How Dust Filtration Works with Outback Mask

Workers use easily purchased dust masks to provide nuisance level dust protection, that is comfortable to wear all day. This is done with 3 types of masks:

1) Large Cupped Dust Masks

  • Large cupped dust masks like the 3M 8511 can be inserted into the silicone exoskeleton. Simply fold the mask edges forward, and peel back the silicone lip seal.
  • Adjust and slide into your Outback Mask!
  • Sealing pressure is created from the fabric, not the original straps

2) Small Cupped Dust Masks

  • Smaller cupped dust masks like the 3M 8822 use the silicone exoskeleton as a perimeter seal.
  • Simply place the dust mask into the exoskeleton and carefully into your Outback Mask!
  • Adjust as normal for a good seal.
  • Sealing pressure is created from the fabric, not the original straps

3) Rigid / Mesh Dust Masks

  • The easiest way to boost dust protection with Outback Mask
  • Masks like ProChoice P2 Promesh have enough structure to provide adequate sealing out of the box.
  • Slide the mask into the front pocket and adjust

What is effective dust protection for outdoor workers?

  • Effective dust protection is about the quality of filtration, and the length of time the mask is worn while exposed to the hazard. The best mask provides no help when it's left behind.
  • Outback Mask provides and alternative option when disposable dust masks seal poorly, are uncomfortable, incompatible with other PPE, and aren't providing long term protection to workers. 
  • Outback Mask is not a respirator per AS/NZS 1716:2012. If the worksite hazards require P2 protection, then a P2 mask should be worn according to AS/NZs 1715: 2009

Soft, yet strong

Our patented exoskeleton is soft enough to mould to the wearers face and utilise the mask's metal nose sealing strip.

It's also strong enough to provide structure to the mask which allows sealing to be achieved from the fabric pressure.

The worker only feels soft Polartec Delta fabric on the skin, the silicone exoskeleton is pressed into the fabric behind it.

Breathe easy, without the fog

Patented foam seals are sewn into to each Outback Mask, filling the gap around the nose and improving sealing. This prevents glasses from fogging up. We recommend using dust masks with exhalation valves for best results.

Occupational Lung Diseases

It is estimated that occupational exposure in
Australia contributes to 29% of lung cancers in men and 5.3% of lung cancers in women

1 in 3 Australians are affected by chronic respiratory conditions.

SWA lung statistics

Agriculture and landscaping

Occupational lung diseases include:

  • work-related asthma
  • pneumoconiosis
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • chronic bronchitis
  • Q fever
  • Legionella longbeachae disease
Learn about occupational lung diseases