MSA Vautex Elite S User manual

Operating Manual
Vautex Elite S,
Vautex Elite S Expert
Chemical Protective Suit Type 1a EN 943 - 1:2002
Ordering No.: D3020053/10

Operating Manual
3 −26
Gebrauchsanleitung
27 −50
Brugsanvisning
51 −74
Käyttöohjeet
75 −98
Manuel d'utilisation
99 – 122
Bruksanvisning
123 – 146
Användarmanual
147 – 170
操作手册
171 – 195
MSA AUER GmbH
D-12059 Berlin
Thiemannstrasse 1
Germany
© MSA AUER GmbH. All rights reserved

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MSA CONTENTS
Vautex Elite S 3
Contents
1. Safety Regulations.......................................................................................................................5
1.1. Correct Use..........................................................................................................................5
1.2. Liability Information..............................................................................................................5
2. Description ...................................................................................................................................6
2.1. Design of the Protective Suit ...............................................................................................6
3. Use.................................................................................................................................................8
3.1. Safety Instructions ...............................................................................................................8
3.2. Helmet cover as visor holder ...............................................................................................8
3.3. Preparation ..........................................................................................................................9
3.4. Donning the Protective Suit .................................................................................................9
3.5. Removing the Protective Suit ............................................................................................12
3.6. Disposal .............................................................................................................................12
4. Cleaning, Disinfection ...............................................................................................................13
4.1. Cleaning.............................................................................................................................13
4.2. Disinfection ........................................................................................................................14
5. Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................14
5.1. Maintenance Intervals........................................................................................................14
5.2. Tightness Test of the Protective Suit .................................................................................15
5.3. Replacing the Suit Valves..................................................................................................16
5.4. Tightness Test of the Valves .............................................................................................16
5.5. Zip ......................................................................................................................................17
5.6. Visual Control of the Protective Suit ..................................................................................17
5.7. Maintenance of the Spacer................................................................................................17
5.8. Repair ................................................................................................................................17
5.9. Replacing the Lens ............................................................................................................17
5.10. Replacing the Gloves.........................................................................................................18
5.11. Replacing the Safety High Boots .......................................................................................20

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CONTENTS MSA
4 Vautex Elite S
6. Transport and Storage.............................................................................................................. 21
7. Technical Data ........................................................................................................................... 22
7.1. Approvals .......................................................................................................................... 22
7.2. General Characteristics of the Protective Suit .................................................................. 22
7.3. Mechanical Characteristics of the Suit Material................................................................ 23
7.4. Chemical Characteristics of the Suit Material ................................................................... 23
8. Ordering Information ................................................................................................................ 25

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MSA SAFETY REGULATIONS
Vautex Elite S 5
1. Safety Regulations
1.1. Correct Use
The chemical protective suit Vautex Elite S or Vautex Elite S Expert (hereinafter referred to as
protective suit) is particularly intended to protect the wearer's skin from danger caused by liquid
or gaseous toxic agents. As total encapsulating protective clothing it is worn over working
clothes and the protective breathing apparatus. It offers excellent protection in emergencies,
decontamination work, securing leaks or similar.
The protective suit does not provide protection against heat or cold and is not itself a complete
breathing protection apparatus. It must be worn in conjunction with the following series of
compressed air breathing apparatus:
BD N
BD 283
BD 296 N
DA 300
DA 300-2
BD AE
BD ESA
BD AutoMaXX AS
BD 88/96 AS
BD AirMaXX
BD AirGo
The protective suit described in this operating manual comply with the European Directives
89/686/EEC and 94/9/EC (Section 7.1).
The EC type examination was carried out by the DEKRA EXAM GmbH, (Dinnendahlstraße 9,
D-44809 Bochum).
Reference number of the organisation concerned: 0158
EC prototype certificate No.: 1883A/97/84 PSA
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 national regulations applicable
in the user's country must be taken into account for a safe use.
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.
Alternative use, or use outside these specifications will be considered as non-compliance. This
also applies especially to unauthorised alterations to the product and to commissioning work
that has not been carried out by MSA or authorised persons.
1.2. Liability Information
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.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
6 Vautex Elite S
2. Description
2.1. Design of the Protective Suit
Fig 1 Design of the Protective Suit
[S] Standard model 12 Threaded ring
[G] Model for GALLET helmet 13 Slide ring
[E] Model Expert 14 Gasket
1 Suit shell 15 Valve housing
2 Profiled lens seat 16 Valve disc
3 Lens 17 Valve chamber
4 Lens arrestor 18-22 Safety high boot
5-11 Gloves 18 Clamp for boots
5 Inner Gloves 19 Clamp protector
6 Rubber ring 20 Tube sleeve for boots
7 Tube 21 Support ring for boots
8 Clamp protector 22 Boot
9 Clamp 23 Head plate
10 Outer glove 24 Head strap (on the inside of the suit)
11 Cuff tube 25 Spacer
12-17 Suit valve 26 Helmet cover as visor holder

