Deploying the Optrel Swiss Air across your operation
Respiratory protection requirements vary considerably between a surface processing plant and an underground heading.
This guide is informed by current Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, state mining guidance from the NSW Resources Regulator and Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), and the evolving standards landscape, including the transition from AS/NZS 1715:2009 to AS/NZS ISO 16975.1:2023.
It outlines where the Optrel Swiss Air powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is well suited, to help you match it to your site conditions.
Surface operations
The Swiss Air is suited to processing facilities, washplants, workshops and general site duties across mining and civil projects. It combines P3 particulate protection with a fully enclosed-fitting fabric mask that requires no fit testing, reducing the administrative burden of introducing respiratory protection across a large workforce.
Underground hard rock and tunnelling
The Swiss Air is suited to underground metalliferous mining and civil tunnelling, including heading excavation, shotcreting and jumbo drilling. The blower is carried on a shoulder harness rather than the head, allowing it to be worn with your existing hard hat while reducing the load on the head and neck over extended shifts.
Certification
The Swiss Air carries an ATEX rating of II 3D Ex ic IIIB T4 Dc. Prior to deployment, please confirm that this rating is appropriate for the hazard classification of your work area.
Suitability depends on site-specific conditions. Always check suitability against your site’s hazard assessment and applicable state requirements.
