In today’s fast-evolving industrial and healthcare landscapes, respiratory protection has become more critical than ever. The increasing prevalence of airborne contaminants—ranging from dust, fumes, and vapours to hazardous biological agents—necessitates the use of advanced respiratory protective equipment. Among the most effective solutions available today are Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR), which offer superior protection, comfort, and adaptability across various industries.

Regulatory Compliance and Standards in New Zealand

In New Zealand, respiratory protective equipment, including PAPRs, must adhere to AS/NZS 1716:2012 (Respiratory Protective Devices) and AS/NZS 1715:2009 (Selection, Use, and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment). Employers must ensure proper fit testing for tight-fitting PAPRs, while loose-fitting models can be used without such requirements. Regular maintenance, training, and medical assessments are essential to ensure compliance and optimal protection.

Understanding PAPRs: The Ultimate in Respiratory Protection

A Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is a sophisticated respiratory protection system that utilises a battery-powered fan to draw in ambient air, filter out hazardous contaminants, and deliver clean air to the wearer. Unlike traditional respirators such as N95 masks, half-masks or full-face masks, PAPRs offer a significantly higher Assigned Protection Factor (APF), ensuring enhanced safety for workers in high-risk environments.

What is an Assigned Protection Factor?

This is a realistic level of protection that a respirator can provide under normal working conditions. For example, an APF of 100 means that no more than 1% of the contaminants to which the worker is exposed will leak into the inside of the mask. 

In New Zealand, it is known as a required minimum protection factor and is detailed in the AS/NZS 1715 standard.

For a simple comparison detailed by Worksafe NZ, please refer to the table below:

Factors Influencing the Assigned Protection Factor:

• Respirator Type: The type of respirator (e.g., half-mask, full facepiece, PAPR, SCBA) significantly impacts the protection factor. 
• Filter Type: HEPA filters, rated for 99.97% filtration, offer the highest protection. 
• Fit: Proper fit is crucial for any respirator to provide the intended level of protection. 
• Positive or Negative Pressure: Positive pressure respirators, like SCBA, provide a higher level of protection than negative pressure respirators. 
• Tight-fitting or Loose-fitting: Tight-fitting respirators, like full facepieces, offer better protection than loose-fitting head coverings

So from here, it’s clear that PAPRs provide the highest level of respiratory protection.

Cutting-Edge PAPR Solutions from CleanAIR

For over 30 years, CleanAIR by Malina Safety has been at the forefront of developing advanced PAPR systems, offering unparalleled reliability and performance. At Rifft Safety, we proudly stock a wide range of CleanAIR PAPR units tailored for various industrial and medical applications. Below are some of the top-performing models:

1. CleanAIR Basic

• Ideal for: Welding, grinding, construction, automotive, and woodworking industries.
• Features:
  • Adjustable airflow (170-240 lpm) with flow control system.
  • LED display for real-time status updates.
  • Audio-visual alarms for filter clogging and low battery.
  • Compact, lightweight design with a comfortable belt system.
  • Compatible with all CleanAIR head tops.

2. CleanAIR AerGO

• Ideal for: Industrial applications, including welding, shipbuilding, and agriculture.
• Features:
  • Slim (only 65mm) and ergonomic design for enhanced mobility.
  • Adjustable airflow (160-210 lpm) with four settings.
  • Smart Flow Control maintains constant air delivery.
  • Audio, visual, and vibrating alarms for user safety.
  • Operates up to 20 hours with a heavy-duty battery.

3. CleanAIR Chemical 2F

• Ideal for: Chemical industries, laboratories, first responders, and hazardous material handling.
• Features:
  • Multi-contaminant protection against gases, vapours, and particulates.
  • Adjustable airflow (120-235 lpm) with a full-colour display.
  • IP64/IP65/IP68-rated for decontamination via shower or full immersion.
  • Automatic closing system prevents contamination during filter replacement.
  • Operates up to 16 hours with a heavy-duty battery.

