MSA AirXpress One Fire User manual

Operating Manual
AirXpress One/AirXpress 2 Fire
Self-contained Open-circuit Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus
P/N: 10168075/01

Schlüsselstrasse 12
8645 Rapperswil-Jona
Switzerland
© MSA 2015. All rights reserved

Contents
AirXpress One/AirXpress 2 Fire
3
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GB
Contents
1.Safety Regulations.....................................................................................................................................................................4 
Correct Use ...................................................................................................................................................................4  1.1.
Liability Information........................................................................................................................................................4  1.2.
2.Description.................................................................................................................................................................................5 
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................6  2.1.
Basic Unit ......................................................................................................................................................................6  2.2.
Back plate......................................................................................................................................................................9  2.3.
Reducer.......................................................................................................................................................................10  2.4.
Demand valve..............................................................................................................................................................11  2.5.
Medium pressure hose................................................................................................................................................11  2.6.
High pressure hose .....................................................................................................................................................11  2.7.
3.  Use ..........................................................................................................................................................................................12 
Mounting cylinder ........................................................................................................................................................12  3.1.
Filling cylinder..............................................................................................................................................................13  3.2.
Empty cylinder.............................................................................................................................................................13  3.3.
Connecting cylinder.....................................................................................................................................................13  3.4.
Donning device............................................................................................................................................................14  3.5.
Condensed check prior to use.....................................................................................................................................15  3.6.
Donning the mask........................................................................................................................................................16  3.7.
During Use...................................................................................................................................................................18  3.8.
Removing device.........................................................................................................................................................19  3.9.
Remove cylinder........................................................................................................................................................21  3.10.
4.Maintenance and Cleaning......................................................................................................................................................22 
Maintenance Instructions.............................................................................................................................................22  4.1.
Maintenance Intervals .................................................................................................................................................22  4.2.
Maintenance and Cleaning of the demand valve.........................................................................................................23  4.3.
Maintenance for the reducer........................................................................................................................................25  4.4.
Maintenance for the high and medium pressure hose.................................................................................................25  4.5.
5.Cleaning....................................................................................................................................................................................26 
6.Storage .....................................................................................................................................................................................26 
7.Shipment ..................................................................................................................................................................................26 
8.Technical Specifications/Certifications.................................................................................................................................26 
9.Accessories..............................................................................................................................................................................27 
10.Ordering Information.............................................................................................................................................................27 
Basic unit...................................................................................................................................................................27  10.1.
Mask..........................................................................................................................................................................27  10.2.
Cylinder .....................................................................................................................................................................28  10.3.
Spare parts list...........................................................................................................................................................28  10.4.
11.Approval agency information ...............................................................................................................................................29 

Safety Regulations
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1. Safety Regulations
Correct Use 1.1.
The MSA AirXpress one and AirXpress 2 Fire - referred to hereafter as device - is self-contained open-circuit
compressed air apparatus operating independent of the ambient air.
Breathable air according to EN 12021 is supplied to the user from a compressed air cylinder via a pressure reducer, a
lung governed demand valve and a full face mask (Operating Manual for the Full Face Mask). The exhalation air is
released directly into the ambient atmosphere.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the product. In particular, the safety
instructions, as well as the information for the use and operation of the product, must be carefully read and observed.
Furthermore, the applicable national regulations applicable in the user’s country must be taken into account for safety
use.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compliance. This also applies especially to
unauthorized alterations to the product and to commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or authorized
persons.
DANGER
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, maintenance or servicing may affect the function
of the device and thereby seriously compromise the user's life. Before use the product operability must be
verified. The product must not be used if the function test is unsuccessful, it is damaged, a competent
servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA spare parts have not been used.
DANGER
This basic apparatus is a pure gas protection device. It is not suitable for underwater diving.
WARNING
This product must use the EN certified cylinder and mask. The part numbers are identified in chapter 10.2 and
10.3.
Liability Information 1.2.
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the product has been used inappropriately or not as intended. The selection and
use of the product are the exclusive responsibility of the individual operator. Product liability claims, warranties also as
guarantees made by MSA with respect to the product are voided, if it is not used, serviced or maintained in accordance
with the instructions in this manual.

