Published: March 2026 | By Anitech Occupational Hygiene Team
Part of our Mask Fit Testing Australia: Complete Guide →
N95 and P2 are often used interchangeably in Australian workplaces, media, and health communications—particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic made respirators household vocabulary. Yet they are not identical. They come from different regulatory systems, have slightly different filter efficiencies, and are recognized differently by Australian authorities. For employers and workers making fit testing decisions, understanding these differences is important. This guide explains what N95 and P2 actually are, how they differ, whether they’re equivalent for Australian workplaces, and what it means for fit testing.
What Is P2?
P2 is the Australian and New Zealand respirator classification defined in AS/NZS 1716:2012 — Respiratory protective devices—Particle filtering half masks.
Filter efficiency: A P2 respirator filters at least 94% of particles ≥0.3 micrometres (measured using a sodium chloride test as per the standard).
Visual marking: P2 respirators carry the “P2” marking or “FFP2” (the equivalent European marking). The product will also bear the Standards Australia (SAI Global) mark indicating AS/NZS 1716 certification.
What “P2” guarantees: Filter efficiency. The P2 designation guarantees that the filter meets or exceeds 94% efficiency against the test aerosol. What it does NOT guarantee: it fits the wearer’s face. That is what fit testing is for.
Examples of Australian P2 respirators:
– 3M 8320 P2
– Moldex 2200 N95
– Honeywell DF300 P2
– Cambridge Mask
– Most mainstream “surgical-style” masks sold in Australian pharmacies post-COVID that are marked P2
Scope: P2 is the standard for half-mask respirators (particle filtering only). There is no P2 full-face respirator; full-face respirators are classified separately and have higher protection factors.
What Is N95?
N95 is a US classification defined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Filter efficiency: An N95 filters at least 95% of particles ≥0.3 micrometres (measured using a sodium chloride test, similar to the P2 test).
Marking: N95 respirators carry the “N95” designation. “N” stands for “Not oil-resistant,” distinguishing it from “R95” (somewhat oil-resistant) or “P95” (strongly oil-resistant).
Regulatory recognition in Australia: N95s are not inherently Australian products. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) introduced a fast-track pathway to list N95 respirators for healthcare use in Australia. TGA-listed N95s are now widely used in Australian hospitals, aged care, and healthcare settings. Post-pandemic, infection control guidelines (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, NHMRC) continue to recommend P2/N95 respirators for aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).
Examples of N95 respirators available in Australia:
– 3M 1860 N95 (healthcare-specific)
– 3M 9320 N95
– Honeywell 1005 N95
– 3M Aura N95 (TGA-listed)
Scope: Like P2, N95 applies to half-mask, particle-filtering respirators. Full-face N95 equivalents do not exist; full-face respirators use different nomenclature.
P2 vs N95: Filter Efficiency
On paper:
– P2 = ≥94% filtration efficiency
– N95 = ≥95% filtration efficiency
The difference (1%) is negligible. Both are equally protective against particles, dusts, biological aerosols, and other non-volatile hazards. From an occupational safety standpoint, P2 and N95 are in the same protection class. Neither is meaningfully superior to the other for general industrial or healthcare use.
The difference between them is less significant than the difference between a well-fitting P2 and a poorly-fitting N95. A tight-fitting P2 (fit factor 100+) outperforms a loose-fitting N95 (fit factor <10) many times over.
P2 vs N95: Regulatory Recognition and Certification
This is where differences matter.
Australian Workplaces (Non-Healthcare)
The standard: AS/NZS 1716:2012 defines P2 respirators. This is the benchmark standard referenced in Australian Work Health and Safety Regulations and approved codes of practice.
What this means:
– WorkSafe inspectors expect to see P2 respirators (or higher protection) in Australian workplaces
– A respirator marked AS/NZS 1716 (P2) is the assured choice for occupational use
– An N95 that is not marked AS/NZS 1716 may not be accepted by WorkSafe as the approved respiratory protection device
Practical implication: For general Australian industry (construction, mining, manufacturing, agriculture), procure AS/NZS 1716 certified P2 respirators. Do not assume an unmarked N95 meets the same standard.
Healthcare in Australia
The standards: NHMRC/ICEG infection control guidelines recommend P2 or equivalent (N95) for AGPs. During COVID-19, the TGA established a pathway to list N95 respirators specifically for healthcare use.
What this means:
– TGA-listed N95s are approved for healthcare respiratory protection
– Most hospital procurement policies specify “TGA-listed” N95s or P2s
– TGA listing implies quality assurance and regulatory oversight
– However, TGA listing does not eliminate the need for fit testing
Practical implication: For healthcare settings in Australia, use TGA-listed N95 respirators or AS/NZS 1716 P2 respirators. Check your hospital or facility’s procurement list; most specify one or the other (or both).
Are They Equivalent?
For filter efficiency: Yes, essentially. P2 (94%) and N95 (95%) are interchangeable from a protection standpoint.
