MSA Phalanx Alpha Operation manual

riot control agent gas masks
instructions
parts list
NIOSH approved for respiratory protection in
atmospheres containing CN and CS and particu-
lates under the 42 CFR 84 P100 classification
( . 7% efficiency level) against all particulate
aerosols, including oil-based aerosols.
NIOSH approval
See inside for instructions, warnings and limitations.
See separate insert for NIOSH Approval Matrix.
Phalanx™Alpha
Phalanx™Beta
and Ultra Elite®
TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 © MSA 2007 Print Spec. 10005389(F) Mat. 487373
Doc. 487373

NIOSH CAUTIONS AND RESPIRATOR USE LIMITATIONS
A- Not or use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
B- Not or use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to li e or health.
C- Do not exceed maximum use concentrations established by regulatory
standards.
I- Contains electrical parts which have not been evaluated as an ignition
source in lammable or explosive atmospheres by MSHA/NIOSH.
J- Failure to properly use and maintain the product could result in injury or
death.
L- Follow the manu acturer’s User’s Instructions changing cartridges/and or il-
ters.
M- All approved respirators shall be selected, itted, used, and maintained in
accordance with MSHA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
N- Never substitute, modi y, add, or omit parts. Use only exact replacement
parts as speci ied by the manu acturer.
O- Re er to User’s Instructions, and/or maintenance manuals or in ormation on
use and maintenance o these respirators.
Follow any applicable limitation contained in a standard established by a
regulation agency (such as OSHA) with jurisdiction over the wearer.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND CARE
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
This gas mask, when properly used, removes harm ul gases, vapors (NIOSH
approved or CN, chloroacetophenone and CS, chlorobenzylidene malononitrile)
and all particulate aerosols, including oil based aerosols, (listed on the canister
label) rom the inhaled air. Inhaled air is drawn through the canister which con-
tains chemicals and a P100 ilter that removes or neutralizes the contaminants.
The air is then drawn through the acepiece, where it passes over the lens (to
minimize ogging) be ore it is taken into the lungs. Exhaled air leaves the ace-
piece through an exhalation valve and consequently is not rebreathed.
1. This device does NOT supply oxygen, and must only be used in ade-
quately ventilated areas containing at least 19.5 percent oxygen.
2. This respirator must be used in conjunction with the proper canister for
protection against specific contaminants.
3. Leave area immediately if:
A. Breathing becomes difficult.
B. Dizziness or other distress occurs.
C. You taste or smell contaminant.
D. You experience eye, nose or throat irritation.
4. Use strictly in accordance with instructions, labels and limitations per-
taining to this device.
5. This respirator may not provide a satisfactory seal with certain facial
characteristics, such as beards or large sideburns, that prevent direct
contact between the skin and the sealing surface of the facepiece. Do
not use this respirator if such conditions exist.
2TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373
WARNING

6. Never alter or modify this device.
7. This respirator is for use by trained, qualified personnel only.
. This facepiece does not provide any protection against propelled or
falling missiles. Consequently in riot or similar situations it is impera-
tive that a riot faceshield be worn in conjunction with the mask for pro-
tection against propelled or falling missiles.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE WARNINGS CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Respirator Fit Test
A qualitative or quantitative respirator it test must be per ormed or each wear-
er o this respirator to determine the amount o protection it will provide.
Respirator it tests are explained ully in the American National Standard or
Respiratory Protection, ANSI Z88.2, which is published by the American
National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036.
Quantitative Test
I a quantitative it test is used, a it actor that is at least 1000 shall be obtained
be ore that respirator is assigned to an individual.
Qualitative Test
I a qualitative it test is used, only validated protocols are acceptable. The indi-
vidual must pass a test designed to assess a it actor o at least 1000.
The user must perform a respirator fit test and follow all warnings and limita-
tions specified. Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury or death.
PREPARATIONS FOR USE
There are ive inspection points, listed below, that must be checked be ore
donning the respirator. Under no circumstances should a respirator that ails
inspection be used. The respirator must be repaired or replaced.
1. Head harness: Check to see that the head harness straps still have their
elasticity. Inspect or cracks or tears and make sure all buckles are in place
and working properly.
2. Facepiece: Check acepiece or dirt, cracks, tears or holes. Inspect the
shape o the acepiece or possible distortion that may occur rom improp-
er storage and make sure the rubber is lexible, not sti .
3. Inhalation and exhalation valves: Check or cracks, tears, distortion, dirt or
build-up o material between valve and valve seat.
4. Facepiece inlet port: Check to make sure gaskets are in place (i applicable)
and check or cracks and damage to threads.
a. Inlet Port (Phalanx Beta only): Check to make sure gasket is in place
and check or traces o damage to inlet components.
b. Inlet Port (Phalanx Alpha only): Check to make sure the inlet port
threads are ree o damage such as crossed threads and that the can-
ister sealing sur ace o the acepiece is clean and ree o dirt or other
oreign matter. Make sure the inlet port plugs are in place on the side o
acepiece opposite the canister.
TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373 3
WARNING

