3M 6500 Series User manual

Intended Use
The 3M™ Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, 6500 Series (6501, 6502, 6503) are
designed to help provide respiratory protection against certain airborne contaminants when used in
accordance with all use instructions and limitations and applicable safety and health regulations.
WWARNING
Properly selected, used, and maintained respirators help protect against certain contaminants
by reducing airborne concentrations below the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). It is
essential to follow all instructions and government regulations on the use of this product,
including wearing the complete respirator system during all times of exposure in order for the
product to help protect the wearer. Misuse of respirators may result in overexposure to
contaminants and lead to sickness or death. For proper use, see supervisor, refer to these
User Instructions or contact 3M Technical Service.
List of Warnings and Cautions within these User Instructions
WWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may reduce respirator performance, expose you to
contaminants above the OEL, and may result in sickness or death.
• To help maintain a good seal between the face and the faceseal, the respirator faceseal
must be clear of obstructions at all times. Do not use with beards, facial hair or anything
that prevents direct contact between the face and the respirator faceseal.
• Do not clean respirator with solvents. Cleaning with solvents may degrade some respirator
components and reduce respirator effectiveness.
• Inspect all respirator components before each use to ensure proper operating condition.
• Do not alter, misuse, or abuse this respirator.
WCAUTION
Failure to properly dispose of spent cartridges, lters, or respirators contaminated by hazardous materials
can result in personal exposures as well as environmental harm. Handling, transportation and disposal of
spent cartridges, lters, or respirators must comply with all applicable federal, state, provincial and local
laws and regulations.
NIOSH Cautions and Limitations for Negative Pressure Usage
The following restrictions may apply. See NIOSH Approval Label. If you are using the 3M™ Rugged Comfort
Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6500 Series as part of a Supplied Air Respirator con guration, refer to the
User Instructions that accompanies your air control device for information on NIOSH Cautions and Limitations.
A – Not for use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
B – Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health.
C – Do not exceed maximum use concentrations established by regulatory standards.
H – Follow established cartridge and canister change schedules or observe ESLI to ensure that cartridges and
canisters are replaced before breakthrough occurs.
J – Failure to properly use and maintain this product could result in injury or death.
K – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require gas-proof goggles to be worn with
this respirator when used against formaldehyde.
L – Follow the manufacturer’s User’s Instructions for changing cartridges, canister and/or  lters.
M – All approved respirators shall be selected,  tted, used, and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA,
and other applicable regulations.
N – Never substitute, modify, add, or omit parts. Use only exact replacement parts in the con guration as
speci ed by the manufacturer.
O – Refer to User’s Instructions, and/or maintenance manuals for information on use and maintenance of these
respirators.
P – NIOSH does not evaluate respirators for use as surgical masks.
S – Special or critical User’s Instructions and/or speci c use limitations apply. Refer to User’s Instructions
before donning.
S – Special or Critical User’s Instructions
3M™ Organic Vapor Service Life Indicator Cartridges (6001i and 60921i) and Mercury Vapor Cartridges
(6009S and 60929S) are equipped with a passive 3M™ End of Service Life Indicator (ESLI). The indicator
must be readily seen when wearing the respirator. If you cannot readily see the ESLI, use a mirror to observe
the ESLI, rely on a co-worker who can see the ESLI, or go to a clean area, remove the respirator and view the
ESLI. Do not rely solely on the organic vapor ESLI unless your employer has determined that it is appropriate
for your workplace. See 6001i or 60921i User Instructions for more information, including Special Instructions
regarding the ESLI. The mercury vapor cartridges must be discarded when the ESLI changes to the discard
color found on the mercury vapor cartridge label; or within 30 days of opening packaging; or when ESLI
becomes dirty or damaged; or when odors of vapors or gases become noticeable; or according to chlorine
service life, whichever occurs  rst. Mercury vapor has no odor.
