Beware of ‘Oz Safety Filters’ (aftermarket respirator filters)

Alert

Beware of ‘Oz Safety Filters’ (aftermarket respirator filters) ( )

Document Type: Alert
Keycode: Web only
Publication Date: 10 July 2008
Date First Published: 10 July 2008
Summary: This alert identifies a serious risk to users of ‘Oz Safety Filters’. Oz Safety Filters are aftermarket respirator filters marketed by the manufacturer (Omus Pty Ltd or Melpaint Products Pty Ltd) to be used with Sundstrom and 3M face masks. Oz Safety Filters can not be relied upon to adequately protect your health, and in some circumstances may result in exposure to airborne contaminants which may cause serious injury or death.

Beware of ‘Oz Safety Filters’ (aftermarket respirator filters)

This alert identifies a serious risk to users of ‘Oz Safety Filters’.  Oz Safety Filters are aftermarket respirator filters marketed by the manufacturer (Omus Pty Ltd or Melpaint Products Pty Ltd) to be used with Sundstrom and 3M face masks.  Oz Safety Filters can not be relied upon to adequately protect your health, and in some circumstances may result in exposure to airborne contaminants which may cause serious injury or death.

Incident:

WorkSafe Victoria has recently issued a prohibition notice to the manufacturer of Oz Safety Filters prohibiting the supply of Oz Safety Filters for use at Victorian workplaces.

In October 2007, Omus Pty Ltd trading as Oz Safety Filters was successfully prosecuted by the Victorian WorkCover Authority, and was convicted and fined $19,500 for failing to comply with 4 Improvement Notices relating to the manufacture and supply of Oz Safety Filters to Victorian workplaces.  The Director of Omus Pty Ltd, Garry John Walker, was also convicted and fined $7,500 for providing false or misleading documents to an Inspector.

Oz Safety Filters are not manufactured to a quality assurance program which ensures that they can be relied upon to meet AS/NZS 1716:2003 Respiratory protective devices.  Furthermore, Oz Safety Filters are marketed to be used with Sundstrom and 3M face masks.   There is no agreement between the manufacturers to ensure the face masks and Oz Safety Filters are compatible, and that the seal between the two components is complete.

What to do if you have Oz Safety Filters at your workplace?

Do not use the Oz Safety Filters. If you have been using Oz Safety Filters in your workplace, please let us know by contacting the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089.

Respirator face masks are designed to be used only with their own filters.  That is, use only Sundstrom filters with Sundstrom face masks, and 3M filters with 3M face masks.