--- title: Breathe Easy with the Right Protection description: Choosing respiratory protective equipment (RPE) that’s fit for purpose. image: https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/breathe%20easy%20feature.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/3m-papr-which-air-system-should-i-choose#main-content) [![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) [![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) - [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety) - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing) - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities) - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction) - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) - Content Types - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au) - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured) - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues) - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows) Search [Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381) Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu [Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381) - [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety) - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing) - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities) - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction) - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) - Content Types - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au) - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured) - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues) - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows) 2 min read # Breathe Easy with the Right Protection [![Picture of 3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/3mlogo.jpg) 3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/3m) : 17 October 2023 We all know that when working in construction, mining, oil and gas, and many other industries, the air workers breathe potentially contains hazards if you don’t take the correct precautions. Organic vapours, harmful particles like silica, asbestos or lead dust, acid gas and vapours can all wreak havoc on worker health if inhaled and can lead to some potentially fatal illnesses.    According to a 2022 study commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), approximately 584,050 Australian workers were exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the workplace that year. The report predicted that around 10,390 of those workers are likely to develop lung cancer as a direct result of exposure to silica dust.    That’s why it’s vital to have the correct respiratory protective equipment to keep your workers safe. But RPE ranges from the humble disposable face mask to supplied air respirators complete with their own air cylinder, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. And there’s no point kitting your crew in a full hazmat when a more workable level of protection is appropriate.    ### Which Air System Should You Use? Unless the air has unknown contaminants, oxygen deficient, immediately dangerous to life and health and can’t be filtered, a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) may be suitable provides a high level of respiratory protection and a continuous flow of clean air to the wearer.    PAPRs can be fitted with different filters or cartridges to provide protection from various contaminants, including: - Particulate matter such as dust, silica, and pollen - Biological agents such as bacteria and viruses - Chemical vapours, gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - Particulate matter in Smoke and fire particles - Pesticides and agricultural contaminants - Acid gas and vapours   Remember, it’s important to change these filters regularly according to your established filter change schedule to maintain ongoing protection.      [![Safety Spotlight Magazine #6](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Safety%20Spotlight%20Magazine%20%236.jpg?width=646&height=160&name=Safety%20Spotlight%20Magazine%20%236.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/safety-spotlight)   ### 3m PAPRs To Suit Your Needs  3M offers a range of PAPRs and filters depending on the hazards you’re faced with. For example, TR-300+ are best for dust applications including silica. TR-600 work well for chemical and pharmaceutical industries with multiple hazards of particulates and gas/vapours, and the TR-800 are suitable for intrinsically safe environments.    3M’s PAPRs range from PAPR-P3 particulate filters only to Intrinsically Safe motor/blowers with P3 particulate filters as well as multiple chemical gas cartridges. The folks at 3M can help you select the right RPE for your needs. 3M offers a range of ready-to-go PAPR kits.   - Full facepieces for asbestos, silica and dust applications - Half and full hood head tops ideal for chemical and pharmaceutical industry - Helmets and face shields ideal for construction, mining, silica and welding applications   “Other benefits of PAPRs are that they can reduce heat stress and user fatigue by having air constantly blowing around the wearer’s face. Plus, you have the added benefit that they can provide multi-hazard personal protective equipment (PPE) to act as a hard hat, face/eye, respiratory and hearing protection all in one with certain head tops,” says Sanya Kranenburg of 3M Personal Safety Division.   “They’re available as loose-fitting hoods or tight-fitting facepieces and they have protection factors up to 100+. For loose fitting head tops on PAPRs, fit testing is not required reducing time off the job and costs compared to tight fitting facepieces. There is also a range of PAPR accessories available like PAPR covers, backpacks, visor peel offs etc.”   Breathing is a basic human need, and it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Let your workers breathe easy by investing in the right RPE for the job.   [SHOP 3M](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/3m/b/557642/brand) [![3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/2023/DOPP1_2024/Landing%20Page/Top%20Suppliers__0001_3M.jpg?width=261&height=261&name=Top%20Suppliers__0001_3M.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/3m/b/557642/brand)   [![04173389_3M_2019](https://7298381.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7298381/hubfs/04173389_3M_2019.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=04173389_3M_2019.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/respiratory-protection/respirators-powered-supplied-air/versaflo-papr-face-shields-m-200-series/3m-versaflo-trm-207c-papr-faceshield-flame-resistant-with-charger/p/00909946) **3M Versaflo TRM-207C PAPR Faceshield - Flame Resistant with Charger** [![01614566_1](https://7298381.