Ansell ALPHATEC FLASH User manual

NFPA 1991
This manual may only be removed from the suit by the end user.
Chemical Protective Suits
Instructions for Use
ALPHATEC®FLASH

CONTENTS
1. Safety considerations.............................................................................. 5
1.1 Denitions of icons............................................................................................... 5
2. Description of suit..................................................................................... 6
3. Approvals ....................................................................................................... 7
3.1 NFPA.............................................................................................................................. 7
3.1.1 Approved accessories........................................................................................................ 7
3.2 European EC Type approval........................................................................... 7
4. Proper use...................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Intended use............................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Limitations of use .................................................................................................. 8
4.3 Temperature of use.............................................................................................. 8
5. Pre-use ............................................................................................................. 9
5.1 Donning....................................................................................................................... 9
6. In use...............................................................................................................10
6.1 Removal and reinsertion of hand from glove....................................10
6.2 Regulating the suit ventilation....................................................................10
7. After use........................................................................................................11
7.1 Initial decontamination...................................................................................11
7.2 Taking off the suit................................................................................................11
7.3 Final decontamination.....................................................................................11
8. Storage...........................................................................................................12
8.1 Storage conditions..............................................................................................12
8.2 Storage methods..................................................................................................12
8.3 Shelf life.....................................................................................................................12
9. Maintenance ..............................................................................................13
9.1 Maintenance schedule.....................................................................................13
9.2 Visual inspection of suit ..................................................................................14
9.3 Test of gas-tightness according to ASTM F 1052.............................14

CONTENTS
9.4 Cleaning ....................................................................................................................15
9.4.1 Hand wash ............................................................................................................................. 15
9.4.2 Machine wash...................................................................................................................... 16
9.5 Zipper .........................................................................................................................16
9.5.1 Function................................................................................................................................... 16
9.5.2 Maintenance......................................................................................................................... 16
9.6 Bayonet ring............................................................................................................17
9.6.1 Function................................................................................................................................... 17
9.6.2 Maintenance......................................................................................................................... 18
9.7 Replacing gloves..................................................................................................19
9.8 Replacing rubber diaphragm in AlphaTec Exhaust valve..........22
9.9 Service of Regulating valve & passthrough ........................................24
9.10 Patching..................................................................................................................24
9.11 Major repair/replacements........................................................................24
9.12 Marking on the suit..........................................................................................24
10. Disposal......................................................................................................25
10.1. Retirement consideration...........................................................................25
11. Technical Data Package ..................................................................26
11.1 Suit sizes.................................................................................................................26
11.2 Suit weight ............................................................................................................26
11.3 Suit color................................................................................................................26
11.4 Materials ................................................................................................................27
11.5 Seam types & attachments .........................................................................28
11.6 List of spare parts & accessories..............................................................29
11.7 Chemical permeation data.........................................................................31
11.8 NFPA 1991 Approval data...........................................................................41
12. Warranty ....................................................................................................45

5
1. Safety considerations
• These instructions for use (IFU) are valid only for AlphaTec® FLASH*, totally
encapsulating/Level A version.
• The suit may only be used by trained personnel who are familiar with the contents
of this IFU.
• Use the suit only for the purposes specied herein.
• Do not use a damaged or incomplete suit, and do not modify the suit.
• For repair and maintenance, only use genuine AlphaTec® (TRELLCHEM®) spare parts, or the
function may be impaired.
1.1 Denitions of icons
The following icons are used in this IFU to highlight the user on situations or actions that
need special attention not to risk the safety of user, suit or environment.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
physical injury, or damage to product or environment.
NOTICE
Indicates additional information on how to use the suit.
* Formerly known as TRELLCHEM® VPS Flash.

6
2. Description of suit
AlphaTec® FLASH is
• A totally encapsulating/Level A, gastight chemical protective suit
• Intended for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and a full-face mask*
• Single-skin, i.e. no overcover is needed
• Re-usable
The suit is tted with:
• Booties/sewn-in socks
• Replaceable gloves
• Visor which is available in two optional sizes; CV (standard) or VP1 (larger)
• Suit ventilation upon request
The following accessories are delivered with every suit:
• Cotton comfort inner gloves
• Silicone coated oversocks
• Maintenance kit for zipper and Bayonet ring system
• Extra safety locking pins for the Bayonet ring system
• Suit hanger
• Black plastic bag
• AlphaTec® Bag
• Instructions for use
* The suit will accommodate the major brands of SCBAs, such as Interspiro, Survivair, Scott,
ISI, Dräger and MSA.
The suit has to be worn with overboots which are certied to NFPA 1991:2016 and
a protective safety helmet meeting the requirements for type 1, class G helmets of
ANSI Z89.1.
For more information about materials, components & accessories, see chapter 11.