Respirator Program Management
Occupational use of respirators must be in compliance with applicable health and safety standards. By
law U.S. employers must establish a written respiratory protection program meeting the requirements of
the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 and any applicable OSHA substance speci c
standards. In Canada, CSA standard Z94.4 requirements must be met and/or requirements of the applicable
jurisdiction, as appropriate. In Brazil, follow the Respiratory Protection Program of the Ministry of Labor.
Consult an industrial hygienist or call 3M Technical Service with questions concerning applicability of these
products to your job requirements.
#
Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator
6500 Series
User Instructions for 3M™ Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators 6501 (Small) (49487*),
6502 (Medium) (49489*), 6503 (Large) (49491*)
IMPORTANT: Before use, the wearer must read and understand these User Instructions. Keep these
instructions for reference.
*49487, 49489, and 49491 are catalog numbers only. NIOSH approved as 3M™ Rugged Comfort Half
Facepiece Reusable Respirators 6501 (Small), 6502 (Medium), and 6503 (Large).
This respirator has dual approval as a United States (US) National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) half facepiece respirator and as Brazil Ministry of Labor half face piece respirator.
Specic information is provided where applicable. All other information is common to both standards.
WWARNING
This respirator helps protect against certain airborne contaminants. Misuse may result in
sickness or death. For proper use, see your supervisor, consult these User Instructions, or call
3M Technical Service in the United States.
FOREWORD
These User Instructions provide information about facepiece use only. Important information is provided in
the User Instructions with each of the air ltration systems that are used with 3M™ Rugged Comfort Half
Facepieces 6501, 6502 and 6503. Read and understand all User Instructions and warnings before using.
Keep these User Instructions for reference. If you have questions regarding these products, contact 3M
Technical Service.

Table 1: Major Sections of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134
Section Description
A Permissible Practice
B Denitions
C Respiratory Protection Devices
D Selection of Respirators
E Medical Evaluations
F Fit Testing
G Use of Respirators
H Maintenance and Care of Respirators
I Breathing Air Quality and Use
J Identication of Cartridges, Filters, and Canisters
K Training and Information
L Program Evaluation
M Recordkeeping
Assigned Protection Factors
Table 2: Assigned Protection Factors
Type of Respirator APF
Half Facepiece Negative Pressure Air Purifying Respirator 10
Half Facepiece Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Continuous Flow 50
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Unpacking
Inspect the respirator contents for shipping damage and ensure all components are present (Refer to Fig. 26).
The product should be inspected before each use following the procedures in the Inspection, Cleaning and
Storage section of these User Instructions.
Assembly
3M™ Cartridge, 6000 Series; 3M™ Filter 7093; and 3M™ Cartridge/Filter 7093C Assembly
(Figs. 1 and 2)
1. Align the cartridge or lter notch with the small solid bayonet lug on facepiece and push together.
2. Turn cartridge or lter clockwise until it is rmly seated and cannot be further turned (about 1/4 turn).
3. Repeat with second cartridge or lter.
3M™ Filter 2000 Series (Fig. 3)
1. Align opening of lter with lter attachment on facepiece and push together.
2. Turn lter clockwise until it is rmly seated and cannot be further turned (about 1/4 turn).
3. Repeat for second lter.
Filter Assembly (for 3M™ Filters 5N11 and 5P71)
1. Place lter into 3M™ Retainer 501 so printed side of lter faces the cartridge.
2. Press cartridge into lter retainer. It should snap securely into lter retainer. When correctly installed, lter
should completely cover face of cartridge (Fig. 4).
3. To replace lter, remove retainer by lifting on tab.
In Brazil, the 3M™ Filter 5935BR can be used with the Filter Retainer 501 on the 3M™ Rugged Comfort
Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, 6500 Series.
3M™ Adapter Assembly 502
1. Align adapter over cartridge. Engage front snap by squeezing front of cartridge and adapter together,
placing thumbs of both hands over top of adapter and ngers along bottom sides of cartridge (Fig. 5).
2. Engage back snap by squeezing back side of cartridge and adapter together using the same hand
positions. An audible click should be heard as each snap is engaged (Fig. 6).
