Table of Contents
Abstract
Sets out the principles of respiratory protection. Provides information concerning the effects on the body and protection from harmful substances and atmospheres deficient in oxygen. Offers guidance on considerations critical to the correct selection, use and maintenance of respirators specified in AS/NZS 1716. Advice on the range of protection factors and the level of protection provided by different respiratory devices is covered. Gives guidance on hazard reduction and respiratory protection programs. This Standard does not deal with the special problems associated with underwater breathing, use of respirators in aircraft or life support respirators for medical or resuscitation purposes.
Scope
This Standard sets out the principles of respiratory protection and makes recommendations for the selection, use and maintenance of personal respiratory protective devices (respirators) for the protection of the body against atmospheres deficient in oxygen or against harmful substances which could enter the body through the respiratory system, or both. Harmful substances may be in the form of dusts, mists, fumes, smokes, gases and vapours, or combinations of these substances.
This Standard does not deal with the special problems connected with diving and underwater breathing (see AS 2299), the use of respirators in aircraft, or the use of life support respirators for medical or resuscitation purposes.
Design, manufacturing and type approval test requirements for respiratory protective devices are not covered in this Standard, but are specified in AS/NZS 1716.
History
First published in Australia as AS CZ11-1960.
Second edition 1968.
AS CZ11-1968 revised and redesignated AS 1715-1975.
Second edition 1982.
Third edition 1991.
First published in New Zealand as part of NZS 1586-1961 (being endorsement of BS 2091:1954 with amendments).
NZS 1586-1961 revised and redesignated in part as NZS 2267:1969.
NZS 2267:1969 replaced by NZS/AS 1715-1991 (harmonized 1992).
NZS 2267:1969 withdrawn 1992.
Jointly revised and designated as Joint Standard AS/NZS 1715:1994.