For regulatory recognition in Australian workplaces: Not quite. P2 (AS/NZS 1716) is the explicit standard for non-healthcare occupational use. N95s without AS/NZS 1716 marking are not the preferred choice.
For regulatory recognition in Australian healthcare: Yes, if TGA-listed. TGA-listed N95s are recognized as equivalent to P2 for healthcare infection control.
For fit testing purposes: This is critical: NO. Fit testing is specific to the model and size, not the filter classification. An N95 and a P2, even if made by the same manufacturer and similar in appearance, are different products and require separate fit testing.
Do You Need a Separate Fit Test for Each?
Absolutely yes. This is one of the most important points for employers and workers.
If you are fit-tested on a 3M 8320 P2 and then issued a 3M 9320 N95 (different model, same brand), the fit test for the 8320 does NOT cover the 9320. You must undergo fit testing on the 9320.
The logic: fit testing is about achieving an adequate seal on a specific model. Different models have different geometry (nose cup shape, seal line curvature, strap design), even from the same manufacturer. A fit factor of 100+ on one model does not guarantee a fit on another.
Practical scenario: A healthcare worker is fit-tested in 2024 on a Honeywell 1005 P2 for general ward use. In 2026, the hospital switches to 3M 1860 N95 for AGP procedures. The worker is not fit-tested for the 1860. Result: the worker is not fit-tested for the actual respirator they’re using. This is non-compliant with AS/NZS 1715:2009.
Solution: Any time a worker is issued a different respirator model (whether P2 to N95, P2 to P2 of a different brand, or N95 to N95 of a different model), fit testing must be repeated for the new model.
TGA Requirements and Fit Testing
An important clarification: TGA listing of an N95 applies to the device’s approval for use in healthcare. It does not override the need for fit testing.
What TGA listing covers:
– Confirming that the filter and device meet specified efficiency standards
– Verifying manufacturing and quality control
– Confirming that the product is appropriate for healthcare use
What TGA listing does NOT cover:
– Individual fit testing (every wearer must still be fit-tested)
– Establishing fit factors for that specific model
– Exempting the device from AS/NZS 1715:2009 requirements
Practical implication: A healthcare worker using a TGA-listed N95 must still undergo fit testing with that specific model. TGA approval of the device does not replace fit testing of the worker.
Which Should Australian Workplaces Use?
General Industry (Non-Healthcare)
Use: AS/NZS 1716 certified P2 respirators
Why:
– P2 is the standard explicitly referenced in WHS Regulations and approved codes of practice
– WorkSafe inspectors expect to see AS/NZS 1716 marking
– Procuring from Australian suppliers ensures AS/NZS 1716 certification
– Equivalent protection to N95 for particle hazards
Fit testing: All P2 users must be fit-tested with the specific P2 model in use. RESP-FIT accredited fit testers conduct these tests. Fit testing should meet AS/NZS ISO 16975-3:2023 standards (quantitative fit test for initial fit; qualitative or quantitative for annual re-tests).
Healthcare in Australia
Use: TGA-listed N95 or AS/NZS 1716 P2, depending on your facility’s procurement policy
Why:
– TGA-listed N95s are approved for healthcare use and meet high quality standards
– AS/NZS 1716 P2s are equally acceptable and may be more readily available
– NHMRC/ICEG guidelines recommend both as equivalent for infection control
– Check your facility’s approved list before procurement
Fit testing: All users of either N95 or P2 must be fit-tested with the specific model in use. This applies equally whether you’ve chosen TGA-listed N95s or AS/NZS 1716 P2s.
Import and Grey-Market N95s
A caution: not all N95s sold in Australia are TGA-listed. Retailers, particularly online, often stock non-registered N95s from international suppliers. These may be legitimate NIOSH-certified US N95s, but they lack TGA approval for healthcare use and may lack AS/NZS 1716 marking for occupational use.
For healthcare: Do not use non-TGA-listed N95s. Use only TGA-listed devices.
For general industry: Do not use unmarked N95s. Use only AS/NZS 1716 certified P2s.
Grey-market respirators create compliance gaps and may not meet Australian standards.
Fit Testing Implications
The key takeaway for fit testing:
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Fit testing is always model-specific. A worker fit-tested on a P2 is not automatically fit-tested for an N95, even if both are from the same manufacturer.
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Filter classification (P2 vs N95) does not determine fit testing requirements. The question is not “Should I fit-test this P2 or this N95?” The question is “Should I fit-test this specific model?” The answer is always yes for tight-fitting respirators.
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Changing from P2 to N95 or vice versa requires new fit testing. If your workplace switches from P2 to N95 (or vice versa), every worker must be fit-tested on the new model. Do not assume carry-over fit testing.
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Fit testing is conducted using AS/NZS ISO 16975-3:2023 protocols, regardless of whether the model is P2 or N95. Both use the same fit testing methodology; the filter classification is irrelevant to the fit test.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: “N95 is for healthcare; P2 is for industry.”
