After trials with our members, discussions with other fire services and internal research, reusable half-face respirators will be provided for bushfire operations because they are comfortable to wear, work well and are suitable for operational use.
CFA has purchased more than 30,000 X-plore 3500 respirators plus supporting equipment including replaceable cartridges, cleaning wipes and storage bags.
The equipment is part of the $4.1m Wildfire Respiratory Protection Project funded by the State Government.
Using replaceable ABEK HgP3 filter cartridges, these respirators are designed to provide a high level of protection against a broad range of airborne contaminants that can be present in bushfire smoke including particulates, organic gases, inorganic gases, acid gases and ammonia.
While this equipment won’t replace the current disposable P2 masks issued to members, it represents an important enhancement over the P2 masks, which provide protection against particulates.
Large-scale rollout of respirators planned
While details and locations are being finalised, the rollout is expected to begin in November 2026, with the aim of getting individual and brigade appliance kits to our members as efficiently as possible.
Each individual kit will include an X-plore 3500 half-face respirator (available in small, medium or large), along with a pair of cartridges, a Quick Reference Guide and a drawstring storage bag.
Brigade vehicle kits will include seven replacement cartridge sets for operational use. Sufficient cleaning wipes will also be provided with these kits to support the cleaning and maintenance of the respirators.
Briefings have been held with regional teams to support an informed and effective rollout once supplies are ready for shipment.
Further information will be provided to members with timeframes for delivery of the new masks to their district and brigade as the rollout progresses.
Getting the right fit
Brigades will be supplied with sizing gauges, along with instructions, to ensure members receive the correct size respirator. Members will be encouraged to check their size before using the respirator.
Once supplied and fitted, members will be required to maintain their respiratory mask as part of their Wildfire PPE/C kit.
Member awareness package
An awareness package will be made available on the Learning Hub closer to the rollout. Members will be encouraged to complete the package which includes information on how to size, fit, don and doff the new respirators, and any limitations.
A hard-copy quick reference guide will be provided with every individual kit and an electronic version will also be available on Members Online.
Acting DCO Operational Response and Coordination Brendan Lawson said the new masks represented an important enhancement to the current P2 mask.
“This initiative forms part of CFA's ongoing commitment to member safety and protecting members from the hazards encountered during bushfire operations,” Brendan said.
“The half-face respirators are well suited to the demands of bushfire operations and are designed to provide protection against a broad range of potential exposures when fitted and used as directed.
“It’s about giving our members options to support them in the challenging conditions they face during bushfire operations.”
Information will be continually updated, so make sure you bookmark the page to keep up to date with the project and rollout.