4. CleanAIR Chemical 2F EX

• Ideal for: Explosive environments, pharmaceutical industries, emergency response teams.
• Features:
  • ATEX certification for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
  • High durability with resistance to chemicals and hazardous environments.
  • IP68-rated for full immersion decontamination.
  • Multilingual user interface for global applications.
  • Operates up to 20 hours with an optional heavy-duty battery.

Choosing the Right PAPR for Your Industry

With numerous PAPR models available, selecting the appropriate system depends on factors such as workplace hazards, comfort preferences, and regulatory compliance. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right CleanAIR PAPR unit:

Conclusion: Investing in Long-Term Respiratory Safety

With increasing regulatory demands and the need for superior respiratory protection, investing in a high-quality PAPR system is essential for businesses committed to workplace safety. CleanAIR PAPR units offer advanced filtration, ergonomic designs, and long-term cost savings, making them the top choice for professionals across various industries. Put simply, PAPRs offer:

1. Enhanced Protection: Unlike standard respirators, PAPRs create positive pressure within the facepiece, preventing contaminated air from seeping in.
2. Comfort & Ease of Use: Reduced breathing resistance and ergonomic designs make PAPRs ideal for extended use.
3. Versatility: Available in configurations to protect against particulates, gases, and vapours.
4. Reduced Breathing Resistance: The fan-assisted airflow eliminates the effort required to breathe through traditional masks.
5. Reusable & Cost-Effective: Many PAPR systems allow for long-term use with replaceable filters and rechargeable batteries, reducing operational costs.

Get Expert Guidance on PAPR Selection

Choosing the right PAPR for your industry can be challenging. Contact us today by calling 0800 474 338 or emailing hello@rifft.co.nz for expert recommendations tailored to your specific workplace needs. Browse our range of CleanAIR PAPRs today to ensure the highest level of safety and compliance for your workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) and how does it work?

Answer: A PAPR is an advanced respiratory protection system that uses a battery-powered fan to draw ambient air, filter out hazardous contaminants, and deliver clean, filtered air to the user. Unlike traditional masks, PAPRs create a positive pressure inside the facepiece, which helps prevent contaminated air from seeping in.

2. What are the main advantages of using a PAPR system over traditional filtering facepiece respirators?

Answer: PAPRs offer several key benefits:

• Enhanced Protection: The positive pressure inside the mask prevents the ingress of contaminated air.
• Comfort: Reduced breathing resistance and ergonomic designs allow for extended use without discomfort.
• Versatility: Available in different configurations to protect against particulates, gases, and vapours.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Many models feature reusable components, replaceable filters, and rechargeable batteries, reducing long-term operational costs.

3. How do CleanAIR PAPRs ensure compliance with regulatory standards in places like New Zealand?

Answer: CleanAIR PAPRs are designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in AS/NZS 1716:2012 and AS/NZS 1715:2009. These standards mandate proper fit testing, regular maintenance, and thorough training, ensuring that both tight-fitting and loose-fitting PAPR systems provide optimal protection in accordance with local regulations.

4. What are the key differences between the CleanAIR Basic, AerGO, Chemical 2F, and Chemical 2F EX models?

Answer:

• CleanAIR Basic: Ideal for industries like welding, grinding, and construction. It offers adjustable airflow, an LED display, and audio-visual alarms for filter clogging and low battery.
• CleanAIR AerGO: Designed for industrial applications (e.g., shipbuilding, agriculture) with a slim, ergonomic design, smart flow control, and long battery life.
• CleanAIR Chemical 2F: Suited for chemical industries and hazardous material handling, featuring multi-contaminant protection, a full-colour display, and decontamination ratings (IP64/IP65/IP68).
• CleanAIR Chemical 2F EX: Tailored for explosive and high-risk environments, it holds ATEX certification, offers enhanced durability, full immersion decontamination, and multilingual interfaces.

5. How do I choose the right PAPR system for my specific industry or workplace needs?

Answer: Selecting the appropriate PAPR involves considering your specific workplace hazards, comfort preferences, and compliance requirements. For example, industries such as welding and grinding may benefit from the CleanAIR Basic or AerGO, while chemical or explosive environments might require the specialized protection offered by the Chemical 2F or Chemical 2F EX models. Call us today for expert advice to help determine the most suitable solution for your unique requirements.