7
3. Approvals
3.1 NFPA
AlphaTec® FLASH is certied to NFPA 1991:2016, “Standard on vapor-protective
ensembles for hazardous materials emergencies”, including the Optional Chemical Flash
Fire protection requirements and the Optional Liqueed Gas protective requirements.
AlphaTec® FLASH is certied by SEI (Safety
Equipment Institute, USA).
Upon certication, an SCBA type Scott AV3000 and an MSA Ultra Elite mask were used, but
other SCBAs may also be used with the suit.
3.1.1 Approved accessories
Boots:
• Onguard Hazmax #87015 or #87012 boot
• Tingley Hazproof #82330 or #82331 boot
Passthroughs:
• AlphaTec® (TRELLCHEM®) combined Regulating valve & Passthrough
• Interspiro
• Survivair
• Scott
• Dräger
• MSA
3.2 European EC Type approval
AlphaTec® FLASH is certied to the following European standards:
• EN 943-1:2015 and EN 943-1/FprA1:2018
• EN 943-2:2002 / FprEN943-2:2018 gastight suits
• EN 14126:2003 infective agent protection
• EN 1073-2:2002 radioactive particle protection
• EN 1149-5:2008 antistatic suit material
AlphaTec® FLASH has been tested and approved by notied body no 0200;
FORCE Certication A/S, Denmark.
Cert. Mod. (NFPA 1991, 2016 edition)

8
4. Proper use
Proper use within the USA is consistent with NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program, and 29 CFR 1910.132, Personal Protective
Equipment.
Users in other countries are advised to consult national or other applicable personal
protective equipment regulations.
4.1 Intended use
The suit protects against chemicals in gaseous, liquid, aerosol and solid form. It also
protects against infectious agents, i.e. bacteria, virus and fungi, and against radioactive
particles.
4.2 Limitations of use
• Avoid extensive heat and open ames.
• The suit is not intended for reghting.
• The suit does not protect against radiation i.e. alfa, beta, gamma or X-ray radiation.
• Avoid explosive environments
4.3 Temperature of use
- 40°F/ - 40°C to 150°F/ 65°C
Short-term use in higher or lower temperatures is possible (ref. NFPA 1991 optional Flash
Fire and Liqueed gas tests) but great caution must be taken with regards to heat stress/
burn injuries and frost bite for the user.
Most performance properties of the vapour protective suit or individual element
cannot be tested by the user in the eld.
The closure has not been tested for permeation resistance. NFPA 1991
species penetration testing for closures. This data is given in chapter 11.7.

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5. Pre-use
Before use, make sure:
• The suit is pressure tested/leak tight and undamaged, see chapter 9
• The suit and gloves have the correct size, see chapter 11.1
• Anti-fog visor or anti-fog gel is applied to the inside of the suit visor, see chapter 11.6
• Anti-fog gel is applied to the outside of the mask visor
• To wear undergarments suited for the situation, e.g. station wear or re turn-out gear.
If cold weather or risk of contact with cold chemicals, wear insulating underwear.
Never use a suit which is not passing the pressure test or is damaged.
5.1 Donning
Always have an assistant to help you while donning and try to nd
a clean area to stand on.
1) (Sit on the chair) Place both legs into the suit and into the booties/sewn-in socks.
2) Put on the silicone oversocks and then put on the safety boots.
3) (Stand up) Put on the breathing apparatus (SCBA) and the mask and open the air ow.
4) Put on the helmet.
5) Put on the comfort gloves. Insert the right arm into the right sleeve and glove.
6) Pull the hood over your head and the hump over the cylinder.
7) Insert the left arm into the left sleeve and glove.
8) If the suit is tted with ventilation: Connect
the ventilation hose to the inlet of the valve
(see picture).
9) Close the zipper and fold the splash guard
over it. Pull the zipper straight, using two
hands. Never force it! If it jams, gently pull it
back and try again. Make sure the zipper is
fully closed.
Handle the zipper with care. A damaged zipper can cause serious injury or
death.
8