Description
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2. Description
Fig. 1 Basic unit (Using BD back plate)
1 Shoulder strap 8 Waist belt
2 Cylinder strap 9 Alarm whistle
3 Cylinder buckle 10 Reducer support
4 Demand valve 11 Reducer
5 High pressure hose 12 Demand valve holder
6 Back plate 13 Chest strap
7 Tightening strap 14 Medium pressure hose
The basic breathing apparatus is made up of back plate, shoulder strap, reducer, medium pressure hose, high pressure
hose, pressure gauge and demand valve. Back plate is designed to use symmetrical plastic handles for convenient
movement of device. Reducer is mounted under the back plate. Cylinder bracket is mounted in the guide groove at the
upper part of back plate. Lengths of waist belt and shoulder strap can be adjusted. Material of the back plate is fiber
reinforced material. Materials of the shoulder strap and waist belt are flame-resistant polyester webbing, flame-resistant
fabric and flame-resistant padding material. Wide shoulder padding and waist protective padding make the wearing very
comfortable. The metal on the back plate, straps and waist belt are made of stainless steel, are not easily rusted.
13
6
2
5
8
9
7
10
11
12
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14
4

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Overview 2.1.
There are two versions of the device available: AirXpress One and AirXpress 2 Fire.
AirXpress One
The AirXpress one is designed to meet the needs of industrial applications. The device is approved according to
EN 137:2006 type 1. The harness is designed for quick exchange and made of flame resistance material. On the upper
part of the back plate a cylinder support with integrated line positioning is attached. The AX demand valve is fixed at the
medium pressure line. In this version there are 2 kinds of back plate: AX back plate and BD back plate. There are two
kinds of pneumatic system for AirXpress One: pneumatic system without second connector and with second connector.
AirXpress 2 Fire
The AirXpress 2 Fire is fit for firefighting purposes and approved according to EN 137:2006 type 2. The harness is
designed for quick exchange and made of flame resistance material. On the upper part of the back plate a cylinder
support is attached. On the upper part of the back plate a cylinder support with integrated line positioning is attached.
The AX demand valve is fixed at the medium pressure line. In this version there are 2 kinds of back plate: AX back plate
and BD back plate.
There are three kinds of pneumatic system for AirXpress 2 Fire:
1. Pneumatic system without second connector
2. Pneumatic system with second connector
3. Pneumatic system with second connector and 2 couplings.
Basic Unit 2.2.
Totally there are five kinds of basic unit for AirXpress One and AirXpress 2 Fire, Including different back plates and
pneumatics system:
1. 500C reducer, AX demand valve, BD back plate, pneumatics system without second connector (Fig. 2).
2. 500C reducer, AX demand valve, BD back plate, pneumatics system with second connector (Fig. 3).
3. 500C reducer, AX demand valve, BD back plate, pneumatics system with second connector and 2 couplings (Fig. 4).
4. 500C reducer, AX demand valve, AX back plate, pneumatic system without second connector (Fig. 5).
5. 500C reducer, AX demand valve, AX back plate, pneumatic system with second connector (Fig. 6).

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Fig. 2 Basic unit , BD back plate, pneumatics system without second connector
Fig. 3 Basic unit, BD back plate, pneumatics system with second connector
1 Second connecter 2 Coupling
1
2

Description
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Fig. 4 Basic unit, BD back plate, pneumatics system with second connector and 2 couplings
1 Second connecter 2 Coupling
Fig. 5 Basic unit, AX back plate, pneumatics system without second connector
1
2
2

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Fig. 6 Basic unit, AX back plate, pneumatics system with second connector
1 Second connecter 2 Coupling
Back plate 2.3.
There are two kinds of back plate: AX back plate and BD back plate.
The shape of the two kinds of back plate is different.
Fig. 7
Back plate
1 BD back plate 2 AX Back plate
2
1
1
2

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Reducer 2.4.
Fig. 8 Reducer
1 High pressure hose 5 Cylinder connector
2 Medium pressure hose 6 Safety pressure valve
3 O-ring 7 Alarm whistle
4 Hand wheel
WARNING
Once the air releasing phenomenon by the safety pressure release valve of the reducer is noticed, withdraw
from the working place immediately and stop using this breathing apparatus. Send it to MSA authorized service
centers for inspection and repair. It can only be used after all trouble removed. It’s forbid to adjust any parts in
the reducer by user. The breathing apparatus must be sent back to MSA authorized service centers for repair if
any failure occurs. It is no allowed to disassemble the reducer by the user. Don’t damage the seal surface
when replacing the seal O ring on the high pressure connection.
The reducer is mounted in the lower area of the back plate. It reduces pressure of the high pressure air from the cylinder
to mid pressure at about 7 bar. The air is delivered through medium pressure hose to demand valve, reduce the pressure
again and then used by the user. Turn the hand wheel and connect the cylinder connector with the cylinder. Once the
cylinder valve is opened, the user can view the pressure indication from the pressure gauge as which is connected to the
high pressure hose. A pressure alarm device is equipped in the reducer. When the pressure of the cylinder is lowered to
55 ± 5 bar, it will give off audible alarm signal ≥90 dB. The alarm device will not be dependent on the ambient air when
alarm device give an alarm, so the alarm device will not lose its function even if in high humid atmosphere or under
sprinkle water, or even in very low temperature. In addition, the air consumed for the alarm device’s alarm is ≤5 L/min.
There is also a safety release valve, which is set to about 11 bar, in case there is anything wrong and the medium
pressure rises, the valve will opened, release the over pressure to guarantee the performance of the demand valve.
1
3
7
2
6
4
5

