Airprotex AF SuitInstructions for use

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ContentsGeneral Information ..................................................................................1Warnings & Limitations ............................................................................1Pre-Checks ....................................................................................................2Use of fl owmeter ........................................................................................2Checking the low fl ow warning device ..............................................3Donning procedure ...................................................................................3Fitting gloves into the optional Respirex ‘O’ ring cuff ...................6Doffi ng procedure .....................................................................................6Emergency procedure ..............................................................................6Storage & Transportation ........................................................................6Cleaning .........................................................................................................7Sizing ..............................................................................................................7

General InformationThe Respirex Airprotex AF suit forms part of a modular compressed air line breathing apparatus system, breathing air is supplied from an external compressed air source providing pressure. Air fl owing into the suit must comply with the requirements detailed in EN12021:1998.

The Airprotex AF suit is type approved for use with the following items of compressed air line breathing apparatus:

In combination with a breather pack attached to the inside of the suit that is connected to a Respirex AF 429 regulator waist belt assembly. In this confi guration the breather pack delivers air directly to the wearer whilst further air is fed from the regulator to a network of tubes in the suit for cooling purposes.

The AF 429 regulator must be supplied with air at a pressure of between 4-9 bar, i.e. the pressure at the regulator itself, the indicated pressure at the air source may be higher dependant upon the lengths of compressed air supply tube (CAST) being used. Within this pressure range a fl ow rate of between 270 litres/min and 400 litres/min of air will be delivered into the suit. In the event of the fl ow rate falling below 270 litres/min the low fl ow warning device will sound. In this situation you must either leave the working environment and remove the suit or increase the pressure of the air supply until the low fl ow device ceases to sound. Refer to page 2 for use of fl owmeter.

All respiratory protective equipment manufactured by Respirex International Ltd is CE marked and type-approved to indicate compliance with the European directive on personal protective equipment (PPE) 89/686/EEC. When worn in combination, the Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator meets the requirements for non-gas-tight (Type 2) chemical protective suits as detailed in the European standard EN 943-1:2002.

The above standard specifi es the physical performance requirements of the equipment, i.e. level of respiratory protection provided and mechanical strength of component parts etc.

Always use the Airprotex AF suit in accordance with the instructions supplied.

Warnings & Limitations• Only for use by trained, competent personnel.

• Failure to follow all instructions and/or failure to wear the Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator during all times of exposure may be detrimental to the wearer’s health.

• Airprotex AF suits are designed as limited use garments, i.e. designed to be worn until hygienic cleaning becomes necessary or limited use chemical contamination has occurred and disposal is required.

• Airprotex AF suits manufactured from blue laminate material are designed for single use only, Respirex cannot guarantee the integrity or performance characteristics of any laminate suit that has seen multiple use.

• Warning symbol displayed on product marking indicates that suits manufactured from 300 micron PVC (A00015) only achieve a performance level of class 2 for trapezoidal tear resistance; EN943-1:2002 requires chemical protective clothing materials to have a minimum performance level of class 3. If the intended use of the product is likely to involve contact with sharp edges alternative PPE of higher mechanical strength may be necessary. Suits manufactured from blue laminate material (A00132) only achieve a performance level of class 4 for seam strength; EN943-1:2002 requires chemical protective clothing to have a minimum performance level of class 5. Dependant upon the intended working environment, PPE of higher mechanical strength may be necessary.

• Always seek advice if you are in any doubt as to the suitability of the Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator for your particular working environment. Refer to rear of user instructions for contact details.

• The Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator should not be used to provide respiratory protection against unknown atmospheric contaminants, or when concentrations of contaminant are unknown or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). Use only in atmospheres where the oxygen content of the air is 18-23 vol.%.

• The suit must NOT be used with oxygen only or oxygen enriched air.

• At very high work rates the pressure in the Airprotex AF suit may become negative at peak inhalation fl ow.

• Leave the contaminated environment and remove the suit if:a. Damage occurs to any part of the systemb. Airfl ow into the suit reduces or ceases, or if misting of

the visor occursc. Breathing becomes diffi cultd. Dizziness or other distress occurse. Contaminants can be tasted or smelled, or an irritation

occurs

• The Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator is not designed to be used for abrasive blasting operations or in applications with a high fl ammability risk. Alternative PPE off ering the necessary level of protection should be utilised for such applications.

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Pre-ChecksTo ensure proper functioning, the suit and all component parts should be inspected for damage prior to use. Do not use any suit which shows signs of failure which may reduce the degree of protection intended.

1. Select the correct size suit, remove from packaging and fold out.

2. Carry out a thorough visual inspection for any damage that may impair correct operation.

3. Check the suit is free from contamination, both externally and internally.

4. Check the suit is free from tears and holes, paying particular attention to the seam areas.

5. Check that product marking is clearly legible.

6. Check the zipper operates correctly.

7. Check the breather pack is undamaged.

8. Check that vision through the visor is not obscured by large scratches or scuff marks.

9. Where applicable, check that gloves have been correctly fi tted to the suit.

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10. It is recommended that the exhalation valves are part of the visual pre-check. If the valve diaphragm is distorted or damaged in any way the suit should not be used.

