Negative Pressure Units (NPU) for Asbestos Removal

  

Negative Pressure Units

Australian Distribution

Allens Industrial Products are the Australian distributor for SMH Products who are a leading manufacturer of specialist equipment to all industries and sectors where workers are at risk of contamination. From their manufacturing base in South Shields, SMH design and build specialist decontamination equipment that deal with asbestos removal and can also be adapted for a range of industries and different hazardous materials.

 

Negative Pressure Units (NPU)

Negative Pressure Units are commonly called NPUs play a critical role in preventing the escape of airborne asbestos fibres from an enclosed asbestos removal work area. The Code of Practice on How to Safely Remove Asbestos has the below information.

  • Exhaust extraction fans should be installed to create a ‘negative’ air pressure of approximately -12 Pa (water gauge) within the enclosed area. This may require the use of more than one negative pressure exhaust unit.
  • The negative pressure exhaust unit should be positioned opposite the decontamination unit to enable laminar (smooth) air flow.
  • The air entering the asbestos removal work area passes through the decontamination unit or point-of-entry while the air extracted passes through a HEPA filter to remove any asbestos before it is discharged to the outside. If this is not possible, consideration should be given to how to set up the enclosure, decontamination unit and negative pressure exhaust unit to enable optimum smooth flow of air through the enclosure so as to minimise dead air pockets.

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Airflow of the Negative Pressure Units

Airflow inside an enclosure is critical for the reduction of airborne asbestos. as noted in the code of practice consideration should be given to how to set up the enclosure, decontamination unit and negative pressure exhaust unit to enable optimum smooth flow of air through the enclosure so as to minimise dead air pockets. All Negative Pressure Units sold through Allens Industrial Products are airflow tested prior to sale to assist with the selection process.

 

DOP Testing of the Negative Pressure Units

A Dispersed Oil Particulate (DOP) test, as mentioned in the Australian Standard IEC 60335.2.69 Section AA.22.201.2, is a cost effective, definitive, factual test used around the world in many mature asbestos removal industries to test an appliance's efficiency. This is a critical step to ensure that there are no leaks in your H.E.P.A filter or in the seals inside your machine, ensuring the 99.995% efficiency requirement. All Negative Pressure Units sold through Allens Industrial Products are supplied with a valid DOP certificate.

 

What is the difference between an air scrubber and a negative pressure unit?

An Air Scrubber or as sometimes called an Air Filtration Device, are commonly used in the mould remediation industry and are used to improve the quality of the air or on restoration projects where airborne contaminants are present or will be created/disturbed during the restoration process, such as mould, dust, fumes, etc.

With a Hepa filter efficiency of 99.97% these capture a wide range of compounds and prevents organism migration from location to location.

 

A Negative Pressure Unit is designed to create negative pressure inside an enclosure to prevent the escape of airborne particles. Air is drawn into the unit by a powerful motor and through a series of filters, with each filter operating with a higher efficiency than the last.

Typically, this will be a two-stage process: a pleated pre-filter which removes all larger particulates from the air, down to 10μm in diameter, and a secondary filter, typically a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter which captures smaller particulates. A HEPA filter captures at least 99.995% preventing the escape of airborne asbestos fibres from an enclosed asbestos removal work area. The NPU'S supplied with a current DOP certificate from time of purchase.

 

 

Models available

As mentioned above airflow plays a critical role for Negative Pressure Units so there are a number of different models available for all size jobs.

 

SMH500 NPU AMS1500 NPU. Buy NPU'S at Allens Industrial Products

SMH500 Negative Pressure Unit

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Rated 5/5 by professionals

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AMS 1500 Negative Pressure Unit

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Rated 5/5 by asbestos removal crews

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The NPU 500 is a portable, lightweight unit designed to provide a nominal airflow of 619 m³/hr. Ideal for small working areas. The AMS 1500 produces an approximate airflow of 2200m³/hr nominal Ideal for small to medium size working areas. 

 

SMH2500 Negative Pressure Unit

 

SMH5000 Negative Pressure Unit

SMH NPU2500 Negative Pressure Unit

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Highly rated for medium to large worksites

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SMH5000 Negative Pressure Unit

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Top choice for high-volume asbestos removal

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The SMH2500 Negative Pressure unit powerful motor provides a huge nominal airflow of 2750m³/hr for what is still a relatively compact size and lightweight. Ideal for Medium to large size working areas. SMH5000 Negative Pressure Unit powerful motors provide a huge nominal airflow of 5200m³/hr for what is still a relatively compact size and lightweight. Ideal for Large size working areas.