3. Place lter onto the lter holder so lter comes into even contact with gasket. Twist clockwise a quarter
turn until it is rmly seated and lter cannot be turned further. Repeat for second lter.
IMPORTANT: The 3M™ Adapter Assembly 502, once installed on a 3M™ Cartridge 6000 Series, is not
to be removed or reused. Removal or reuse may result in leakage, overexposure, sickness or death.
3M™ Filter Adapter 603 Assembly and Filter Attachment
(for 3M™ Filters 5N11 and 5P71)
1. Align notch on edge of 603 adapter with facepiece mark as shown (Fig. 7).
2. Turn adapter 1/4 turn clockwise to stop. To remove adapter, turn 1/4 turn counterclockwise (Fig. 8).
3. Place lter into 501 retainer with lter printing facing towards the 603 adapter. Snap together and ensure
the lter seal is free from creases or gaps (Fig. 9).
In Brazil, the 3M™ Filter 5935BR can be used with the 3M™ Filter Adaptor 603 and the 3M™ Filter
Retainer 501 on the 3MTM Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, 6500 Series.
3M™ Dual Airline Respirator Assembly
User must follow Dual Airline Supplied Air Respirator User Instructions provided with the 3M™ Dual Airline
Supplied Air Respirators.
Assembly of 3M™ Dual Airline Breathing Tubes
1.
2.
Hold the facepiece in front of you so the 3M logo is facing you. Align the two branches of the breathing
tube over the two bayonet mounts on facepiece (Fig. 10). For SA-1500 or SA-1600 Breathing Tubes, make
sure the 3M logo on breathing tube and on facepiece are both facing towards you. For SA-2500 or
SA-2600 Breathing Tubes, make sure the 3M logo on breathing tube is facing in opposite direction to 3M
logo on facepiece.
Twist each branch of breathing tube clockwise a quarter turn until it is rmly seated in the bayonet and
cannot be turned further (Figs. 11 and 12). Do not forcibly overturn as the bayonet could be damaged.
SA-1500/SA-2500 shown.
3. Attach airline to approved air regulators per pressure schedules in dual airline supplied air respirator User
Instructions.
Assembly of 3M™ Combination Dual Airline Breathing Tubes with Cartridges and/or Filters
The SA-1600 (front-mounted) and SA-2600 (back-mounted) versions of the dual airline breathing tubes allow
use of selected, NIOSH-approved 3M™ Cartridges, 6000 Series, and 3M™ Filters, 2000 Series. For the listing of
approved cartridges and lters, reference the NIOSH approval label included with 3M™ Dual Airline Adapter Kits.
1. Remove the inhalation valves from the facepiece as described in the Replacement Parts Instructions
section of these User Instructions and store them so they remain at.
2.
3.
Attach SA-1600 or SA-2600 breathing tubes to facepiece per the procedures outlined previously. The
procedure is identical to the attachment of the SA-1500 and SA-2500 models.
Make a selection of cartridges and/or lters that meets your respiratory protection requirements, and
attach to the outer bayonets of SA-1600 or SA-2600 breathing tubes (Fig. 13).
4. Don facepiece per procedures outlined in Donning Respirator section of these User Instructions.
5. After being properly t tested, perform a positive and negative pressure user seal check each time the
respirator is donned per procedures outlined in User Seal Checks section of these User Instructions.
If you cannot achieve a proper t, DO NOT enter contaminated area. See your supervisor.
To assemble 3M™ Dual Airline Combination Breathing Tubes with 3M™ Cartridges/Filters, the facepiece
inhalation valves must be removed.
IMPORTANT: If the facepiece is to be used in air-purifying mode (without using the SA-1600 or SA-2600
breathing tubes), the inhalation valves must be replaced in the facepiece before use.
Using the 3M™ Combination Dual Airline Breathing Tubes without Cartridges and/or Filters
To use the combination dual airline breathing tubes (SA-1600 and SA-2600) without cartridges or lters,
attach a 3M™ Bayonet Cap 6880 to each outer bayonet mount on the dual airline breathing tube. When used
as a straight, Type C, continuous ow supplied air respirator, the Assigned Protection Factor is 50 times the
PEL, OEL or TLV guidelines for half facepiece respirators.
FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
WWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may reduce respirator performance, expose you to
contaminants above the OEL, and may result in sickness or death.
• To help maintain a good seal between the face and the faceseal, the respirator faceseal
must be clear of obstructions at all times. Do not use with beards, facial hair or anything
that prevents direct contact between the face and the respirator faceseal.
These tting instructions MUST be followed each time respirator is worn.
Donning Respirator
1. Adjust head cradle size as needed to t comfortably on head.
2. Place the respirator over the mouth and nose with one hand.
3. Pull the head harness over the crown of the head with the other hand (Fig. 14). Grasp the bottom straps,
place them at the back of the neck and hook them together (Fig. 15).
4. Pull the ends of the straps to adjust the tightness, beginning with the adjustment points on the head
cradle and then moving to the adjustment points at the back of the neck (Figs. 16 and 17). Do not over-
tighten. Strap tension may be decreased by pushing out on back side of buckles.
5. Perform a positive and/or negative pressure user seal check each time the respirator is donned.
If you cannot achieve a proper t, DO NOT enter contaminated area. See your supervisor.
User Seal Checks
Always check the seal of the respirator on your face before entering a contaminated area according to
the instructions provided below for your specic respirator conguration.
IMPORTANT: If you cannot achieve a proper seal, DO NOT enter the contaminated area. See your
supervisor. Before assigning any respirator to be worn in a contaminated area, a qualitative or
quantitative t test MUST be performed per OSHA Standard 1910.134, CSA Standard Z94.4 or the
Brazil Respiratory Protection Program of the Ministry of Labor.
Positive Pressure User Seal Check
1. Tilt the head up slightly and cover the opening in exhalation valve cover with hand and exhale gently
(Fig. 18). If facepiece bulges slightly and no air leaks are detected between your face and facepiece, a
proper seal has been obtained.

2. If air leakage is detected around the faceseal, reposition respirator on your face and/or readjust tension of
the elastic straps to eliminate leakage. Repeat the user seal check until a proper seal is obtained.
Care must be taken when performing the positive pressure seal check not to exhale too hard. The goal is to
check the seal, not disturb the seal between the facepiece and the face.
If you cannot achieve a proper seal, DO NOT enter contaminated area. See your supervisor.
Negative Pressure User Seal Check with 3M™ Cartridges, 6000 Series
1. Place palms of hands to cover face of cartridge or open area of 3M™ Filter Retainer 501 and inhale
gently (Fig. 19). If you feel the facepiece collapse slightly and pull closer to your face with no leaks
between the face and facepiece, a proper seal has been obtained.
2. If faceseal air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the
straps to eliminate leakage and recheck seal.
Be careful not to disturb the respirator seal by pressing too forcefully during negative pressure seal checks.
NOTE: Use of 3M™ Filter Retainer 501 may aid respirator wearer in conducting a negative pressure
user seal check.
Negative Pressure User Seal Check with 3M™ Filters, 2000 series
1. Place your thumbs onto the center portion of the lters, restricting airow into the breathing tube of lters,
and inhale gently (Fig. 20). If you feel facepiece collapse slightly and pull closer to your face with no leaks
between the face and facepiece, a proper seal has been obtained.
2. If faceseal air leakage is detected, reposition respirator on face and/or readjust tension of straps to
eliminate the leakage. Repeat the user seal check until a proper seal is obtained.
Be careful not to disturb the respirator seal by pressing too forcefully during negative pressure seal checks.
Negative Pressure User Seal Check with 3M™ Filters 7093/7093C
1. Using hands squeeze or press lter covers toward facepiece and inhale gently (Fig. 21). If you feel the
facepiece collapse slightly and pull closer to your face with no leaks between the face and facepiece a
proper seal has been obtained.
2. If faceseal air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the
straps to eliminate the leakage and recheck seal.
Be careful not to disturb the respirator seal by pressing too forcefully during negative pressure seal checks.