10
6. In use
During the intervention, make sure to:
• Minimize the exposure to chemicals
• Avoid direct contact with the chemicals as far as possible
6.1 Removal and reinsertion of hand from glove
To check the manometer/pressure gauge, the hand has to be retracted from the glove:
1) Grab the right glove with your left hand
2) Pull the right hand into the suit
3) Check the manometer/radio/other
4) Put the right hand back into the glove again
5) To pull the left hand into the suit, instead grab the left glove with your right hand
6.2 Regulating the suit ventilation
For suits tted with a AlphaTec® (TRELLCHEM®) Regulating valve and/or AlphaTec®
(TRELLCHEM®) Passthrough.
Suit ventilation is not required according to the product standard, and hence it is
optional to use.
• 2 litres/minute: The standard ventilation rate, which gives an overpressure in the suit and
thereby protects against chemicals coming into the suit in case of a puncture.
• 30 litres/minute: When the air inside the suit gets moist and warm, the user can choose to
temporarily adjust the ventilation rate to 30 litres/minute while at the same time
compressing the suit. This exercise empties the suit of moist and warm air, which will
provide a slightly more comfortable inside environment in the suit.
• 100 litres/minute: Increases the comfort for the user, but shall be used only if the suit is
tted with an airline passthrough with external air-supply.
Never use 100 litres/minute ventilation rate if only the SCBA cylinder is used, as
this will empty the air quickly, leaving the user without breathing air and risk of
suffocation.
To use suit ventilation, a separate connection hose is required to connect the
regulating valve on the suit to the SCBA air cylinders. The connection hose
requires a CEJN 221 female coupling in one end, to connect to the suit’s
regulating valve.

11
7. After use
7.1 Initial decontamination
After a response in hazardous environment, the suit must be decontaminated before
taking it off, to protect the wearer from contamination.
• Make sure to have an assistant for the decontamination.
• The assistant also needs to wear suitable protective and possibly respiratory protection.
• Rinse the suit with plenty of water, preferably with added detergent.
7.2 Taking off the suit
After decontamination, take off the suit in reverse order of that described for donning
above, and have someone assist you.
7.3 Final decontamination
If the initial decontamination is not enough, a second decontamination is necessary.
• Use protective clothing/equipment when handling the contaminated suit.
• Acids and Alkaline chemicals can be decontaminated using large amount of water.
When the rinsing water has pH 7 the suit is clean.
• Inorganic chemicals can often be decontaminated using large amount of water and
detergent.
• Volatile chemicals can be aired out of the suit. Hang the suit outdoors or in a
well-ventilated area with the zipper fully open. Check the air for residual chemicals
by using simple gas detecting tubes.
• Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) can be decontaminated using e.g. 30% calcium
hypochlorite water solution.
• For chemicals such as oil/petroleum and other organic chemicals, special
decontamination agents may be needed. The type of agents available differ between
countries and regions. Contact a local supplier.
• Biological agents (i.e. bacteria, viruses) can be decontaminated using e.g. 3% hydrogen
peroxide water solution or other similar disinfectants.

12
8. Storage
When stored the suit should be unfolded and inspected once a year,
see chapter 9.
8.1 Storage conditions
• Dry, humidity 50 ± 30%
• Room temperature, 20 ± 5 °C
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from ozone-generating sources, for example electrical engines, uorescent lamps
and air-conditioners
8.2 Storage methods
The suit should be stored:
• Folded as upon delivery or hanging
• In the plastic bag delivered with it or in another tight bag or box
• If stored in a soft bag, never store suits on top of each other, as too much weight or high
pressure may damage the visor
• If stored in a box, make sure the box is large enough to easily accommodate the suit
without pushing, pressing or squeezing it. Please refer to the boxes listed in the
AlphaTec® Gross Price List.
• The zipper should be almost closed with approximately 10 cm open
If storing the suit on vehicles or containers, abrasion through permanent
friction with the contact surface has to be avoided.
8.3 Shelf life
Shelf life refers to suits in storage, without being used. The storage/shelf life applies under
optimal storage conditions (see above) and does not form a guarantee. The recommended
Shelf life is 7 years from date of manufacture but this may be exceeded or be less, however
maximum 15 years. Therefore the condition of the suit needs to be checked regularly to
evaluate whether it is in good condition or not (see chapter 9).