Inspection of the compressed air supply tube (CAST) which supplies breathing quality air to the operator should be carried out at least once per month and before each shift cycle.

During the inspection the following should be checked:

1. The CAST is clean externally.

2. The CAST is free from damage (holes, splits, etc). If necessary submerge the CAST in water to locate any leaks if signs of external damage is evident.

3. Air line coupling connections are in good working order.

The CAST must NOT be used until any defect identifi ed has been rectifi ed.

Use of fl owmeterPrior to donning the Airprotex AF suit the airfl ow should be checked by means of a Respirex fl owmeter to ensure the correct rate of breathing air is being delivered to the wearer. Simply screw the AF 429 regulator to the fl owmeter using the thumb wheel connection as shown in Fig.1. Adjust the air supply at source until the fl oat rests between the relevant marks on the fl owmeter (max fl ow rate 400 litres/min, min fl ow rate 270 litres/min).

• The Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator should not be worn in working environments that require the wearing of safety helmets or where protection against non-ionizing radiation is necessary.

• Airprotex AF suits are manufactured from non-breathable materials. Users who show signs of excessive stress such as fever, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, diffi culty in breathing, becoming fatigued or any unusual order or taste, should leave the working environment immediately and remove themselves from the suit. The wearing of a Airprotex AF suit with a view to duration, protection, comfort and heat stress is generally the sole responsibility of the user. Respirex assumes no responsibility for improper use of the Airprotex AF suit. The Respirex Koolvest which maintains a comfortable cooling level of 18oC by means of pre-charged KoolPacks can be worn in combination with the Airprotex AF suit. For further information please contact Respirex International Ltd, contact details can be found at the rear of these instructions.

• Materials used in the construction of the system are not known to cause allergic reactions to the majority of individuals. The system contains no components made from natural rubber latex.

• Always use compatible PPE, e.g. gloves and safety footwear advised by Respirex.

• Do not attempt to service the Airprotex AF suit or AF 429 regulator; the system contains no user-serviceable parts.

Fig.1. Use of fl owmeter

4. Whilst seated, place both legs into the suit and slide your feet down the legs and into the integral socks (Fig. 4).

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3. Fasten the AF 429 regulator belt comfortably around your waist with the low fl ow warning device uppermost and the airline connections facing towards the rear (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2. Attach breather pack

Fig. 3. Don AF 429 regulator belt

Fig. 4. Insert legs into suit

Checking the low fl ow warning device1. With the Respirex fl owmeter connected to the AF 429

regulator as described above, reduce the air pressure to obtain the minimum permissible airfl ow into the suit (270 litres/min).

2. When the minimum airfl ow is reached the low fl ow warning device will sound a high pitch whistle.

3. After checking the low fl ow warning device set the air pressure back to the correct working pressure and disconnect the regulator from the fl owmeter.

Having ensured that an airfl ow within acceptable limits is being delivered and that the low fl ow warning device is functioning correctly, don the Airprotex AF suit following the procedure detailed below.

Donning procedureImportant: Before donning the Aiprotex AF suit it is strongly recommended that full training is given on wearing and decontamination by a competent person and the details of the training recorded. For safety purposes it is preferable for an assistant to help with the donning and doffi ng procedure; this will simplify the process and reduce the likelihood of stumbling or tripping which may result in personal injury or damage to the suit.

1. Remove any outer clothing, footwear* and personal eff ects which may cause damage to the suit (e.g. pens, badges, jewellery, etc.). Note: Suits that are supplied with integral socks and outer legs (splash guards) are not designed to have footwear worn internally. *There is no need to remove footwear when wearing a suit that features integral socks with reinforced non-slip soles and ankle ties. In this case your safety footwear is worn inside the suit.

2. Fully open the suit zipper and attach the breather pack using the plastic buttons provided (Fig. 2).

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9. The trunk of the suit must be sealed to the CAST. The trunk can be sealed using either electrical tape (Fig. 9) or a plastic multi-clip (Fig. 10) available from Respirex. If using a multi-clip, care should be taken to avoid over tightening as this may lead to a reduced airfl ow into the suit .

Fig. 9. Tape around CAST

Fig. 7. Connect internal ventilation system to AF 429 regulator.

8. The dressing assistant should feed the CAST through the trunk situated at the rear of the suit and connect to the lower coupling located on the AF 429 regulator unit (Fig. 8). Important: The CAST must be connected to an external compressed air supply delivering respirable air in accordance with the requirements of EN 12021:1998. The air pressure at the regulator must be between 4-9 bar.

Fig. 8. Connect CAST to AF 429 regulator

5. Where fi tted, fasten the ankle ties securely in a bow (do not over tighten, (Fig. 5). Alternatively don your safety footwear and pull the outer legs/elasticated ankles down over the exterior of the boots.