Negative Pressure User Seal Check with 3M™ Dual Airline Respirator
1. If using the 3M™ Breathing Tubes SA-1500 or SA-2500, disconnect airline hose from air control valve.
2. Inhale gently. If you feel facepiece collapse slightly and pull closer to your face with no leaks between the
face and facepiece, a proper seal has been obtained.
3. For Combination Dual Airline where cartridges or lters are attached, perform user seal check as
described above under the appropriate cartridge or lter that is being used.
4. If faceseal air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the
straps to eliminate the leakage and recheck seal.
IMPORTANT: If you cannot achieve a proper seal, DO NOT enter the contaminated area. See your
supervisor. Before assigning any respirator to be worn in a contaminated area, a qualitative or
quantitative t test MUST be performed per OSHA Standard 1910.134, CSA Standard Z94.4 or the
Brazil Respiratory Protection Program of the Ministry of Labor.
RESPIRATOR REMOVAL
1. Grasp the bottom straps, at the back of the neck and unhook them.
2. Remove respirator by pulling head harness down from over head. (These two steps can be done in
reverse order if preferred.)
FIT TESTING
The effectiveness of a respirator will be reduced if it is not tted properly. Therefore, either qualitative
or quantitative t testing must be conducted prior to the respirator being used. Fit testing is a U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Canadian CSA and a Brazilian BMOL
requirement. Fit testing should be conducted using the heaviest cartridge, canister, lter or combination
that each wearer will use in their work environment. Respirators should also be t tested while wearing any
personal protective equipment (PPE) the wearer may use in their work environment that may affect the t of
the respirator (e.g. hoods, hardhats, hearing protectors, etc.). For further information concerning t testing,
contact 3M PSD Technical Service.
• Quantitative Fit Testing: Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT) can be conducted using a 3M™ Fit Test Adapter
601 and P100 lters such as the 3M™ Particulate Filters 2091 or 7093.
• Qualitative Fit Testing: Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT) with the 3M™ Qualitative Fit Test Apparatus FT-10
or FT-30 can be conducted using any of the NIOSH approved Particulate lters.
Entering and Exiting a Contaminated Area
• Airborne contaminants which can be dangerous to your health include those that are so small you may
not be able to see or smell them.
• Always conduct a user seal check before entering a contaminated area.
• Leave the contaminated area immediately if any of the following conditions occur:
° Any part of the respirator becomes damaged.
° Breathing becomes difcult.
° Your feel dizzy or your vision is impaired.
° You taste or smell contaminants.
° Your face, eyes, nose or mouth become(s) irritated.
° You suspect the concentrations of contaminants may have reached levels at which this respirator may
no longer provide adequate protection.
• Do not wear this respirator in areas where:
° Atmospheres are oxygen decient.
° Contaminant concentrations are unknown.
° Contaminant concentrations are Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH).
° Contaminant concentrations exceed the Maximum Use Concentration (MUC) determined using the
Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for the specic respirator system or the APF mandated by specic
government standards, whichever is lower.
INSPECTION, CLEANING, AND STORAGE
WWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may reduce respirator performance, expose you to
contaminants above the OEL, and may result in sickness or death.
• Do not clean respirator with solvents. Cleaning with solvents may degrade some respirator
components and reduce respirator effectiveness.
• Inspect all respirator components before each use to ensure proper operating condition.
Inspection Procedure
This respirator must be inspected before each use and at the time of cleaning to ensure it is in good
operating condition. Any damaged or defective parts must be replaced before use. Do not enter a
contaminated area with damaged or defective parts. The following inspection procedure is recommended.
1. Check facepiece for cracks, tears and dirt. Be certain facepiece, especially faceseal area, is not distorted.
2. Examine inhalation valves for signs of distortion, cracking or tearing.
3. Make sure straps are intact and have good elasticity.
4. Examine all plastic parts for signs of cracking or fatiguing. Ensure bayonet gaskets are in good condition.
5. Remove exhalation valve cover (see Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover Replacement procedure)
and examine exhalation valve and valve seat for signs of dirt, distortion, cracking or tearing. Replace
exhalation valve cover.
