About the valve

The exhalation valve makes a real difference to comfort, it lets heat and moisture out, so the mask does not become the thing everyone quietly pulls down at 2pm. That comfort is a safety feature, because an uncomfortable mask is a mask that comes off.

The trade-off is worth understanding: a valve vents exhaled air unfiltered. That is fine for dust protection, which is what this mask is for. It is not appropriate where the wearer must not release anything into the environment, clean rooms, sterile work, or source control of infectious aerosols. For those, use an unvalved P2.

More features

• Moulded Cup Shape holds form under load rather than collapsing onto the face
• Adjustable Nose Clip closes the leak path above the bridge of the nose
• Latex Free
• Single Use replace each shift, or sooner if breathing resistance rises or the mask is damaged

• Model: DTC3M-F
• Classification: P2 particulate filter
• Standard: AS/NZS 1716:2012
• Style: Moulded cup with exhalation valve
• Harness: Twin elastic head loops
• Nose seal: Adjustable metal nose clip with foam cushion
• Colour: White with blue harness
• Latex: Latex free
• Service life: Single use — replace each shift or when breathing resistance increases
• Packing: 10 per box, 20 boxes per carton

P2 and silica dust

Under AS/NZS 1716, P2 is the filter class rated for moderate hazards including respirable crystalline silica, welding fume and biological aerosols. It is the standard choice for construction silica work: concrete cutting, grinding, drilling and demolition.

Since 1 September 2024 the NSW WHS (Crystalline Silica Substances) Regulation has required PCBUs to control silica processing, run a silica risk assessment and control plan, carry out air monitoring, provide health monitoring, and train workers on the risk. Respiratory protection sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls, not the top — it belongs alongside on-tool extraction, water suppression and HEPA air scrubbing, not instead of them.

Where a risk assessment calls for a higher protection factor, or where a wearer repeatedly fails fit testing on a disposable, step up to a full-face P2 or a powered air purifying respirator. Talk to us and we will get you into the right class.

Before you order in bulk

A P2 only works if it seals. Under AS/NZS 1715 respirators require fit testing, and a mask that has not been fit tested to the individual wearing it cannot be relied on to deliver its rated protection.

Two things follow from that. First, the wearer must be clean shaven where the mask meets the face, stubble breaks the seal and no amount of nose-clip adjustment fixes it. Second, before you standardise a whole crew on one model, fit test it on that crew. Faces differ. A mask that seals beautifully on one person may fail on the next.

Ordering for a team? Talk to us before you commit to a carton and we will help you sort out fit testing first.

Is P2 enough for silica?

P2 is the filter class specified for construction silica work when correctly fitted. Whether it is enough for your task depends on your exposure assessment, and RPE is the last line of control, not the first. Explore

Is P2 the same as N95?

Close, not identical. P2 is the AS/NZS 1716 class filtering at least 94% of particles; N95 is the US NIOSH class at 95%. In Australia, respirators used as RPE must be certified to and marked with AS/NZS 1716.

Can I use it for asbestos?

Asbestos work has its own RPE requirements and a higher protection factor is commonly specified. Check your removal control plan and talk to us, we will get you into the right class rather than sell you the wrong one.

Will it work with a beard?

No. A disposable respirator cannot seal against facial hair. Clean shaven, or move to a powered air purifying respirator with a hood.

How long does one last?

Single use, one shift. Replace sooner if breathing resistance increases, the mask gets wet or dirty, or it is damaged.

Do you supply fit testing?

Get in touch and we will point you to an accredited provider within our network.