalent to ISO Workrate 1
Particle Filters F3 ≥99% filter efficiency. Particle filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4" after the efficiency and/or capacity class. e.g. F3w1, F3w2, F3w3, F3w4 P3 ≥99.95% filter efficiency @ equivalent to ISO Workrate 1
Particle Filters F4 ≥99.9% filter efficency. Particle filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4" after the efficiency and/or capacity class. e.g. F4w1, F4w2, F4w3, F4w4. P3 ≥99.95% filter efficency @ equivalent to ISO Workrate 1
Particle Filters F5 ≥99.99% filter efficiency. Particle filters shall be additionally classified by work rate and are also marked with a lower case "w" and the work rate class number, i.e. "w1", "w2", "w3" or "w4" after the efficiency and/or capacity class. e.g. F5w1, F5w2, F5w3, F5w4 No Equivalent as >P3 Higher efficiency level than a P3 in AS/NZS 1716
Protection Class PC1 Protection Level (PL) 1 = 4*. Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Max - 20% (*To be confirmed by SF-010 Australian Standards Respiratory Protection Committee.) RMPF 10 Example RMPF 10 respirator combinations include disposable respirator, half facepiece with any P1, P2 or P3 Particulate or any class gas/vapour filter, PAPR with half facepeice with any filter type, PAPR with any headtop/facepiece type with gas/vapour filter. Refer AS/NZS 1715 for full list. Select suitable respirator system/combination appropriate for the application/task hazard.
Protection Class PC2 Protection Level (PL) 2 = 10*. Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Max - 5% (*To be confirmed by SF-010 Australian Standards Respiratory Protection Committee.) RMPF 10 Example RMPF 10 respirator combinations include disposable respirator, half facepiece with any P1, P2 or P3 Particulate or any class gas/vapour filter, PAPR with half facepeice with any filter type, PAPR with any headtop/facepiece type with gas/vapour filter. Refer AS/NZS 1715 for full list. Select suitable respirator system/combination appropriate for the application/task hazard.
Protection Class PC3 Protection Level (PL) 3 = 30*. Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Max - 1% (*To be confirmed by SF-010 Australian Standards Respiratory Protection Committee.) RMPF 50 Example RMPF 50 respirator combination include Full facepiece with P2 particulate filter, Full facepiece with Class 1 gas/vapour filter, PAPR with loose fitting headtop and PAPR-P2/PAPR-P3 particulate filter. Refer AS/NZS 1715 for full list. Select suitable respirator system/combination appropriate for the application/task hazard.
Protection Class PC4 Protection Level (PL) 4 = 100*. Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Max - 0.1% (*To be confirmed by SF-010 Australian Standards Respiratory Protection Committee.) RMPF 100 Example RMPF 100 respirator combinations include Full facepiece with P3 particulate filter, Full facepiece with Class 2 gas/vapour filter. Refer AS/NZS 1715 for full list. Select suitable respirator system/combination appropriate for the application/task hazard.
Protection Class PC5 Protection Level (PL) 5 = 250*. Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Max - 0.01% (*To be confirmed by SF-010 Australian Standards Respiratory Protection Committee.) RMPF 100+ Example RMPF 100+ respirator combinations - PAPR with Full facepiece with PAPR P3 particulate filter, Continous flow or pressure demand supplied airline/cylinder with Full facepiece, Continous flow supplied airline/cylinder with loosefitting headtop. Refer AS/NZS 1715 for full list
Protection Class PC6 Protection Level (PL) 6 = 500*. Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Max - 0.001%. (*To be confirmed by SF-010 Australian Standards Respiratory Protection Committee.) RMPF 100+ Example RMPF 100+ respirator combinations include PAPR with Full facepiece with PAPR P3 particulate filter, Continuous flow or pressure demand supplied airline/cylinder with Full facepiece, Continuous flow supplied airline/cylinder with loose fitting headtop. Refer AS/NZS 1715 for full list. Select suitable respirator system/combination appropriate for the application/task hazard.
Protection Class PC.6.1 Seek specialist advice - e.g. Occupational Hygienist NOTE: PC6.1 is not in ISO, but a classification extension used in this tool to denote recommendation to seek specialist advice. SSA Seek specialist advice - e.g. Occupational Hygienist
Respiratory Interface aL Barrier Line = Mouth Only. Type = Loose Fitting. No Equivalent Not described in AS/NZS 1716.
