3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division © 3M 2003 3M Air-Mate™ High Efficiency Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division © 3M 2003

3M Air-Mate™ High EfficiencyPowered Air Purifying Respirator

(PAPR)


Head Cover/Hood

Breathing Tube

Blower / Filtration Unit (w/Airflow Indicator)

Battery ChargerA

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HoodHead Cover Head Cover


Intended Use

• PAPR with head cover reduces exposure by factor of 25, PAPR with hood reduces exposure by factor of 1000

• HEPA filters do not reduce exposure to gases or vapors

• Do not use in oxygen deficient environments

• Motor blower draws contaminated air through a high efficiency particle (HEPA) filter and blows filtered air up into head covering

• When properly used, helps reduce respiratory exposure to airborne particles such as dust, mist, biological and radiological aerosols


• Inspect the breathing tube and body of the blower / filtration unit for punctures, cracks or general wear.

• Insert the breathing tube (male end with pin) into the blower / filtration unit and twist clockwise to lock in place.

Before Use: Breathing Tube


• Inspect the head cover or hood for damage.• Push the slotted end of the breathing tube

into the connector in the rear of the head cover or hood until it snaps into place.

• Pull the head cover or hood over your head and adjust it so the headband wraps around your head.

• Pull the elasticized edge of the faceseal under your chin.

• For the hood, tuck the inner shroud under your protective clothing and allow the outer shroud to hang outside your clothing.

Make sure that the power unit is on and air is flowing before entering the isolation area

Before Use: Head Cover or Hood


• There are three battery chargers available:

520-03-73Single Battery Charger

520-03-725 Unit Charger

520-01-6110 Unit Charger

Before Use: Battery Charging


• Place the charger in a cool environment--less than 77°F (25°C). At higher temperatures, the battery pack may not accept a full charge.

• If a battery pack feels hot, let it cool for 1/2 hour before charging.

• Do not charge multiple battery packs in a closed cabinet without ventilation.

• Plug the power cord into a regulated 120V-60Hz outlet. The green LED light will turn on.

Green LED light

Battery Charging (Cont.)


• Insert the charging lead into the socket in the side of the blower/filtration unit.

• The LED will turn off, indicating that the battery pack attached is being charged in a high rate mode. A completely exhausted battery pack should be charged for about 8 hours.

LED turns off when battery is charging.


• When the battery is finished charging, the LED will turn back on. The charger will also switch to trickle rate mode, preventing damage to the battery from overcharge.

• Batteries may be left on trickle mode to maintain optimum capacity for up to 30 days, but best to disconnect after fully charged.


• Batteries provide up to 500 charge/discharge cycles when not exposed to high heat for extended periods of time.

• Charge battery packs before they are completely discharged. Damage may occur if the battery pack is completely discharged ("deep discharged") frequently.

• A NiCad battery stored at room temperature loses approximately 1% of its charge each day. Self-discharge during storage will not damage the battery.

• Batteries subjected to prolonged storage (longer than 6 months) may lose their capacity to hold a full charge.

See also “Suggested Monthly Maintenance” slide



Filter Replacement (HSE)• The high efficiency filter must be changed when:

– The unit does not pass the air flow test with a properly charged battery.

– If the filter has been physically damaged.– According to local administrative procedures.

Note: In a relatively clean environment such as healthcare, it may take a long time before the filter becomes clogged to the point of significantly reducing airflow. Also, filtration efficiency may increase as the filter becomes loaded. In their 1994 TB guidelines, CDC stated that it would be unlikely for particles captured in a filter to be reaerosolized. However, certain pathogens may be transmitted via physical contact with the outside of the filter. Therefore, filter replacement must also be in accordance with your facility’s infection control practices.


Cleaning• Follow the industrial hygiene / infection control practices

established by your employer for the specific contaminants to which you have been exposed.

• Wipe the outside surfaces of the PAPR system with a mild solution of warm water and mild detergent. Do not clean with organic solvents. Do not soak the blower unit or battery in cleaning solutions.

• Wipe with a cloth dampened with clean warm water.• If necessary wipe with a cloth dampened with a hypo chlorite

solution (1 oz. [30ml] household bleach in 2 gallons [7.5 L] of water).

• Other methods of cleaning, disinfection or sterilization have not been tested for compatibility with the PAPR, may damage the PAPR system, and therefore must not be used.


Storage• Store components in a cool dry area that is free

from contaminants and direct sunlight.• Store in such a way as to protect the PAPR from

physical damage.• Respirators assigned to an individual should be

marked as such or stored in a specific location.


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Does the PAPR protect against inhalation of biological agents?A: Living organisms are filtered with the same efficiency as non-living particles of the same aerodynamic diameter.Respirators only reduce exposure. They do not eliminate exposure. Since everyone has a different immune system, we can not say that a respirator will prevent disease. It only reduces exposure. There are no recognized “safe levels” or occupational exposure limits for biological agents.


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Are small particles such as viruses filtered?A: Smaller isn’t necessarily more difficult to filter. Filters are tested against particles that are roughly the most difficult size to filter, about 0.3 μm. The HEPA filter has filtration efficiency greater than 99.97% against this sized particle. Smaller or larger particles are easier to filter. For example, below 0.1 μm, diffusion becomes a very effective capture mechanism. If viruses are aerosolized, they are usually contained in a droplet so the aerodynamic diameter is larger than the size of the virus by itself.


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Do I need to decontaminate the PAPR or discard it after use?A: It all depends on what it was exposed to. CDC stated that m. Tuberculosis needs to be aerosolized to contract TB. Therefore, extraordinary cleaning of surfaces was not deemed necessary. However, CDC stated that surfaces directly contaminated during care of a SARS patient should be cleaned with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant. Check with your infection control regarding the precautions required for the agent or pathogen in question.


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Why would I use a PAPR instead of a N95 filtering facepiece?A: The N95 filtering facepiece will reduce exposure by 75%,The Head cover HEPA PAPR will reduce exposure by 96%The Hood (Shroud) HEPA PAPR will reduce exposure by 99% PAPRs with head covers and hoods do not need to be fit tested. PAPRs are often more comfortable as filtered air is blown up to the hood or headcover and there is no increased breathing resistance.


Problem Possible Causes Corrective Action

Smell or taste contaminants, irritation during use

Misuse, improper assembly, or malfunction of equipment

Leave work area immediately and contact supervisor. Do not use PAPR until corrected.

Blower does not run when switch depressed

Battery is discharged

Faulty power switch

Faulty motor

Recharge or replace battery

Replace motor blower

Replace motor blower

Low airflow Battery needs charging

Filter is loaded

PAPR blower malfunction

Breathing tube restricted.

Switch to fully charged battery

Replace filter

Switch to a different blower unit

Remove restriction


Heat and flame resistance

Not designed for use in high temperature environments or exposure to sparks or flame.

Battery pack Rechargeable nickel cadmium. Up to 8 hrs of use per charge.

Airflow range Greater than 6 scfm (170 lpm) Weight of blower, battery, belt and filter

Approximately 2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg)

Hood material Tychem® QC, contains natural rubber latex

Faceshield Clear acetate Sizing for Hoods and Head Covers

Regular – head sizes 6 1/2 to 7 3/8 Large – head sizes 7 to 8

Documents

3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division © 3M 2003 3M Air-Mate™ High Efficiency Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)