Reality: Both are for both. P2 is commonly used in healthcare; N95s are sometimes used in industry. The distinction is not “who uses it” but regulatory approval pathway.
Misconception 2: “TGA-listed N95 means it’s better than P2.”
Reality: TGA listing means healthcare approval; it does not indicate superiority. The 95% vs 94% filter efficiency difference is negligible.
Misconception 3: “If a P2 fits me, an N95 will fit me.”
Reality: Different models, different fit. Always fit-test new models.
Misconception 4: “N95 is an Australian standard.”
Reality: N95 is a US NIOSH classification. P2 is the Australian/NZ standard. N95s may be TGA-listed for healthcare, but that is not the same as being an Australian standard.
Making the Practical Choice
If you are an employer or procurement manager choosing between P2 and N95:
Step 1: Determine your sector
– Non-healthcare: Use AS/NZS 1716 certified P2
– Healthcare: Use TGA-listed N95 or AS/NZS 1716 P2 (check your facility’s approved list)
Step 2: Procure from reputable suppliers
– Confirm AS/NZS 1716 marking (P2) or TGA listing (N95)
– Avoid grey-market or unmarked respirators
Step 3: Plan fit testing
– Arrange fit testing for all tight-fitting respirator users
– Ensure your fit testing provider is RESP-FIT accredited
– Test the specific model(s) you’ve procured
– Schedule annual re-testing
Step 4: Document
– Keep fit testing records for each worker and model
– Update when models change
– Maintain as part of your respiratory protection program documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a P2 “weaker” than an N95 because 94% < 95%?
No. The 1% difference in filtration efficiency is within normal testing variation and has negligible impact on protective effect. A well-fitted P2 (fit factor 100+) provides vastly more protection than a loosely-fitting N95. Fit is more important than the 1% filtration difference.
Q2: Can I buy N95 masks online from overseas and use them in my Australian workplace?
Technically, if they are NIOSH-certified N95s, they meet the filter efficiency of P2. However, they lack AS/NZS 1716 marking, which is the Australian workplace standard. WorkSafe may not accept them as compliant respiratory protection. For assured compliance, use AS/NZS 1716 certified P2s from Australian or authorized suppliers.
Q3: Our hospital switched from P2 to TGA-listed N95. Do our workers need new fit testing?
Yes. The model changed (P2 to N95), so fit testing must be repeated. Even if the same manufacturer supplied both, they are different products and require separate fit tests. Schedule fit testing immediately with your RESP-FIT accredited provider.
Q4: I’ve heard N95 is “not recommended for oil mists.” Is that true?
Partially. Standard N95 (the “N”) is not oil-resistant. In environments with oil mist (machine workshops, metal spinning), an oil-resistant mask (R95 or P2 equivalent) is more appropriate because the filter media can be degraded by oil exposure. However, for general healthcare and occupational use without oil exposure, N95 is fine. The distinction matters in specific industries (machining, automotive).
Q5: Do N95s require fit testing differently than P2s?
No. Both use the same fit testing protocols: AS/NZS ISO 16975-3:2023 standards. Qualitative fit testing (saccharin, isoamyl acetate) and quantitative fit testing (CNC/PortaCount) work the same for N95 and P2. The filter classification does not change the fit testing method.
Q6: Can a worker fit-tested on an N95 use a P2 without re-testing?
No. Each model requires its own fit testing. If the model changed (N95 to P2), even if they’re the same size and shape, they are different products and require separate fit tests.
Q7: Is P2 an international standard or just Australian?
P2 is Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS 1716:2012). The equivalent European standard is FFP2. Other countries use similar classifications. For international workplaces (e.g., multinational companies), confirm which standard (P2, FFP2, N95, KN95) is accepted by local WorkSafe authorities.
Related Resources
- AS/NZS 1716:2012 — Respiratory protective devices — Full standard available from Standards Australia (standardsaustralia.com.au)
- TGA List of Listed Respiratory Protective Devices — Check for TGA-approved N95s at tga.gov.au
- NHMRC Infection Control Guidelines — Recommendations on P2/N95 use in healthcare
- Anitech Fit Testing Service — RESP-FIT accredited fit testing for P2, N95, and other respirators; book a fit test →
- AS/NZS 1715 Fit Testing Standards Explained → — Full guide to fit testing standards and requirements
- Failed Fit Test? Solutions and Alternatives → — What to do if fit testing doesn’t work out
Clarity and Compliance in Every Fit Test
Whether you choose P2 or N95, fit testing is non-negotiable. Anitech’s RESP-FIT accredited fit testers understand both standards, maintain current model inventory, and ensure every worker is tested on the exact respiratory protection device they’ll use. Contact us today to fit-test your workforce and ensure AS/NZS 1715 compliance. Get in touch →