Respiratory Interface aT Barrier Line = Mouth Only. Type = Tight Fitting. escape only “mouthpiece” or “mouthbit” with nose clip example aT facepiece type = escape only “mouthpiece” or “mouthbit” with nose clip
Respiratory Interface bL Barrier Line = Nose and mouth. Type = Loose Fitting. No Equivalent Not described in AS/NZS 1716.
Respiratory Interface bT Barrier Line = Nose and mouth. Type = Tight Fitting. Tight-fitting respiratory interfaces covering the mouth, nose and chin area have been commonly known as “half masks”. Tight-fitting respiratory interfaces covering the mouth and nose only have been known as “quarter masks”. Half facepiece tight fitting The facepiece encloses the lower half of the face including the breathing zone. example
Respiratory Interface cL Barrier Line = Face. Type = Loose Fitting. Respiratory interfaces covering the entire face, sealing surface area is generally around the jaw line and up in front of or behind the ears. The wearer’s eyes are protected from the contaminated environment. Loose fitting faceshield or headcover that seal around/along the jaw line and up in front of or behind the ears. Loose fitting faceshield or headcover that covers the entire face. The sealing surface area is generally around/along the jaw line and up in front of or behind the ears. The wearer’s eyes are protected from the contaminated environment.
Respiratory Interface cT Barrier Line = Face. Type = Tight Fitting. Respiratory interfaces covering the entire face. When the respiratory interface is tight-fitting, it is commonly known as “full face mask” or “full facepiece”. The wearer’s eyes are protected from the contaminated environment. Full facepiece tight fitting These RPE cover the eyes, nose and mouth. All facepieces for use in non-powered devices are fitted with inner orinasal cups which cover the mouth and nose. The inner cup reduces steaming-up of the visor and re-inhalation of the air exhaled by the wearer. Some facepieces are fitted with speech diaphragms to improve the ability to transmit the wearer’s speech; some also have a means to fit special spectacles within the facepiece. The visor provides protection for the eyes against dusts and gases.
Respiratory Interface dL Barrier Line = Head. Type = Loose Fitting. Respiratory interfaces covering the entire head, and have been commonly known as “hoods” or “helmet”. These usually seal around the wearer's neck. Loose fitting helmet or hood that usually seal around the neck Loose fitting helmet or hood that covers the entire head. The sealing surface area is generally around the neck. The wearer’s eyes are protected from the contaminated environment.
Respiratory Interface dT Barrier Line = Head. Type = Tight Fitting. Respiratory interfaces covering the entire head, and have been commonly known as “hoods” or “helmet”. These usually seal around the wearer's neck. No Equivalent Not described in AS/NZS 1716.
Respiratory Interface eL Barrier Line = more than head, up to complete body. Type = Loose Fitting. Respiratory interfaces covering the head and additional parts of the body have been commonly known as “blouses” or “suits”. The sealing surface area is generally around the wrists and waist or ankles. Loose fitting head covering and blouse where sealing surface area is generally around the wrists and waist or ankles. The sealing surface area is generally around the wrists and waist or ankles.
Respiratory Interface eT Barrier Line = more than head, up to complete body. Type = Tight Fitting. Respiratory interfaces covering the head and additional parts of the body have been commonly known as “blouses” or “suits”. The sealing surface area is generally around the wrists and waist or ankles. Tight fitting Head covering and blouse where sealing surface area is generally around the wrists and waist or ankles. The sealing surface area is generally around the wrists and waist or ankles.
Respiratory Interface TBA To be assessed
Special Application AB1 Abrasive Blasting Class Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC3 ≥W1 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 50 or greater.
Special Application CBRN1 CBRN Class - Receiver/first receiver. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC4 ≥W1 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. If Filtering RPD, particle filtering efficiency class must be ≥F4 (≥99.90%) Tight Fitting (T) or Loose Fitting (L) Respiratory Interface (RI) No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100 or above.
Special Application CBRN2 CBRN Class - Responder Known threat environment. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W1 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. If Filtering RPD, particle filtering efficiency class must be F5 (≥99.99%) Tight Fitting (T) or Loose Fitting (L) Respiratory Interface (RI) No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application CBRN3 CBRN Class - First on-scene responder Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W3 Supplied Breathable Gas Only Tight Fitting (T) Respiratory Interface (RI) only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application ES t Escape Class - Escape general supplied breathable gas RPD. Minimum protection class ≥PC3. t = time (mins). No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements. Refer to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Section 4.3.6 for further guidance.
