3 Air-Mate ™ High Efficiency Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division © 3M 2004

3 Air-Mate™ High EfficiencyPowered Air Purifying Respirator

(PAPR)


Warning:Read the printed User Instructions provided with each

Air-Mate system before use. The User Instructions include numerous warnings that, if not followed, could result in serious injury, sickness or death.

The employer must have a written respirator program in place in accordance with the OSHA standard for respiratory protection: 29 CFR 1910.134. Infection control personnel should review policies and procedures related to infectious agents.


Head Cover/Hood

Breathing Tube

Blower / Filtration Unit (w/Airflow Indicator)

Battery ChargerA

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PA

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PR

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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


• 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 to prolong the life of the battery.


• 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. This may be corrected by cycling the battery through several charge/discharge cycles.

See also “Suggested Monthly Maintenance” slide



Filter Replacement

– .

• The filter has been physically damaged• The unit does not pass the air flow test with a properly

charged battery.– 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.

• According to local administrative procedures.

– In their 1994 TB guidelines, CDC stated that it would be unlikely for particles captured in a filter to be reaerosolized. However, filter replacement must also be in accordance with your facility’s infection control practices.

The HEPA filter must be changed when:


Filter Replacement (cont.)

• Pull the belt away from the back cover. Release the locking tab and remove the back cover.

• Remove and discard the filter and gasket in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines.

Note: Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn depending on the substance collected on the filter. Certain substances are hazardous through physical contact and others are not.

gasket

Do not attempt to clean or reuse the filter.


Filter Replacement (cont.)

• Inspect the new gasket to ensure it is free from damage. Insert the filter gasket into the filter support ridge so that it is flush with the sides of the unit, leaving no gaps.

• Put the filter into the unit with the arrows on the filter pointing into the unit.

• Snap the cover with locking tabs. Pull the belt through the belt retainers.


• Ensure that HEPA filter and gasket have been properly installed

• Check breathing tube for any punctures

• Check body of the blower / filtration unit for cracks or general wear.

• Inspect the head cover or hood for damage.

Before Use: Inspection


• Drop the black, bullet-shaped airflow indicator (pointed end first) into the slotted connector

• Switch the filter unit on. Hold the tube so that it is vertical and at eye level.

• If the lower band on the indicator rises above the slotted connector edge, airflow is sufficient. If not, check the breathing tube, battery and filter. Repeat Test.

Before Use: Flow Check• Insert the breathing tube (male end with pin) into the blower /

filtration unit and twist clockwise to lock in place.• Hold the free end of the breathing tube up by grasping the slotted

connector and covering the slots of the connector with thumb and forefinger.


• Attach the unit to your waist and turn it on• 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.

Note: Head cover cannot be worn with facial hair that interferes with the seal to the face. Hoods may be worn with facial hair.

Donning


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.

Use fully charged battery

Replace filter

Switch to a different blower unit

Remove restriction


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 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

hypochlorite 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.


• According to OSHA, respirators used for emergencies must be inspected monthly and before and after use.

• Visually inspect the entire PAPR system (blower, breathing tube and hood or head cover) and perform a flow check.

• If flow is not adequate, inspect and/or replace filter, battery or charger as necessary.

• Charge the battery for 8 hours and store unit.Note: NiCd batteries self discharge about 1% per day at room

temperature. Depending on the required use time, may need to charge the battery more often than once per month.

• Periodically (e.g. every 6 or 12 months), run the PAPR for 8 hours and check each hour for adequate flow.

• If flow is not adequate, several charge/run-down cycles may restore battery capacity. If flow is still not adequate, replace filter, battery and/or charger.

Suggested Monthly Maintenance


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Does the PAPR protect against inhalation of biological agents?


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Does the PAPR protect against inhalation of biological

agents?

• Living organisms filtered same as non-living particles of the same aerodynamic diameter

• No recognized “safe levels” or occupational exposure limits for biological agents

• Everyone has a different immune system• Respirators reduce, not eliminate, exposure


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Are small particles such as viruses filtered?


Most Penetrating Particle Size(Hinds, Aerosol Technology - 1982)

0.01 0.1 1 10

Particle Diameter (μm)

Fil

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Diffusion Impaction and Interception


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Are small particles such as viruses filtered?• Smaller isn’t necessarily more difficult to

filter• Filters tested against particles that are

roughly the most difficult size to filter, about 0.3 μm

• HEPA filter has filtration efficiency greater than 99.97% against this sized particle. Smaller or larger particles are easier to filter

• Aerosolized viruses are usually contained in a droplet with aerodynamic diameter larger than virus by itself


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to decontaminate the PAPR or discard it after use?


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Do I need to decontaminate the PAPR or discard it after

use?• CDC stated m. Tuberculosis needs to be

aerosolized to contract TB. Extraordinary cleaning of surfaces not deemed necessary

• CDC stated surfaces directly contaminated during care of a SARS patient must be cleaned with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant

• Check with your infection control department regarding the agent or pathogen in question


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Why would I use a PAPR instead of a N95 filtering facepiece?


Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Why would I use a PAPR instead of a N95

filtering facepiece?• Negative pressure half mask respirators (covering

the mouth and nose) reduce exposure by a factor of 10 when properly fitted and worn.

• Certain high risk procedures (e.g. sputum induction on a suspect TB patient) may require a more protective respirator such as a PAPR

• PAPRs with head covers and hoods do not need to be fit tested; hoods can be worn with facial hair

• PAPRs are often more comfortable as filtered air is blown up to the wearer instead of having to physically draw air through a cartridge or filter


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


Part Number Description 231-01-30 Air-Mate Belt-Mounted High Efficiency

PAPR Assembly 021-14-00R01 Airflow Indicator 007-00-15R01 Battery Pack 021-41-02R01 Belt GVP-117 Belt, Vinyl 008-00-14R01 Breathing Tube Assembly 520-03-73 Charging Station, Single Unit 520-03-72 Charging Station, 5-Unit 520-01-61 Charging Station, 10-Unit 520-03-63R01 Air-Mate PAPR Unit (excludes Battery

Pack, Belt, Filter, and Airflow Indicator) 451-02-01R01 High Efficiency Filter w/Gasket

Components


ComponentsPart Number Description 522-02-00R03 Head Cover, White, Regular (3) 522-02-00R50 Head Cover, White, Regular (50) 522-02-01R03 Head Cover, White, Large (3) 522-02-01R50 Head Cover, White, Large (50) 522-02-02R03 Head Cover, Blue, Regular (3) 522-02-02R50 Head Cover, Blue, Regular (50) 522-02-03R03 Head Cover, Blue, Large (3) 522-02-03R50 Head Cover, Blue, Large (50) 522-01-11R03 Hood, (3) 522-01-11R20 Hood, (20) 522-02-17R03 Hood, Large (3) 529-02-37R10 Protective Overlay (10)


3M Technical Service

USA: 1-800-243-4630

Canada: 1-800-267-4414

Web Site: www.mmm.com/occsafety

Documents

3 Air-Mate ™ High Efficiency Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)