Respiratory Protection Information and PPE options for Silica dust and Other Construction Respiratory Hazards
construction worker carrying bag of concrete wearing respirator

Are your workers exposed to levels above Workplace Exposure Standards?

This technical bulletin outlines task based respiratory PPE suggestions

DOWNLOAD TECH BULLETIN FOR SILICA DUST (PDF, 243.23 KB)
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    Respiratory Protection in Construction

    Providing respiratory protection for workers is part of the duty of care of the employer in the modern industrial situation. In Australia, there are various state and commonwealth laws that mandate the use of controls to provide a safe workplace. Employers are required to use appropriate means to prevent health hazards to the workers. This includes measures like use of low toxicity materials, provision of engineering controls like extract ventilation and enclosures and, as a final resort, the use of personal protective equipment.

    Through this webinar you will learn to get the most out of your respiratory protection equipment.

    This webinar will cover:

    What is a respirator fit test?
    Why it is such a critical component of respiratory protection programs? Fit test methodologies and regulatory standards

    Watch Webinar

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    Keeping you safe from Silica Dust

    Silica, a basic component of soil, sand and rock is one of the most widespread minerals on earth existing in both crystalline and amorphous form. The crystalline form, which is more of a health concern, can be found in many common construction and building materials including: sand, stone, cement, concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, grout, mortar and drywall. Crystalline silica can become airborne during sanding, crushing, cutting, drilling and chipping. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and travel deep into your lungs, repeated and long-term exposures have been linked to Silicosis and Lung Cancer. Some deadly respiratory illnesses caused by work can take up to 20 years to develop.

    Learn More:

    Part 1: Science of Safety Podcast: Episode 5
    Part 2: Science of Safety Podcast: Episode 6

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    Asbestos – What Is It and What Can It Do to You?

    In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.

    NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations

    Download technical bulletin - Working with Asbestos – Personal Safety Hazards (PDF, 687.50 KB)


Helpful Tips for Respiratory Protection Construction

Respiratory Protection – Basic Information.

Providing respiratory protection for workers is part of the duty of care of the employer in the modern industrial situation. In Australia, there are various state and commonwealth laws that mandate the use of controls to provide a safe workplace. Employers are required to use appropriate means to prevent health hazards to the workers. This includes measures like use of low toxicity materials, provision of engineering controls like extract ventilation and enclosures and, as a final resort, the use of personal protective equipment. Read the full story (PDF, 155.85 KB)

Keeping you safe from Asbestos

Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Download technical bulletin - Working with Asbestos – Personal Safety Hazards (PDF, 12.7 MB)


Watch Webinar
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    Clean air is critical to employee safety. Learn how to detect hazards, select appropriate respiratory protection, and protect your workforce against airborne respiratory hazards.

    Watch webinar to know more about 3M’s 3-step approach to a respiratory protection program:

    • When it comes to your workplace - what’s in your air?​
    • What kind of respiratory protection do you need?
    • How often you should change cartridges and filters?
    • Learn about 3M Select and Service Life Software

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Convenient respiratory kit designed for asbestos removal and environments containing dust.

PPE For All Construction Respiratory Hazards
See our full line of respiratory protection products for your construction projects

Explore our highest rated products based on customer reviews

  • A three-panel, flat-fold disposable respirator designed to help provide comfortable, reliable worker protection against non-oil based particles.

  • Select 3M models provide additional safety features to signal that cartridges and filters are fully inserted or to help complete a negative pressure seal check.

  • 3M™ Versaflo™ PAPRs with loose-fitting headgear eliminate fit testing and can accommodate certain limited facial hair, to help keep your employees happy and working safely.

  • Integrated PPE system includes respiratory protection, a hard hat, optional hearing protection and a flip-up weld shield with an auto-darkening filter.


Training Your Team | Safety Information For Your Workplace

View our most popular resource to help you train your team when wworking at low heights, The infographic helps you determine the safe required distance (RD) below the anchorage connection point. 

Download the infographic (PDF, 405.71KB)


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