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9. Maintenance
9.1 Maintenance schedule
The specied intervals below are Ansell recommendations. Differing national guidelines
must be complied with. For auxiliary equipment (SCBA, full-face mask, helmet etc.), refer to
the respective Instructions for Use.
For a list of spare parts & accessories, see chapter 11.6.
Area (chapter) Upon
Delivery
After
Use
After
Repair
Annu-
ally
Every
5 years
If
Broken
Visual inspection (9.2) X X X X
Test of gas-tightness (9.3) X X X X
Cleaning (9.4) X
Lubricate zipper (9.5) X X
Lubricate Bayonet O-Rings (9.6) X X
Repair & Replacements
Patching suit material (9.11) X
Barrier inner gloves (9.7) X X
Rubber gloves (9.7) X (*) X
Bayonet O-rings (9.6) X X
Bayonet locking pins (9.6) X X
Diaphragm in AlphaTec® Exhaust
valve (9.8) X X
Service of Regulating valve
& Passthrough (if tted) (9.9) X X
(*) Rubber gloves to be replaced after use, if chemically contaminated.
For repair or replacement of visor, boots and zipper, contact an
Ansell Service Center, or take a Training course provided by Ansell.

14
9.2 Visual inspection of suit
The inspection shall consist of the following steps, see also chapter 9.1:
• Visual inspection of both inside and outside.
• Look for surface damages on material, seams, visor, inner and outer gloves.
• Look for changes in the material properties such as brittleness, stiffness, swelling, stickiness
or other phenomena which could be evidence of chemical degradation or aging.
• Check function of zipper and zipper tting.
• Check function of the Bayonet glove ring system
• Check the function of the exhaust valves and, if tted, suit ventilation regulating valve/
passthrough. Make certain that they are rmly mounted and not damaged.
If any defect/malfunction is found, the suit must be taken out of service.
Note any remarks, found during the inspection, in the inspection log.
9.3 Test of gas-tightness according to ASTM F 1052
Test equipment: See chapter 11.6
Procedure:
1) Place the suit on a clean surface, preferably a table.
2) Exhaust valve no 1: Remove the outer exhaust valve cover (see chapter 9.9) and insert
the sealing plug.
3) Add the retaining collar (1 pce) on the sealing plug and tighten clockwise.
4) Exhaust valve no 2: Remove the outer exhaust valve cover and the diaphragm
(see chapter 9.8).
5) Put the retaining collar (1 pce) on the black adapter.
6) Screw the black adapter onto the grey test adapter, ensuring a tight connection.
7) Push the black adapter into the exhaust valve, then tighten the retaining collar.
8) Close the zipper.
9) Connect the pressure gauge via the nipple on the test adapter.
10) Inate the suit with an air pistol to 5.0 inch/125 mm water gauge (1245 Pa/12.5 mbar).
This is the pre-test expansion pressure.
11) Maintain this pressure for at least 1 minute in order to ll out wrinkles and allow the
material to settle. Extend the time if air temperatures inside and outside the suit are not
equal.
12) Adjust the pressure to 4 inch/100 mm water gauge (996 Pa/9.96 mbar). This is the test
pressure. Set and start the timer and wait for 4 minutes.

15
Do not touch the suit during the test period of time.
13) Note the pressure after 4 minutes. If this pressure is 3.1 inch/80 mm water gauge
(797 Pa/7.97 mbar) or more, the suit has passed the test. Note the nal pressure in the
suit log.
14) After the pressure test is completed, disconnect the pressure gauge from the test
adapter and remove the test adapter and the sealing plug from the exhaust valves.
15) Before re-tting the diaphragm, ensure it is free from dust.
16) Re-t the covers of both exhaust valves.
If the suit does not pass this test, the suit shall be removed from service.
9.4 Cleaning
For decontamination guidelines, see chapter 7.
9.4.1 Hand wash
Ansell recommends hand washing the suit:
• Hand wash in warm water (40 °C) with added mild detergent.
• Use a piece of soft rag or a smooth brush to clean the suit.
Care should be taken not to scratch or damage the material.
• Let the suit air-dry or use a fan (alternatively a cleaning system such as the TopTrock®
may be used).
• Stains of oil or other substances may be washed off carefully with white spirit, after which
the suit should be rinsed with lukewarm water with a mild detergent followed by water.
Do not use garments that are not thoroughly cleaned and dried.
The suit material will withstand most commercial disinfectants. Your AlphaTec® dealer or
Ansell Protective Solutions AB may be contacted for advice.