Special Application ES XX t Escape Class - Escape general filtering RPD. Minimum protection class ≥PC3. XX is the type of particulate and/or gas filter. t = time (mins). No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements. Refer to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Section 4.3.6 for further guidance.
Special Application ES CBRN t Escape Class - CBRN Escape. Minimum protection class ≥PC4. t = time (mins). Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. If Filtering RPD, particle filtering efficiency class must be ≥F4 (≥99.90%) Tight Fitting (T) or Loose Fitting (L) Respiratory Interface (RI) No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements. Refer to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Section 4.3.6 for further guidance.
Special Application ES FF t Escape Class - Escape from Fire. Minimum protection class ≥PC3. t = time (mins). No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements. Refer to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Section 4.3.6 for further guidance.
Special Application ES MA t Escape Class - Marine Escape. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC3. t = time (mins). No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance. Refer to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Section 4.3.6 for further guidance.
Special Application ES MN t Escape Class - Mining Escape. Minimum protection class: ≥PC3. t = time (mins). No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements. Refer to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Section 4.3.6 for further guidance.
Special Application FF1 Firefighting class - Wildland firefighting. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC3 ≥W2 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 50 or greater.
Special Application FF2 Firefighting class - Rescue. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC4 ≥W3 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100 or greater.
Special Application FF3 Firefighting class - Hazardous Materials. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W3 Supplied Breathable Gas Only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application FF4 Firefighting class - Structural Fire Fighting Type R1. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W3 Supplied Breathable Gas Only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application FF5 Firefighting class - Structural Fire Fighting Type R2. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W4 Supplied Breathable Gas Only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application MA1 Marine Class - Hazardous Materials. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W3 Supplied Breathable Gas only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application MA2 Marine Class - Marine Firefighting. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W4 Supplied Breathable Gas only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application MN1 Mining Class - Underground mining Non-Explosive. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC1 ≥W2 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 10 or greater.
Special Application MN2 Mining Class - Underground mining Explosive. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC1 ≥W2 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 10 or greater.
Special Application MN3 Mining Class - Mining fire fighting & Rescue R1. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC4 ≥W2 Supplied Breathable Gas only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100 or greater.
Special Application MN4 Mining Class - Mining fire fighting & Rescue R2. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC5 ≥W4 Supplied Breathable Gas only No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 100+.
Special Application WE1 Welding Class. Minimum protection class and minimum work rate class: ≥PC1 ≥W1 Supplied Breathable Gas or Filtering RPD. No Equivalent Refer to manufacturer for specific application product performance requirements with a Required Minimum Performance Factor (RMPF) of at least 10 or greater.
Specific Gas Vapour PH Phosphine, 1 or 2 class - Refer to manufacturer for Phosphine (PH) performance - Refer to manufacturer for specific gas performance
Supplied Breathable Gas SXXXX Breathable Gas Supply of xxxx litres designated in increments of 150 l up to 900 l and increments of 300 l above 900 l Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (Open and Closed Circuit), Compressed airline connected to a cylinder/s generally pressure demand connected to a full facepeice Example AS/NZS 1715 equivalent respirator combinations - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (Open and Closed Circuit), Compressed airline connected to a cylinder/s generally pressure demand connected to a full facepeice
Supplied Breathable Gas SY Air supply from an external source (airline RPD) Compressed airline connected to a compressor generally continuous flow connected to a loose fitting headtop/hood/helmet/faceshield or tight fitting facepiece. Example AS/NZS 1715 equivalent respirator combinations - Compressed airline connected to a compressor generally continuous flow connected to a loose fitting headtop/hood/helmet/faceshield or tight fitting facepiece.
Work Rate W1 From light manual work to sustained hand and arm work such as bench work, standing, drilling No Equivalent Not assessed in AS/NZS 1716
Work Rate W2 From intense arm and trunk work to intensive shoveling or digging No Equivalent Not assessed in AS/NZS 1716
Work Rate W3 From walking quickly to running with protective equipment and/or heavy tools and goods to crawling under and climbing over obstacles. Work that cannot be sustained for more than15 minutes. No Equivalent Not assessed in AS/NZS 1716
Work Rate W4 Climbing stairs and ladders at highspeed. Work that cannot be sustained for more than 5 minutes. No Equivalent Not assessed in AS/NZS 1716