3 Air-Mate™ High Efficiency
Powered Air Purifying Respirator
(PAPR)
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Air-Mate HEPA PAPR Components
Head Cover
Head Cover
Hood
Breathing
Tube
Blower /
Filtration Unit
(w/Airflow Indicator)
Battery
Charger
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Intended Use
• 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
• 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
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Before Use: Battery Charging
• There are three battery chargers available:
520-03-73
Single Battery Charger
520-03-72
5 Unit Charger
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
520-01-61
10 Unit Charger
© 3M 2004
Battery Charging (Cont.)
• 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
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Battery Charging (Cont.)
• 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
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Filter Replacement
The HEPA filter must be changed when:
• 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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
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.
gasket
Do not attempt to clean or reuse the filter.
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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Before Use: Inspection
• 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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
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.
• 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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Donning
• 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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Problem
Smell or taste
contaminants,
irritation during
use
Blower does not
run when switch
depressed
Low airflow
Possible Causes
Misuse, improper
assembly, or
malfunction of
equipment
Battery is discharged
Faulty power switch
Faulty motor
Battery needs charging
Filter is loaded
PAPR blower
malfunction
Breathing tube
restricted.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
Corrective Action
Leave work area immediately
and contact supervisor. Do
not use PAPR until corrected.
Recharge or replace battery
Replace motor blower
Replace motor blower
Use fully charged battery
Replace filter
Switch to a different blower
unit
Remove restriction
© 3M 2004
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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Suggested Monthly Maintenance
• 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.
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the PAPR protect against inhalation of
biological agents?
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 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
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are small particles such as viruses filtered?
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Filtration Efficiency
Most Penetrating Particle Size
(Hinds, Aerosol Technology - 1982)
Impaction and
Interception
Diffusion
0.01
0.1
1
10
Particle Diameter (μm)
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 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
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to decontaminate the PAPR or
discard it after use?
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 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
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why would I use a PAPR instead of a N95
filtering facepiece?
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 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
3M Occupational
Health and Environmental
Safety more
Division
• PAPRs
are often
comfortable as filtered
© 3M 2004
Heat and flame
resistance
Battery pack
Not designed for use in high
temperature environments or
exposure to sparks or flame.
Rechargeable nickel cadmium.
Up to 8 hrs of use per charge.
Greater than 6 scfm (170 lpm)
Approximately 2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg)
Airflow range
Weight of blower,
battery, belt and filter
Hood material
Tychem® QC, contains natural
rubber latex
Faceshield
Clear acetate
Sizing for Hoods and Regular – head sizes 6 1/2 to 7 3/8
Head Covers
Large – head sizes 7 to 8
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Components
Part Number
231-01-30
021-14-00R01
007-00-15R01
021-41-02R01
GVP-117
008-00-14R01
520-03-73
520-03-72
520-01-61
520-03-63R01
451-02-01R01
Description
Air-Mate Belt-Mounted High Efficiency
PAPR Assembly
Airflow Indicator
Battery Pack
Belt
Belt, Vinyl
Breathing Tube Assembly
Charging Station, Single Unit
Charging Station, 5-Unit
Charging Station, 10-Unit
Air-Mate PAPR Unit (excludes Battery
Pack, Belt, Filter, and Airflow Indicator)
High Efficiency Filter w/Gasket
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
Components
Part Number
522-02-00R03
522-02-00R50
522-02-01R03
522-02-01R50
522-02-02R03
522-02-02R50
522-02-03R03
522-02-03R50
522-01-11R03
522-01-11R20
522-02-17R03
529-02-37R10
Description
Head Cover, White, Regular (3)
Head Cover, White, Regular (50)
Head Cover, White, Large (3)
Head Cover, White, Large (50)
Head Cover, Blue, Regular (3)
Head Cover, Blue, Regular (50)
Head Cover, Blue, Large (3)
Head Cover, Blue, Large (50)
Hood, (3)
Hood, (20)
Hood, Large (3)
Protective Overlay (10)
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004
3M Technical Service
USA: 1-800-243-4630
Canada: 1-800-267-4414
Web Site:
www.mmm.com/occsafety
3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division
© 3M 2004