Respiratory Protection for Bushfires

Selection of Masks Filters Bushfire Protection Kits Other solutions for bushfires Contact us

Reducing potential respiratory health risks for people exposed to bushfires

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During a bushfire, the combustion of natural forest fuels and foreign materials can release toxic gases and particulate matter. The toxic air pollutants within bushfire smoke can pose potential health risks to people exposed to bushfire, including firefighters and general public. Using suitable respiratory protection can help to avoid irritation or damage to respiratory organs.

During the combustion of materials within a bushfire, various sizes of particles including ultrafine particles of carbon material are produced and present in the smoke haze. Depending on the weather conditions, these particles can spread beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.

Different toxic gases such as Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Formaldehyde, Acrolein, Volatile Organic Compounds and other acidic and inorganic gases^[1] are also produced. Toxic pollutants can also be present in the residues in fire damaged areas.

Selection of respiratory protection for bushfires

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Where hazardous substances pose a threat or make safe breathing difficult, it is important to select the appropriate respiratory protection equipment. This process can be multifaceted as it depends on different variables present during bushfires like location, duration and application. Generally, the goal of any respiratory protection is to provide maximum security with the least amount of discomfort.

Disposable Respirators

A P2 disposable mask is ideal when it can be certain only particulate toxics and no gaseous contaminants are present.

Half Mask

For protection against bushfire smoke, you can use a half-face mask with ABEK Hg P3 combination filter. Adequate eye protection should be worn if using a half face mask.

Full-face Mask

A full-face mask with ABEK Hg P3 combination filter can provide eye and face protection with its impact rated visor along with respiratory protection from particles and smoke.

Filters for reusable respirators

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You can use your reusable respirator mask with a ABEK Hg P3 combination filter to clean the air from particulates, gases and/or vapours. The life of a replaceable filter depends upon the class and conditions of use. The following factors can affect the service life of a filter:

Combination and concentration of contaminants
Temperature and humidity
Duration of use and breathing rate of the user

The end of service life is generally recognisable by:

a noticeable taste or smell of the contaminant in gas filters
an increased breathing resistance in particle filters
a noticeable taste or smell and/or an increased breathing resistance in combination filters

Never use any kind of filtering respiratory protection device:

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• In oxygen deficient atmospheres

• In poorly ventilated areas or confined spaces

• Where the concentrations are unknown

• Where the contaminant has poor or no warning properties (smell, taste or irritation) such as CO.

If you need guidance to select the right respiratory protection for bushfires, our Dräger safety specialists can support you.

X-plore 3500 Bushfire Kit

What’s in the box:

Dräger X-plore® 3500 Half Mask, size S, M or L (1 pc.)
Dräger X-plore® ABEK1Hg-P3 Combination Filter (2 pcs.)
Dräger X-pect® 4200 Goggle Series (1 pc.)
DAISYquick Cleaning Cloths (10 pcs.)
Reusable Carrying Cotton Bag (1 pc.)

Benefits:

Half mask optimized for quick donning and doffing – without the need to remove the head protection
Flat design with unrestricted field of vision/perception
Optimized design to minimise penetration by embers
Good wearing comfort and optimal fit, even in high temperature environments

* Available in three different sizes; small, medium and large.

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X-plore 5500 Bushfire Kit

What’s in the box:

1 Dräger X-plore® 5500 Full-face Mask
2 Dräger X-plore® ABEK1Hg-P3 Combination Filter
10 DAISYquick Cleaning Cloths
1 Reusable Carrying Cotton Bag

Benefits:

A double sealing frame with threefold sealing edges offers safe protection and a secure fit
Large 180° field of view with fire rated polycarbonate visor
Efficient ventilation system
5-point harness allows quick and easy donning
easier breathing with lower resistance

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Please note:

The choice of personal protective equipment depends on the specific conditions of use. The respiratory protection kits offered above is only a recommendation. It is intended to protect users from smoke and gases present during a forest/vegetation fire event.
The respiratory kit alone may be insufficient for protection whilst undertaking firefighting activities as only trained personnel should become involved in firefighting activities.
The best protection from any respiratory hazard is avoidance. Stay out of smoke as much as practicable.