CLEAN AIR
FOR MINING
ENVIRONMENTS
The Optrel Swiss Air Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) delivers continuous TH3/TM3 respiratory protection against airborne contaminants.
Respiratory Protection That Moves With Your Workforce
Mining workers face airborne hazards every day. The Optrel Swiss Air PAPR delivers continuous positive-pressure filtered airflow through a ventilated half mask. Its lightweight, back-mounted blower operates independently of other PPE, while the TH3 fabric mask requires no conventional fit testing. As Optrel’s Australian distributor, SMENCO provides local supply, technical advice and ongoing support to mining operations.
Highlights of the Swiss Air
Safety
The TH3 fabric mask requires no conventional fit testing, while the TM3 silicone mask supports higher protection where fit testing is required.
Performance
Continuous filtered airflow reduces breathing resistance for greater comfort during demanding work, while allowing clear communication.
Health
Delivers high-efficiency filtered air directly to the breathing zone to help reduce exposure to airborne contaminants encountered across mining operations.
Ergonomics
Weighing just 550 g, the rear-mounted blower reduces headborne weight while allowing workers to wear compatible PPE for the task.
Cost Saving
A reusable powered respiratory system that significantly reduces disposable mask waste while simplifying deployment through the TH3 loose-fit configuration.
Discover How the Swiss Air
PAPR System Works
Every component of the Swiss Air system has been engineered to deliver lightweight comfort, continuous airflow and dependable respiratory protection. Explore the technology behind the system and see how each element contributes to cleaner breathing across demanding mining applications.
Ideal for Mining &
Industrial Applications
Maintenance Workshops
Ideal for welding, grinding, cutting and heavy equipment repairs where welding fumes, grinding dust and airborne particulates are commonly generated.
Crusher Stations & Transfer Points
Suitable for areas where crushing, conveying and material transfer create high levels of airborne dust, respirable silica, and fine particulates.
Underground Mines
Designed for underground operations where workers may be exposed to respirable dust and diesel particulate matter (DPM) while performing maintenance, inspections and general site work.
Drill and Blast Zones
Supports drill crews and blast teams working through constant airborne dust from drilling activity and post-blast fume clearing.
Processing Plants
Suitable for plant maintenance and material handling areas where airborne dust can be generated during routine operations.
Swiss Air Packages
From standalone respiratory protection to complete systems paired with compatible Optrel welding helmets, there’s a solution for a wide range of mining and industrial tasks.
TH3 / TM3 Certified
The Optrel Swiss Air system is available in both TH3 and TM3 configurations, allowing organisations to select the level of respiratory protection appropriate for their application, workforce and site safety compliance requirements.
Particle Master Filter
Adjustable Air Flow 100-130 L/Min
Automatic Air Flow Control
Optional ABE1P / A2P Combination Filter
6-12hr Power Battery*
With Breathing Support
No Mask Fit Test Required
Mountain Breeze Odour Filter
* Operating time depending on air flow, at room temperature with a new filter
Two Mask Options.
One Swiss Air System.
Choose between two compatible half masks based on your application
and respiratory protection requirements.
Fabric Half Mask
Loose Fit
Key Features:
- TH3 respiratory protection
- No fit test required
- Lightweight, foldable construction
- Replaceable nose foam
- Adjustable to suit different face shapes
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Suitable for users with facial hair
- Delivers up to 99.8% filtered air
Silicone Half Mask
Tight Fit
Key Features:
- TM3 respiratory protection*
- Available in S, M and L
- Secure silicone face seal
- Integrated viewing window
- Durable construction
- Stable mask shape during breathing
- Up to 99.95% filtered air
* TM3 protection requires successful fit testing, complete ventilation mode and a clean-shaven face. If these conditions are not met, users continue to benefit from TH3 protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right powered respiratory protection depends on your work environment, the airborne hazards present and your site's safety requirements. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about the Optrel Swiss Air PAPR system.
The TH3 Fabric Mask is a loose-fit design that requires no fit testing and accommodates facial hair, delivering up to 99.8% filtered air. The TM3 Silicone Mask is a tight-fit option available in S, M, and L sizes that provides up to 99.95% filtered air when a clean-shaven seal and fit test are completed.
The TH3 loose-fit configuration eliminates conventional fit-testing requirements and allows workers with facial hair to remain fully protected. Its universal design reduces administrative overhead and makes site-wide deployment significantly easier.
Yes. The blower unit is lightweight (550 g) and rear-mounted, keeping weight off the head. This allows seamless compatibility with hard hats, ear defenders, safety glasses, and Optrel welding helmets like the Clearmaxx, Weldcap, or Crystal 2.0.
The system is ideal for high-dust and fume environments across mining operations, including maintenance workshops (welding, grinding, cutting), crusher stations, conveyor transfer points, underground mines (respirable dust and DPM), drill/blast zones, and processing plants.
By replacing single-use disposable masks with a durable, reusable powered airflow system, mining operations reduce ongoing consumable waste while benefiting from continuous positive-pressure protection that lowers breathing resistance.
As Optrel’s official Australian distributor, SMENCO provides local product supply, expert technical guidance, spare parts, and ongoing support tailored to Australian industrial and mining requirements. Contact SMENCO directly to arrange an enquiry or product demo.
Technical Specifications
From adjustable airflow and extended battery life to international respiratory standards, Swiss Air is engineered to deliver dependable respiratory protection across demanding industrial environments.
| Level of Protection | TH3 (EN12941), TM3 (EN12942) |
|---|---|
|
Blower Unit |
|
|
Flow Rates |
Level 1: Min. 100 l/min. |
|
|
Level 2: Min. 115 l/min. |
|
|
Level 3: Min. 130 |/min. |
|
|
All levels with automatic air flow control (levels are set directly on the blower and can be adjusted to
any increment via the control panel at the front). |
|
Materials |
PA66 GF30 |
|
Fan |
High-quality motor with ball bearings |
|
Fuse |
Electronic |
|
Noise |
Max. 70 dBA |
|
Alarm |
Visual (with swiss air control panel) and audible for low/ very low battery charge, clogged filter,
no filter and low air flow |
|
|
Low battery charge level: Alarm frequency 3.0 s (1.5 s on, 1.5 s off) |
|
|
Filter: Alarm frequency 0.5 s (0.25 s on, 0.25 s off) |
|
Dimensions |
(L x W x H): 250 x 170 x 50 mm |
|
Weight |
Blower unit 550 g/entire system 1200 g |
|
Control Panel |
|
|
Reading and Setting Options |
Overview of filter contamination and battery charge status |
|
|
Air flow control adjustable to any increment and on/off switch |
|
|
Altitude and temperature compensation |
|
Connection |
Operating cable with jack plug and cable protection |
|
Material |
|
|
Half Mask |
Visual (with swiss air control panel) and audible for low/ very low battery charge, clogged filter,
no filter and low air flow |
|
Tightfit Half Mask |
Silicone, polyacetal clip, polycarbonate window |
|
Valve |
Exhalation valve with silicone membrane |
|
Standards |
|
|
Standards |
EN 12941; Europe: TH3; |
|
|
EN 12942; Europe: TM3; |
|
|
Australia: PAPR-P3; AS/NZS 1716; |
|
|
EAC TP TC 019/2011 |
|
Notified body |
CE 1024 |
|
ATEX |
II 3D Ex ic IIIB T4 Dc |
|
|
II 3G Ex ic IIB T4 Gc |
