• 3M Filter Replacement Program

    3M Respirator Cartridge and Filter Replacement Program

    This program helps protect workers by efficiently managing the respirator cartridge and filter replacement process. The program assists you in determining how long a 3M™ Gas & Vapour Respirator Cartridge and/or 3M™ Particulate Filter may be used, and includes the procedures and templates needed to document your replacement program. A replacement schedule is a required component of any respiratory protection program, as outlined in AS/NZS 1715.

    Program Benefits Include:
    Environmental Assessment
    Optimise Protection
    Enhanced Inventory and Safety Management

    Get Started:
    A 5-step process designed to help develop and implement a replacement plan for your workplace.


  • Step 1: Current Program Analysis

    The first step is to be sure you have an AS/NZS 1715 compliant respirator program and then review the process for how the respirator cartridges and filters are being replaced in your workplace. This process should follow the principles outlined in AS/NZS 1715.

  • Step 2: Contaminant Identification

    The next step is to identify the contaminants in your workplace using one of these three methods:

    Analysis of Existing Data: Review existing air monitoring data to understand contaminants in your workplace. If contaminants are not known, consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) for potential airborne hazards.

    Workplace Environmental Analysis: Once potential contaminants are identified, 3M Diffusion and Detection Monitors can be used for certain gas or vapour contaminants to determine the average concentration level in the air.

    Consultant Evaluation: Companies that specialise in contaminant evaluation can be found at www.aioh.org.au by selecting “Resources and Find a Consultant."

  • Step 3: Respirator/Filter Selection

    Based on the contaminants and concentrations documented in step two, the 3M™ Select and Service Life Software and Respirator Selection Guide will help determine which respirator is recommended for a given exposure situation. It includes data on 800+ chemicals, including gases, vapours and particulates.

  • Step 4: Respirator Cartridge and Filter Replacement Plan

    The cartridge and filter replacement plan implements a process that helps employees replace their cartridges and filters at the appropriate time. To help establish how frequently cartridges should be replaced, visit 3M™ Select and Service Life Software.

  • Step 5: Program Monitoring

    Ongoing record keeping is important for ensuring long-term compliance to the replacement schedule. It also assists in purchasing and inventory management.