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Demand valve 2.5.
The AX demand valve is a lung governed demand valve for a compressed air breathing apparatus. It is connected
between compressed air supply and full-face mask and controls the inhaled and exhaled air.
WARNING
The AX demand is not an independent breathing apparatus. It must be used exclusively mounted on a full-face
mask. The AX demand is not suitable for underwater diving.
Fig. 9 Demand valve
1 Medium pressure hose 2 Exhaust button
3 Port of mask 4 Operating button
Don’t push operating button and exhaust button at the same time. Don’t press down the red and black
button during the use, because pushing both button can disconnect the demand valve from the mask.
The outer housing of the demand valve is made of high strength engineering plastic to endure possible collision. The
demand valve must be used with full mask.
Medium pressure hose 2.6.
The explosion pressure for medium pressure hose is not less than four times of the reducer output pressure. Connection
of the medium pressure hose with the demand valve is flexible and swiveling, which can automatically fit head movement
of the operator.
High pressure hose 2.7.
A high pressure gauge is connected with the high pressure hose. The pressure gauge surface is luminescent, so the
pressure display can be viewed clearly even in the dark. Connection of the pressure gauge and the high pressure hose is
swiveling and can turn in 360°, this makes easy for the operator to view the pressure gauge at any position.
There is a small hole in the high pressure hose, which is safety hole. In case there is leak from the high
pressure hose, air will be released from the small safety hole, thus to avoid the high pressure hose from
exploding.
1
3
2
4

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3. Use
WARNING
The device can be used only after fully maintained and tested. If malfunctions or defects were found before
using, do not use the device. Prevent the respirator from sharp objects and prevent it from collision with any
objects during the use. The device shall be checked and repaired by MSA authorized service center.
Mounting cylinder 3.1.
(1) Insert the cylinder into the cylinder strap (In this pictures it only show a composite cylinder).
Fig. 10 Mount cylinder
(2) Erect the cylinder and the back plate (Fig. 10).
(3) Align the cylinder valve outlet center with the reducer hand wheel center.
(4) Turn the hand wheel, to connect the reducer with the cylinder.
Not to make it too tight, just hand-tight. Don’t use any tools.

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Filling cylinder 3.2.
WARNING
Filling pressure must not exceed the rated working pressure of cylinder.
(1) Check period of validity for the cylinder.
(2) Check for appearance damage.
(3) Check if the threads connections are dry, the seal ring is not damaged and the inside of the cylinder is dry.
(4) Check the cylinder valve for damage and function.
(5) Connect the cylinder valve and the fill device air tight.
Heat emission of composite cylinder will spend a longer time than traditional metal cylinder during the
period of air fill because the material of composite cylinder is the thermal insulated material. The
temperature of cylinder maybe exceed 30°C when the filling pressure reaches the working pressure, but
when the cylinder temperature drop down to the same with the environment temperature, pressure in
the cylinder will drop as well, and the cylinder is not filled enough as specified. So, air filling can be
continued until it is fully filled.
Empty cylinder 3.3.
WARNING
Do not direct valve outlet of G5/8 to any person to avoid any injuries.
(1) Open the cylinder valve slowly to empty the cylinder, and close the cylinder valve when the air flow is low (to
avoid the creation of humidity/ice inside the cylinder).
Fix the cylinder stably during the period of air emptying to prevent cylinder from rotation.
Connecting cylinder 3.4.
(1) Place compressed air breathing apparatus horizontally so that the back face is on top.
(2) Check gasket on pressure reducer for proper condition.
(3) Open cylinder buckle on the cylinder strap eliminating any tension and extend the strap.
(4) Push compressed air cylinder through the cylinder strap with the cylinder valve toward the pressure reducer, so
that it lies on the central support.
(5) Thread cylinder valve onto pressure reducer, if necessary, bring the compressed air breathing apparatus with
valve up into a vertical position.
(6) Tighten cylinder strap by pulling the free end.
(7) Check position of compressed air cylinder, retighten if necessary.
(8) Push cylinder buckle down until it catches.
(9) Fasten end of the cylinder retaining strap onto Velcro strip.
(10) Briefly open cylinder valve and check for escaping air, retighten if necessary.