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7298381/hubfs/01614566_1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=01614566_1.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/respiratory-protection/respirators-powered-supplied-air/versaflo-papr-filter-systems/filter-3m-versaflo-tr-3712e-p3/p/01614566) **3M™ Versaflo - Filter PAPR-P3 TR-3712E** [![00909929](https://7298381.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7298381/hubfs/00909929.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=00909929.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/respiratory-protection/respirators-powered-supplied-air/versaflo-papr-helmet-with-shroud-system/resp-papr-versaflo-trm-407c-helmet/p/04173406) **3M™ Versaflo™ PAPR High Impact Helmet, TRM-407C** [![03359340](https://7298381.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7298381/hubfs/03359340.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=03359340.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/respiratory-protection/respirators-powered-supplied-air/versaflo-papr-system-tr-300-accessories/3m-versaflo-trade-tr-381-papr-cover-disposable/p/03359340) **3M Versaflo™ TR-381 PAPR - Cover - Disposable** [![00343387_1](https://7298381.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7298381/hubfs/00343387_1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=00343387_1.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/respiratory-protection/respirators-powered-supplied-air/3m-versaflo-intrinsically-safe-powered-air-respirator-tr-800-series/3m-versaflo-kit-starter-papr-tr-819a-70071732666/p/00343387) **3M - Versaflo - Kit - Starter Papr - TR-819A - 70071732666** [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/construction) [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/manufacturing) [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/safety) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## **Read related articles** [![Don’t let your construction workers fall through the gap](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/IIC%203M.png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/dont-let-your-construction-workers-fall-through-the-gap) #### [Don’t let your construction workers fall through the gap](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/dont-let-your-construction-workers-fall-through-the-gap) ![Picture of 3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/3mlogo.jpg?width=30&name=3mlogo.jpg) [3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/3m) : 15 September 2026 On construction sites across Australia, workers risk serious falls every day. With large-scale construction of any commercial or industrial building... [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/construction) [Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/dont-let-your-construction-workers-fall-through-the-gap) [![Clear communication on site, without compromising hearing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/3M%20(12).png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/clear-communication-on-site-without-compromising-hearing) #### [Clear communication on site, without compromising hearing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/clear-communication-on-site-without-compromising-hearing) ![Picture of 3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/3mlogo.jpg?width=30&name=3mlogo.jpg) [3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/3m) : 3 August 2026 Clear communication is vital on busy worksites, but noise from vehicles, machinery and even poor weather can make it challenging. [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/construction) [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/safety) [Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/clear-communication-on-site-without-compromising-hearing) [![Safety solutions when working on construction sites](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/EOFY%203M.jpg)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety-solutions-when-working-on-construction-sites) #### [Safety solutions when working on construction sites](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety-solutions-when-working-on-construction-sites) ![Picture of 3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/3mlogo.jpg?width=30&name=3mlogo.jpg) [3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/3m) : 6 May 2026 Construction sites present a wide range of hazards every day. From working at height and dropped objects to noise, dust, and airborne contaminants,... [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/construction) [Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety-solutions-when-working-on-construction-sites) ###### **Blackwoods** [About Us](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/about-us/) [Contact Us](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/contact-us) [Our Branches](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/branches) [Help](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/help) ###### **Customer** [Track Order](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/trackorder) [Trading Account](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/trading-account) [View Invoices](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/help/invoices-payment) [Product Recalls & Notices](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/product-recalls-notices) ###### **Resources** [Product Corrections](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/product-corrections) [Safety Data Sheets](http://www.csinfosafe.com/CSIau/Security/account_login.aspx?ClientID=EC85EF3A-D08F-4F01-84A6-55B8391F1B59) [Delivery Details](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/delivery-details) [Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/) ###### **Resources** [Supplier Portal](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/supplier-portal) [Policies](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/policies-terms) [Terms & Conditions](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/terms-conditions) [Terms of Use](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/terms-of-use) **Get our latest articles straight to your inbox!** [![Blackwoods](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/G2M/Blackwoods%202024%20Logo%20WHITE%20NO%20BACKGROUND.png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) © 2026 J. Blackwood & Son Pty Ltd, trading as Blackwoods. All Rights Reserved [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BlackwoodsAU/)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackwoods/)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured)