A Mask for Every Task

Everyone deserves clean air!

When you work with stone, you need to choose the right mask to ensure that you and your team are protected.

We hope this article and movie provides you with a general idea about the types of masks available. Please check with qualified health and safety consultants to assess your proper needs.Thanks to Nathan Amite Ph.D Senior Occupational Hygenist of Millenium Hygiene, for his help in the making of this movie.

Choosing the right mask for the task – a general guide

Do you need a mask?

If you’re working in any environment where there is silica dust (or the potential of silica dust) – then yes, you need Respiratory Protective Equipment.  The three most common types of RPE are:

1. Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
2. Half – face respirators
3. Disposable dust masks 

Each type of Respiratory Protective Equipment is designed for a different level of silica dust in the working environment.  In most situations, PAPR and half – face dust masks provide higher protection than disposable dust masks.

When do you need to wear each type of mask?

• The wearing of masks when specific regulatory requirements mandate the wearing of a particular mask for a certain task.
• Wear PAPR if exposure levels are unknown, if the level of respirable crystalline silica is extreme, or if you have facial hair which reduces the performance of the other types of masks.
• Wear a half – face respirator when fabricating with wet manual tools in the fabrication plant, when standing close to locations where respirable crystalline silica is created, and at the installation site if you are performing dust-producing modifications.
• Wear a disposable dust mask only in places far from where silica dust is created, such as near water-connected CNC machines that are water-connected to exhaust ventilation systems and when washing the floor and machinery with running water.

Do you need a filter?

Dust masks and filters are usually classified as P1, P2 and P3.  As silica dust is considered high-risk, harmful dust, be sure to use only P3 class dust masks with filters, or N95 filters or higher. 

Respiratory protective equipment
and requirements for fit testing workers

In many workplaces RPE is used to minimise exposure when used with other control measures. Correct information on the selection, fit and use of RPE is crucial to its effectiveness as a control measure.

Check your local regulatory website for the correct specifications, an example from NSW can be found here:
Respiratory protective equipment and requirements for fit testing workers | SafeWork NSW

Ensure that all processing workers are aware of the requirements around masks and filters and abide by them during their work hours.

Don’t forget – using masks is not enough. It’s always better to minimize the creation and the spread of respirable silica dust!  

Further information about the best practices to avoid exposure to hazardous dust can be found in our Good Practice Guide and Safety Data Sheet.

Please note – all advice is a guide only, and all working methods should be in line with local government regulations and health and safety experts.