Australia has adopted and is transitioning to a suite of 30 international standards for respiratory equipment. This suite of standards seeks to align with international guidelines to help enhance occupational health and safety.  
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The will replace the existing AS/NZS 1715:2009, Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and AS/NZS 1716:2012, Respiratory protective devices standards, introducing several important updates.
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Overview of the new suite of standards

The new standards will replace the existing AS/NZS 1715:2009 and AS/NZS 1716:2012 by 2030. Key things to know about the changes:

• Adoption of ISO standards: The new standards are based on the ISO suite, which harmonises respiratory protection in Australia with international standards. This includes standardising terminology, definitions, and protection factors.

• Focus on wearer performance: The updated standards emphasise the performance required by the wearer, considering individual characteristics, work intensity, and the 'work of breathing'.

• Detailed classification system: The new standards introduce a comprehensive classification system for respiratory protective devices (RPDs), including protection classes, work rate classes, and specific applications such as firefighting, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments.

• Transition period: Both the existing and new standards will be operational in parallel until 2030. This transition period allows manufacturers, certification bodies, and end-users to adapt to the new requirements.

Benefits of the new standards

Potential benefits of the adoption of this suite of standards includes:

• Global harmonisation: Aligning with ISO standards helps provide consistency and reliability in respiratory protection across different regions.

• Enhanced protection: The new standards support enhanced protection by considering the wearer's needs and the specific work environment.

• Future-proofing: The comprehensive classification system and updated testing methods means that the standards can be better suited to remaining relevant and effective in the face of evolving occupational hazards.

Implementation and transition

The transition to the new standards involves several key steps:

• Manufacturers: Manufacturers need to become familiar with the new standards and start planning for the transition. This includes retesting, classifying, and marking products according to the new requirements.

• Certification bodies: Certification bodies will work with manufacturers on their transition plans and help ensure that products meet the new standards.

• Workplaces and users: Awareness and training will be crucial for workplaces and users to understand the changes and how they impact the selection and use of respiratory protective devices.

• Regulators: Legislative amendments may be required to replace current standards mentioned in regulations with the new ISO standards.

Join us for an online event exploring Australia’s transition to new respiratory protection standards

To learn more about the new respiratory protection standards and how they will impact your workplace, register for our upcoming webinar.  

This online event will provide industry professionals, regulators, certification bodies, and manufacturers with essential insights into what this transition means, the timeline for adoption, and how these new standards will impact workplaces across Australia.

Stay informed and ensure your workplace is prepared for the future of respiratory protection.

Date: Friday, 2 May 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm AEST

Cost: FREE

Venue: Online event – details will be emailed to registrants

Click here to register.

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