5. Canister: Make sure canister is clean. Never try to clean canister by wash-
ing it or using compressed air. Inspect canister or dents, scratches or other
damage.
Assemble Gas Mask as Follows:
Place canister onto inlet port care ully. Hand tighten by turning clockwise to
ensure a good seal against the gasket or acepiece.
DONNING THE MASK
1. Extend all headband straps.
2. Put you chin in irst.
3. Grasp the two side straps in each hand, and pull the harness back over your
head.
4. To tighten straps, pull straight back, not out.
5. Adjust straps as necessary to position acepiece.
TEST FOR TIGHTNESS
THE FACEPIECE MUST BE SUBJECTED TO THE FOLLOWING TIGHTNESS
TEST BEFORE EACH USE. Test the mask acepiece or tightness by lightly
placing a palm over the inlet end o the canister. Inhale gently so that the ace-
piece collapses slightly and hold breath or ten seconds. The acepiece will
remain collapsed while the breath is held providing the assembly is gas tight. I
any leakage is detected around the acial seal, readjust head harness straps
and repeat test until there is no leakage. I other than acial seal leakage is
detected, the condition must be investigated and corrected be ore another test
is made. The acepiece must pass the tightness test be ore the user should
attempt to enter any toxic atmosphere. The mask will not urnish protection
unless all inhaled air is drawn through the canister.
Do not enter any atmosphere with this respirator unless you KNOW that:
1. You have read, understood and followed all instructions and warnings
pertaining to the respirator.
2. The respirator and conditions meet the requirements outlined.
3. The canister is the proper type for the contaminant or contaminants
present.
4. The amount of oxygen is sufficient to support life (that is, at least 19.5
percent oxygen by volume at sea level). Do not use if oxygen concen-
tration sufficient to support life is questionable.
5. Respirator does not leak (see Test for Tightness).
6. Canister does not need to be replaced. Discard exhausted canister.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ABOVE WARNINGS CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
4TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373
WARNING

