Respiratory protective equipment isn't one-size-fits-all, and using the wrong type for the job can leave workers under-protected. Here's a practical breakdown of the two most common types of face protection sold in Australian workplaces.
Surgical and medical face masks
Surgical masks (sometimes called Level 1, 2 or 3 masks under AS 4381) are designed primarily to stop the wearer's own respiratory droplets from reaching others, and to provide the wearer with some splash protection. They are loose-fitting by design, which means they do not filter out fine airborne particles or seal against the face. Level 2 and Level 3 masks add higher fluid resistance for clinical or higher-risk environments, but the fit standard doesn't change — they're a barrier, not a respirator.
P2 respirators
P2 respirators (Australia's equivalent to the N95 standard used in the US, tested under AS/NZS 1716) are built to filter out at least 94% of very fine airborne particles when properly fitted. Unlike a surgical mask, a P2 respirator is designed to seal against the contours of the face. That seal is what does the work, so a respirator that doesn't fit properly offers far less protection than the rating on the box suggests.
Which one does your workplace need?
As a general guide: reach for a surgical mask when the goal is basic hygiene, fluid splash protection, or reducing droplet spread in a clinical or customer-facing setting. Reach for a P2 respirator when workers are exposed to fine dust, particulates, smoke, or airborne contaminants — construction, manufacturing, spray painting, and bushfire-smoke conditions are common examples. If you're unsure which category your workplace hazard falls into, it's worth checking your industry's WHS guidance or speaking with your safety officer, since the right choice depends on the specific hazard rather than a single rule of thumb.
Fit matters as much as the rating
A P2 respirator only performs to spec when it seals properly — facial hair, an incorrect size, or a loose nose clip can all break the seal. Encourage staff to do a quick seal check every time they put one on: cup both hands over the mask and exhale sharply, checking for air escaping around the edges.
Buying in bulk
Because respirators and masks are single-use items, workplaces that go through them daily are usually better off buying by the carton rather than the box — it works out cheaper per unit and means you're not reordering every week. You can browse our current Bulk Deals for carton pricing on P2 respirators and surgical masks.