Cleaning and Storage
Cleaning is recommended after each use.
1. Remove cartridges, lters and/or breathing tubes. The exhalation valve cover, exhalation valve and
inhalation valves can also be disassembled if necessary.
2. Clean facepiece (excluding lters and cartridges), by immersing in warm cleaning solution, water
temperature not to exceed 120°F (49°C), and scrub with soft brush until clean. Add neutral detergent if
necessary. Do not use cleaners containing lanolin or other oils.
3. Disinfect facepiece by soaking in a solution of quaternary ammonia disinfectant or sodium hypochlorite
(1 oz. [30 mL] household bleach in 2 gallons [7.5 L] of water), or other disinfectant.
4. Rinse in fresh, warm water and air dry in non-contaminated atmosphere.
5. Respirator components must be inspected prior to each use. A respirator with any damaged or
deteriorated components should be repaired or discarded.
6. The cleaned respirator should be stored away from contaminated areas when not in use.
Specications
Contact 3M Technical Service for technical specications (e.g. weight, materials of construction, etc). This
product contains no components made from natural rubber latex.
Cartridge and Filter Selection and Approvals
Before using any of these products, the user must read and understand the specic Use For, Use Limitations
and Warning information in the cartridge or lter User Instructions and product documentation or call PSD
Technical Service. Do not exceed maximum use concentrations established by local regulatory agencies.
NIOSH Approvals
3M™ Cartridges, 6000 Series
6001 6001i 6002 6003 6004 6005 6006 6009S 60921 60921i 60922 60923 60924 60925 60926 60928* 60929S
Certain Organic Vapors X X X X X X X X X X X
Chlorine X X X X X X X X X
Hydrogen Chloride X X X X X X X
Sulfur Dioxide X X X X X X X X X
Chlorine Dioxide XXXX
Hydrogen Sulde X X X X X X X
Hydrogen Fluoride X X X X X
Formaldehyde X X X X
Ammonia X X X X
Methylamine X X X X
Mercury Vapor X X
P100 Particulate Filter X XXXXXXXX
* 3M recommended for use against methyl bromide or radioiodine up to 5ppm with daily cartridge replacement.
NOTE: Not NIOSH approved for use against methyl bromide or radioiodine.

NIOSH Approvals
3M™ Filters
2071
2078**
2076 HF
2091 2096
2097**
2291 2296
2297**
5N11
5P71
7093
7093C
5935BR
P100 X XXXXXXX
P95 X X X X
N95 X X
HF X X
Nuisance level relief***
Acid gases X X X X X
Organic Vapors X X X X
** 3M recommended for ozone protection up to 10 times the OSHA PEL or applicable government
occupational exposure limits, whichever is lower.
NOTE: Not NIOSH approved for use against ozone.
*** 3M recommended for relief against nuisance levels of acid gas or organic vapors. Nuisance level refers
to concentrations not exceeding OSHA PEL or applicable exposure limits, whichever is lower. Do not use for
respiratory protection against acid gas/organic vapors.
In Brazil, the 5935BR lter is approved as a NIOSH N95 lter and as a BMOL P3 lter.
3M™ Filter Adapters and Retainers
Number Description
501 Filter Retainer for use with Cartridge 6000 Series and Filters 5N11 and 5P71
502 Filter Adapter for use with Cartridge 6000 Series and Filters 2000 and 7093/7093C
603 Filter Adapter for use with Filters 5N11 and 5P71
In Brazil, the 5935BR lter can be used with the 3M™ Filter Adaptor 603 and the 3M™ Filter Retainer
501 on the 3MTM Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, 6500 Series.
Service Life of Chemical Cartridges and Particulate Filters
WCAUTION
Failure to properly dispose of spent cartridges or lters, or respirators contaminated by hazardous
materials can result in personal exposures as well as environmental harm. Handling, transportation and
disposal of spent cartridges, lters, or respirators must comply with all applicable federal, state, provincial
and local laws and regulations.