Negative Pressure Unit Comparison

Model Airflow (m³/hr) Ideal Use Case Weight Material DOP Tested Notes
SMH500 619 Small enclosures 19 kg Lightweight design Yes Compact and portable; ideal for domestic and light commercial work.
AMS1500 2200 Small to medium enclosures 48 kg Polypropylene Yes Durable mid-range unit.
SMH NPU2500 2750 Medium to large enclosures 46 kg Moulded polyethylene Yes Weld-free body; compact and lightweight design.
SMH5000 5200 Large-scale enclosures 65 kg Compact design Yes High airflow; ideal for large asbestos removal zones.

 

 

Need More Asbestos Removal Products?

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Everything you need for safe and compliant asbestos removal — all in one place.

 

Shop Our Range of Negative Pressure Units

Ensure safety and compliance during asbestos removal projects with high-performance NPUs from Allens Industrial Products.

SMH500 Negative Pressure Unit

SMH500 Negative Pressure Unit

Compact and portable. Ideal for smaller enclosures or spot remediation tasks.

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AMS 1500 Negative Pressure Unit

AMS 1500 Negative Pressure Unit

Heavy-duty unit for medium-sized asbestos removal zones. Reliable airflow and durability.

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SMH NPU2500

SMH NPU2500

Delivers over 2700 m³/hr airflow. Perfect for large-scale containment work.

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SMH5000 Negative Pressure Unit

SMH5000 Negative Pressure Unit

High-capacity NPU for major remediation projects and large enclosures.

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Frequently Asked Questions NPU'S

Got questions about choosing, using, or maintaining negative pressure units for asbestos removal? You're in the right place. Browse the answers below to learn more about fit, filters, usage best practices, and how to find the right gear for your workplace.

What size Negative Pressure unit do I need?

This will depend on the size of the enclosure and many other factors and is job specific. Please feel free to contact us with any requirements.

Are there servicing requirements for Negative Pressure Units?

Yes and we recommend having the units serviced every 6 months to maintain efficiency. This includes a DOP Testing and Airflow Test.

What does DOP Stand for?

DOP stands for Dispersed Oil Particulate. The test is performed to ensure that there are no leaks in your HEPA filter or in the seals inside your machine, ensuring the 99.995% efficiency requirement.

What airflow capacities do your Negative Pressure Units offer?

We stock a range of SMH units including models rated from 600 m³/hr to 5200 m³/hr to suit both small-scale and large-scale asbestos enclosures. Each unit is clearly labelled with its airflow output.

What is the benefit of the SMH500 Negative Pressure Unit?

The SMH500 is lightweight, compact, and ideal for small enclosures or spot-removal jobs. It runs on a standard 240V power supply and features ergonomic handles for easy transport—making it perfect for domestic and light commercial work.

What is the airflow of the SMH5000 Negative Pressure Unit?

The SMH5000 delivers a powerful airflow of 5200 m³/hr, making it suitable for medium to large enclosures. It helps maintain proper negative pressure and is often used in large asbestos removal zones or commercial-scale worksites.

What are the benefits of the moulded body design on SMH units?

The seamless moulded plastic design reduces potential leak points and enhances durability. It also makes the unit easier to clean and decontaminate, which is essential when working in hazardous environments like asbestos removal zones.

How do I monitor negative air pressure of approximately -12 Pa within the enclosed area?

We recommend the Omniguard Differential Pressure Monitor. Real-time monitoring with easy data transfer.

Are Negative Pressure Units kept in stock?

Yes! We carry SMH Products Negative Pressure Units in all our branches and can dispatch around Australia.

How do I order a Negative Pressure Unit?

A NPU can be ordered online, or by contacting us via phone or email.

Do you offer delivery & collection?

We offer nationwide delivery & collection service from our branches in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Your local branch will arrange this with you and let you know the costs.

 

Get the Right Negative Pressure Unit for Your Project

Choosing the right Negative Pressure Unit is crucial for safe, compliant, and effective asbestos removal. At Allens Industrial Products, we supply industry-leading NPUs, air monitoring equipment, and full asbestos removal solutions — backed by over 40 years of Australian industry expertise.

Need help selecting the best model for your job? Contact our expert team for personalised advice, competitive pricing, and fast nationwide delivery.

Protect your workers, stay compliant, and keep your projects moving safely — trust Allens Industrial Products for all your asbestos removal needs.

 

Why Choose Allens?

Trusted by Australian industries for over 40 years, we deliver dependable Negative Pressure Units and Decontamination solutions with certified products, fast shipping, and expert support.

Industry Expertise

Over 40 Years of Industry Expertise

Fast Delivery

Fast & Reliable Australia-Wide Delivery

Maximum Protection

Industry-Leading Brands for Maximum Protection

Certified Equipment

DOP Certificate