REPLACING THE CANISTER
Due to the uncontrolled environment, the canister along with the P100 ilter
must be replaced a ter each use. During use, the length o time the chemicals
in the canister will give protection depends both on the concentration o the
contaminants and the rate o breathing. When the mask is properly adjusted,
leakage as indicated by odor, taste or eye, nose or throat irritation is evidence
that the canister is exhausted. Excessive inhalation resistance is also evidence
that the canister has served its use ul li e and must be replaced. The wearer
should return immediately to resh air and attach a new canister. Do not use
canister a ter the expiration date on label.
USING THE INLET PORT PLUG (Phalanx Alpha Version only)
The design o this gas mask allows the user to wear the gas mask with the can-
ister on either the right side or the le t side o the acepiece. The threaded
receptacle on the side o the acepiece opposite rom the side on which the
canister is mounted must be sealed o by the inlet port plug. The inlet port plug
must be tightened by turning clockwise onto the threaded inlet port, on which
the canister is creating a seal between cap and acepiece.
MAINTENANCE
This mask must be kept in good condition to unction properly. When any part
shows evidence o ailure, it must be replaced immediately with the proper part.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
The acepiece assembly (with canister removed) should be cleaned a ter each
use with MSA Cleaner-Disin ectant Liquid (P/N 697284) (maximum 120˚F).
1. Immerse soiled equipment in the solution and scrub gently with a so t brush
until clean. Take care to clean the exhalation valve in the acepiece and all
other parts that exhaled air contacts.
2. Rinse in plain warm water (maximum 120˚F ) and then air dry.
Cleaning at or below 120˚F will avoid possible overheating and distortion
of parts of the respirator which would require replacement.
STORAGE
This mask, when not in use, should be kept in the container provided.
RESPIRATOR USE LIMITATIONS IN CBA (CHEMICAL - BIOLOGICAL WAR-
FARE AGENT) ATMOSPHERES:
The recommended work environments or this respirator include operations
where exposure to vapor or liquid Chemical Agents or Biological Agents is pos-
sible but not expected, or, or escape rom possible CBA contamination and
controlled low level CBA atmospheres which do not exceed the maximum use
concentration as determined by the governing authority.
In the event a maximum use concentration has not been established by the
governing authority, it is recommended that the use o the respirator should be
CAUTION
TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373 5

limited to atmospheres 100 times (or less) the de ined permissible Airborne
Exposure Limit (AEL) or Time Weighted Average (TWA) o the contaminate
(except or mustard and lewisite, or these agents the recommended use con-
centration is to be limited to the AEL or TWA).
For uses in atmospheres containing chemical or biological warfare
agents, as with all hazardous atmospheres, it is recommended that a
complete respiratory and body protection program be developed and full
protective ensemble be utilized. This program should as a minimum
include the following items:
Before Entering a CBA Contaminated Area
1. All users should be trained (on a regular basis) in the use of the
protective equipment, the hazard, the effects and physical signs of
agent over exposure, governing protocols or regulations concern-
ing the hazard and user, medical needs, emergency and first aid
procedures in case of over exposure, decontamination, and han-
dling and disposal of contaminated equipment.
2. Each user should be quantitatively fit tested in the facepiece they
will be using and have a tested fit factor of 1000 or greater.
3. It is recommended that each user should be outfitted with a face-
piece with CBA canister, a hood, and full chemical protective suit
including gloves and shoe coverings.
4. The user should determine or check with the safety office to verify
that the protective equipment to be used is sufficient for exposure
to their particular hazard and contamination level. Mis-use of the
protective equipment can result in serious personal injury or death.
During the Stay in the CBA Contaminated Area
1. It is recommended that the area be real timed monitored (with
alarm) for exposure levels of the contaminate. If the monitored
contaminate level is above the allowable exposure limit or maxi-
mum use concentration (as determined by the governing protocol),
the user should leave the area immediately.
2. The user should not remove any of the CWA protective clothing
while in the contaminated area. This action could result in a seri-
ous injury or death.
3. If symptoms of CBA over exposure are present, seek medical treat-
ment and attention immediately.
After Exposure to a CBA Contaminated Area
1. A decontamination procedure for the user and the protective
equipment should be developed and implemented.
2. Once the user leaves the contaminated area, they should enter the
decontamination area and follow the set decon procedure. Failure
to follow an acceptable decon procedure could lead to serious
injury or death.
3. Once the user and the protective equipment have been decontam-
inated, proper disposal of affected equipment is to be performed.
Disposal is to be performed as required by federal, state and/or
local laws that apply to CBA contaminated materials.
6TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373
WARNING

Failure to follow accepted safety and protection procedures when
exposed to hazardous atmospheres, can result in serious personal injury
or death.
WARNING
TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373 7

8TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373
817589
634323
*

634623
*
TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373 9

10 TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373
*
™

TAL 704 (L) Rev. 11 - 487373 11
NOTES

1TAL 7921 (L) Rev. 9 - DRAFT - 12/15/97

1TAL 7921 (L) Rev. 9 - DRAFT - 12/15/97