16
9.4.2 Machine wash
If the customer uses washing machine, the machine should be specially designed for
washing chemical protective suits:
• Large diameter of the drum
• Using extra amounts of water
• No rotating drum but only oscillating drum
• Mild washing powder
Machine washing the suit is the customer’s choice and responsibility.
AlphaTec® dealer or Ansell Protective Solutions AB may be contacted for advice.
9.5 Zipper
9.5.1 Function
The zipper is an important part of the suit and also a delicate piece of equipment, that has
to be handled carefully.
A damaged zipper can cause serious injury or death.
• Pull the slide using two ngers in the loop attached to the slide.
• Always pull the slide parallel and straight along the zipper. A pull sideways may seriously
damage the zipper.
• When closing, make sure that neither suit material nor undergarment material is caught
in the zipper.
• If the slide gets jammed or is hard to pull, then pull it back, trace the reason (e.g. dirt or
clothing material caught in the chain) and solve the problem. Then slowly try to pull it
again.
• Never try to overcome a problem by pulling harder as this will damage the zipper.
9.5.2 Maintenance
Lubricate the sealing areas and metal elements, inside and outside, with the wax stick
supplied with the suit.
Make sure the surfaces are clean before lubricating.

17
9.6 Bayonet ring
9.6.1 Function
The AlphaTec® (TRELLCHEM®) Bayonet ring system consists of the following parts:
Sleeve ring – glued to the suit sleeve
Glove ring – where the glove is mounted
Inner ring*– goes inside the shaft of the rubber glove
Viton®rubber O-rings – one in the sleeve ring and one in the glove ring. Together with the
rubber glove they provide a triple sealing of the system.
Safety locking pin – prevents the system from unintentional opening
Closed position
Green marks opposite white marks.
To open the system and detach the
glove assembly, remove the red locking
pin, push the two rings together and twist
counter-clockwise until the white marks
meet.
Open (detach/attach) position
White marks opposite white marks.
To attach the glove ring, match the
white marks, push the two rings together
and twist clockwise until the white marks
meet the green marks. Insert the red
locking pin.
* The inner ring is welded to the inner barrier glove, if the suit is tted with a 2 or 3-part
glove assembly

18
9.6.2 Maintenance
Procedure:
1) Open the Bayonet ring and take out the
two O-rings.
2) Apply Molycote all around the groove.
3) If replacing the O-rings: Put the two new
O-rings into place.
4) Use a small paintbrush to spread the
grease evenly.
The two O-rings are different size:
The one with larger diameter goes
into the glove ring and the smaller
diameter into the sleeve ring.
The suit must be pressure tested
before it is used again.
4
When functioning properly, the safety lock-
ing pin “snaps” into place when pushing it
with a nger. The pin may after repeated
use become too easy to push into place,
i.e. it gets worn out, and must then be
replaced.

19
9.7 Replacing gloves
The suit can be tted with either a single
rubber glove or a 2-part glove system
consisting of inner barrier glove and outer
rubber glove.
Procedure:
1) Take out the Safety locking pin.
2) Push the rings towards each other, then
turn clockwise, to open the ring system.
3) Pull the gloves out of the ring. If double
glove system, pull the inner barrier glove
out of the rubber glove.
If only rubber glove, continue with
step 8.
4) Only barrier inner gloves that are welded
to an inner ring can be used.
2
4
5) Remove the white protective lm on
each nger of the inner glove. This will
uncover a sticky area that holds the inner
glove in place and keeps it inside the
outer glove when the hand is retracted.
6) Push the inner glove into the outer rub-
ber glove. Make sure all ngers of the in-
ner glove come into position all the way
inside the ngers of the outer glove.
5
6

20
7) Press the ngers of the outer and in-
ner gloves together so that they stick
together.
8a) If only rubber gloves, place the black
inner ring approximately 5 cm/2 inches
into the rubber glove.
8b) If double glove system, push the
ring of the inner glove approximately
5 cm/2 inches into the rubber glove.
7
5 cm
8
9) If double glove system, put one hand
inside the gloves and curl a st. At the
same time, put a nger of the other hand
between the ring and the outer glove to
release air that is trapped between the
gloves.
10) Lubricate the O-rings with Molycote.
11) Push the glove through the glove ring
and align the thumb of the glove with
the green mark on the glove ring. Push it
rmly into place using your thumbs.
12) Fold the glove shaft into the glove ring.
9
11