3M™ Chemical Cartridges 6000 Series must be used before the expiration date on cartridge packaging.
The useful service life of these cartridges will depend upon the activity of wearer (breathing rate), specic
type, volatility and concentration of contaminants and environmental conditions such as humidity, pressure,
and temperature. Cartridges must be replaced in accordance with an end of service life indicator (ESLI),
established change schedule, regulations or earlier if smell, taste or irritation from contaminants is detected.
Particulate lters must be replaced if they become damaged, soiled or if increased breathing resistance
occurs. N-series lters should not be used in environments containing oils. R-series lters may be limited
to 8 hours of continuous or intermittent use if oil aerosols are present. In environments containing only oil
aerosols, P-series lters should be replaced after 40 hours of use or 30 days, whichever is rst.
Replacement Parts Instructions
3M™ Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator Assembly 6500
The facepiece assembly consists of the head harness assembly and valve cover, exhalation valve, and
inhalation valves.
3M™ Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover Replacement
1. Remove Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover by placing thumb beneath valve cover and ngers at the
top. Pull the valve cover bottom away from facepiece with the thumb and then up to release the valve
cover (Fig. 22).
2. Replace Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover by positioning the peg on the facepiece into the notch at
the top of the valve cover. Press the bottom of the valve cover into the facepiece. When properly engaged,
an audible snap should be heard.
Exhalation Valve Replacement
1. Remove 3M™ Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover 6581 by pulling away from faceseal (Fig. 22).
2. Remove 3M™ Exhalation Valve 6583 from valve seat by grasping the valve and pulling each valve stem
out from the valve seat (Fig. 23).
3.
4.
Inspect valve seat, making certain it is clean and in good condition.
Replace 3M™ Exhalation Valve 6583 by inserting stems into the two holes until they are visible from
inside the facepiece and then pulling the stems through until they are seated and secured (Fig. 24).
5. Replace 3M™ Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover 6581 by positioning the peg on the facepiece
into the notch at the top of the valve cover. Press the bottom of the valve cover into the facepiece. When
properly engaged, an audible snap should be heard.
NOTE: Conduct a negative pressure user seal check to ensure exhalation valve is functioning properly.
Inhalation Valve Replacement
Inhalation valves are located on the inside of the facepiece inhalation ports. These valves should be inspected
before each respirator use and during cleaning. Replace whenever valves become damaged or lost.
1. Remove existing valve(s) by grasping valve and pulling valve off the center post.
2. Replace valve(s) by pressing the hole of the valve over the center post on the valve seat (Fig. 25). Be
certain valve(s) is fully engaged through valve post(s) and lays at.
3M™ Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, 6500 Series
Replacement Parts & Accessories
Number Description
6501 Small
6502 Medium
6503 Large
Number Description
6581
6583
6893
6581 Head Harness
Assembly
6583 Exhalation Valve
6893 Inhalation Valve
Number Description
504 Respirator Cleaning Wipes
601 Quantitative Fit Test Adapter
For Compliance in Brazil and elsewhere, NOTE:
1. Do not use in decient or enriched oxygen atmospheres.
2. Storage, Transportation and Care: store in a clean and dry place and away from contaminants and
extreme temperature and humidity.
3. The components of this respirator are made of materials which are not expected to cause adverse
health effects.
4. It is necessary to have special care to use this product in explosives atmospheres.
Product Manufacturing Date
The parts of the product show markings that bring information of manufacturing date, and its reading is
described as in the example below:
12
10
11 1
2
3
4
765
8
999
Date Code = 12th month 1999 (12/99)
Fig. 26

1
1
2
2
Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3 Fig.4
Fig.6Fig.5 Fig.7 Fig.8
Fig.9 Fig.10 Fig.11 Fig.12
2
1
Fig.13 Fig.14 Fig.15 Fig.16
Fig.17 Fig.18 Fig.19 Fig.20
Fig.21 Fig.22 Fig.23 Fig.24 Fig.25
Learn more about masks and respirators we have.