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Donning device 3.5.
(1) Check all components of the device for defects and malfunctions.
(2) Don device with shoulder straps fully extended.
Fig. 11 Tighten shoulder straps
(3) Tighten shoulder straps until back plate fits comfortably (Fig. 11).
Fig. 12 Close hip belt
(4) Close hip belt and tighten loose ends towards the front (Fig. 12).
(5) Adjust shoulder straps to achieve a comfortable weight distribution between shoulder straps and hip belt.
(6) If there is coupling in medium pressure hose, connect demand valve to medium pressure connector.

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Condensed check prior to use 3.6.
(1) Push red button to close demand valve.
(2) Open cylinder valve (Fig. 13).
Fig. 13 Open cylinder valve
(3) Close cylinder valve.
(4) Block outlet of the demand valve with your hand. Only leave a narrow gap.
(5) Slightly push the exhaust button to release the air slowly.
Fig. 14 Watch pressure gauge
(6) Watch the pressure gauge and reduce the air flow when the pressure is about 65 bar (Fig. 14).
(7) Listen to the alarm whistle signal when the pressure is lowered about 55 ± 5 bar.
(8) After checking the alarm function, close the demand valve. Then open cylinder valve two circles.

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Donning the mask 3.7.
(1) Loosen all head harness straps.
(2) Place neck strap around the neck.
Fig. 15 Pull over mask
(3) Put your chin into the lower part of the mask and pull over the mask (Fig. 15).
(4) Completely pull back the head harness over your head.
Fig. 16 Tighten lower straps
(5) Properly tighten the two lower straps by pulling them in backward direction (Fig. 16).
(6) Properly tighten the two middle straps.
(7) Properly tighten the one top strap.

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Fig. 17 Air-tight check
(8) Block the inlet of the mask and make a deep inhale once to check the air-tight property of the mask (Fig. 17).
The mask and your face are sealed if there is no air flow inside the mask.
If the mask and your face are not well sealed, the readjustment must be made until a good seal is
achieved. The beard or sideburns on the face may affect the air-tight seal. Hairs got in between the
mask and your face will affect the air-tight seal. Not necessary to pull the head harness too tight, which
will make you feel uncomfortable. When in cold weather, once your mask is on your head, fog may
appear on the lens. As long as you start breathing after connecting the demand valve, the fog will
disappear.
Fig. 18 Connect demand valve with mask
(9) Push the outlet of the demand valve into the air inlet mask until your hear the “click” sound (Fig. 18).
(10) Take a deep inhale breathing, to switch on the demand valve.

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Fig. 19 Inhale and exhale check
(11) Make several inhale and exhale breathing to check if everything is alright before entering the work place (Fig. 19).
During Use 3.8.
(1) Regularly check tight fit of the mask and demand valve and retighten if necessary, as well as the air supply on the
pressure gauge.
(2) Leave area immediately if the warning signal sounds.
WARNING
The warning signal sounds when the air supply in the compressed air cylinders is reduced. In such cases,
immediately leave the area, there is danger of air deficiency
Independently of the warning signal an earlier retreat may be required whilst in the case of a longer
retreat route the moment chosen is based on the reading of the pressure gauge.

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Removing device 3.9.
(1) Press down red and black button on both sides of the demand valve.
(2) Pull the demand valve out of the mask.
Fig. 20 Loosen stainless steel buckles
(3) Loosen the stainless steel buckles on the mask head harness (Fig. 20).
Fig. 21 Pull of the mask
(4) Grab the air inlet and pull of the mask (Fig. 21).
(5) Place the mask aside properly.

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Fig. 22 Unfasten waist belt
(6) Press the button on the waist strap buckle and pull out the plug tongue to unfasten the waist belt (Fig. 22).
Fig. 23 Take off device
(7) Grab shoulder straps and take off device (Fig. 23).
(8) Turn off cylinder.
(9) Completely release the remaining air in the system by pressing the green button on the demand valve.