NSW Government issues new order on breathing apparatus standards

By Staff Writer on August 18, 2025
Safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ESG, Legislative Updates
Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley, Cobar Basin, Central West Region
Lead, Precious Metals, Gold, Base Metals, Copper, Zinc, Energy Minerals, Coal (Thermal and Metallurgical)

The New South Wales Government has introduced a new safety order setting standards for breathing apparatus used in underground coal mines.

The Standards for Breathing Apparatus to Assist Escape (Including Self-Rescuers) Order 2025 commenced on 25 July 2025 following publication in the NSW Government Gazette. Issued by Anthony Margetts, Chief Inspector at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the order replaces the 2022 design order.

The order requires all breathing apparatus designs to meet the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1716:2012 for respiratory protective devices, or provide an equivalent level of safety. Designs must undergo performance testing in independent facilities accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) or by international organisations recognised under the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement.

Designers must specify technical standards or engineering principles where alternative methods are applied and document the impact of any alterations to registered designs on the apparatus as a whole.

The order applies to breathing apparatus used to assist escape, including self-rescuers, in underground coal mines across New South Wales.

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