According to the workplace health and safety authority, these filters are marketed by Omus or Melpaint Products to be used with Sundstrom and 3M face masks. In a safety alert, WorkSafe Victoria warned these filters “can not be relied upon to adequately protect your health”.
It also warned the inefficacies of the filters could lead to exposure to airborne contaminants which could result in serious injury or death.
The authority has issued a prohibition notice to the manufacturer of these filters, prohibiting its supply for use at Victorian workplaces.
In October 2007, the company was successfully prosecuted and was convicted and fined $19,500. It was charged for failing to comply with four Improvement Notices relating to the manufacture and supply of Oz Safety Filters to Victorian workplaces.
The Director of Omus, Garry John Walker, was also convicted and fined $7500 for providing false or misleading documents to an Inspector.
The filters are not manufactured to a quality assurance program, and thus are not certified to meet the AS/NZS 1716:2003 Respiratory protective devices standard.
There is also no agreement between Sundstrom, 3M and Omus for product interoperability. The seal between the face masks and the filters might not be complete. Face masks should only be fitted with compatible filters from the original manufacturers.
Workplaces which have Oz Safety Filters are urged to contact the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089.