6. Stand up and connect the breather pack to the AF 429 regulator unit using the screw fi tting provided, tighten using the thumb wheel (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6. Connect breather pack to AF 429 regulator

Fig. 5. Fasten ankle ties

7. Plug the male coupling attached to the suit’s internal ventilation system into the upper female socket fi tted to the AF 429 regulator unit. Important: The ventilation hose must be plugged in before connecting the compresssed air supply (Fig. 7).

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12. Finally, close the zipper fully across the chest (sliders should meet at the centre) and smooth down the outer storm fl aps (Fig.13).

11. Bow forwards slightly and pull the hood of the suit over your head (Fig. 12).

10. Insert your arms into the sleeves of the suit (Fig. 11).

Fig. 10. Tightening multi-clip around CAST and trunk

Fig. 11. Insert arms into sleeves of suit

Fig. 12. Insert head into hood.

Fig. 13 Fasten zipper fully across chest

Fig.14. Donning complete

Once donning is complete the suit will begin to infl ate. You are now ready to enter the working environment.

Doffi ng procedureIMPORTANT: Do not attempt to remove the suit until you have vacated the working environment and withdrawn to a safe area.

Persons assisting in the doffi ng procedure should be wearing appropriate PPE selected by qualifi ed safety personnel.

1. Peel open or unbutton the outer zip fl ap and open the zipper fully.

2. Whilst bowing forwards slightly, the dressing assistant should lift the hood of the suit up and over your head.

3. Remove your arms from the sleeves of the suit.

4. Lower the suit to waist level.

5. Disconnect the AF 429 regulator unit from the breather pack using the thumb wheel provided.

6. Disconnect the AF 429 regulator unit from the CAST.

7. Remove the taping or unfasten the multi-clip and withdraw the CAST from the trunk at the rear of the suit.

8. Disconnect the suit ventilation system from the AF 429 regulator unit.

9. Lower the suit to ankle level and if fi tted unfasten ankle ties.

10. Step out of suit.

11. Unfasten and remove the AF 429 regulator belt.

Before being re-used with a new suit, the AF 429 regulator belt and breather pack should be decontaminated according to your company procedures.

Emergency procedureIf any of the following occur during use, evacuate the work area immediately and remove the suit as detailed above:

• The low fl ow warning device sounds

• Misting of the visor occurs

• There is a complete loss of air supply to the suit

Storage & TransportationThe recommended temperature range for storage is -10°C to +40°C.

Store suits in the original packaging, correct way up as marked on the box.

Store above ground level in dry conditions free from harmful gases and vapours and away from direct sunlight.

Always rotate stock.

Never store outdoors or in damp conditions.

Only remove the suit from its original packaging when intending to use.

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Fig. 15 Fitting gloves in ‘O’ ring cuff

Fitting gloves into the optional Respirex ‘O’ ring cuff If you have a suit with an ‘O’ ring style cuff , gloves can be replaced by simply stretching over the cuff body so that it sits approximately 2-3 cms inside the glove. Then stretch the sleeve ‘O’ ring over the cuff body; the ‘O’ ring should locate in the groove running around the cuff body (Fig. 15).

Care needs to be taken when storing suits at extreme temperatures.

At sub-zero temperatures the fl exibility of suit materials may be reduced and the hood could suff er damage if not handled with care.

At high temperatures some component parts in the suit may suff er distortion if incorrectly stored.

In order to maintain the level of protection off ered, care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage occurring to Airprotex AF suits during transportation between work areas. It is recommended that Airprotex AF suits are transported in a suitably sized rigid container resistant to penetration by sharp objects, abrasive surfaces, chemicals, oils, solvents etc.

CleaningAirprotex AF suits are primarily intended as limited use garments and are not deemed suitable for mechanical cleaning processes. After light use undamaged suits manufactured from PVC materials may be cleaned using the steps detailed below provided that contamination is minimal (refer to individual company procedures for guidance):

Outer surfaces should be wiped with a sponge using a solution of Citikleen* and warm water (temperature not exceeding 50°C), followed by rinsing with cold water. Inner surfaces of the hood should be sprayed with Synodor to kill all bacteria.

Do not use solvents or strong cleaning and disinfecting agents as these can damage the visor and valve seals.

Care should be taken to avoid allowing water to enter the exhalation valves and ventilation tubes.

Suits should be hung in a warm room to dry at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.

*Mix one part Citrikleen to 19 parts water, i.e 5% solution. Never use Citrikleen in neat form as this will cause damage to the hood materials.

Both Citrikleen & Synodor can be supplied by Respirex.

Note: Airprotex AF suits manufactured from blue laminate material are designed as single-use items and are not suitable for cleaning.

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SizingThe following pictograms designate the range of height & waist sizes suitable for use with the Airprotex AF suit. Body measurements in cm.

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RESPIREX INTERNATIONAL LTD,Unit F Kingsfi eld Business Centre,Philanthropic Road,Redhill,Surrey RH1 4DPUnited Kingdom Tel. +44 (0) 1737 778600Fax.+44(0) 1737 779441www.respirexinternational.com

Type Examination By : SGS UK Ltd (0120), Weston-super-Mare BS22 6WA ENGLAND