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MSA DESCRIPTION
Vautex Elite S 7
The one-piece suit is made of a composite material and has a replaceable lens; firmly attached
and replaceable gloves and safety high boots, firmly attached but replaceable, three suit valves
and a completely gas-tight zipper. The zip is located on the front, running from the right leg up to
the head section.
The protective suit has a spacer, located under the visor, which increases the mobility of the
wearer of the protective suit.
The helmet cover as visor holder provides added comfort to the protective suit. It fixes the visor
of the protective helmet (only MSA GALLET Helmets F1S, F1SA, F1E and F1SF).
The composite material consists of a woven fabric, a multi-layer-film-laminate and an elastomer
coating. This combination results in a special outside appearance, different to that of Vautex SL.
The Vautex Elite is not smooth but has an uneven surface. This does not affect the quality or
the protection characteristics of the protective suit.
Attention!
Wearing a protective suit and a compressed air breathing apparatus will put a
physical strain on the wearer. Wearing the protective suit for extended periods can
cause heat stress. The wearer must, therefore, be suited to wearing the protective
suit (good health, possibly carry out a preventive medical examination first).
Moreover, when in use, regional guidelines and accident prevention regulations must
be observed.
The operating time must be limited in accordance with specific national regulations.
The back part is prepared for wearing a compressed air breathing apparatus under the
protective suit.
The head part in the protective suit is spacious enough to allow a protective helmet
(Section 3.1) to be worn under the protective suit. In order to adapt to different helmet sizes
an adjustable head strap is fitted to the inside of the suit between the three rear suit valves.
The inhalation air flows from the connector of the mask past the inhalation valve to the inside of
the lens (thus keeping the lens fog-free) and then through the check valves into the nose cup.
The exhalation air passes through the exhalation valve of the mask into the inside of the suit
and then through the suit valves into the ambient atmosphere.
The protective suit is equipped with transponder technology for protective suits. The
transponder is an electronic data carrier on which a code is saved. The code is read contactless
with the AUER transponder reader (Section 8) and thus enables a clear identification of the
chemical protective suit. In order to show, and to further process the code, a PC or
MSA Proficheck and the corresponding MSA / TecBos software is required in conjunction with
the AUER transponder reader.
The service life of the protective suit is at least 10 years when correctly serviced and stored and
does not apply to use.

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USE MSA
8 Vautex Elite S
3. Use
3.1. Safety Instructions
Attention!
In order to prevent electrostatic load when entering explosive atmospheres the
chemical protective suit must be moistened with water on the outside and kept
moistened whilst in the explosive area.
Attention!
The protective suit is not suitable for firefighting.
Before donning the suit, the wearer must check that there are no missing parts (e.g. suit valves,
gloves and boots).
Furthermore, the lens on the inside of the suit and the lens on the outside of the mask should be
treated with anti-fog agent MSA klar-pilot. Alternatively, the anti-fog lens can be clipped on. In
this case only the outside of the mask lens needs to be treated with MSA klar-pilot.
When using in the colder environments heat insulating clothing is recommended.
As clothing under the protective suit the following is recommended:
cotton underwear and socks,
cotton gloves,
e.g. one-piece overall with legs and sleeves that can be closed tightly or a firefighting
protective suit,
protective helmet (e.g. DIN firefighting helmet MSA Linesman, MSA GALLET: F1S, F1SA,
F2 or F2 XTREM,
protective helmets with helmet cover as visor holder (MSA GALLET F1S, F1SA, F1E, F1SF)
(Section 3.2).
3.2. Helmet cover as visor holder
The helmet cover as visor holder is available for the helmets MSA GALLET F1S, F1SA,
F1E, F1SF.
Pulling on the helmet cover as visor holder
(1) Pull the helmet cover as visor holder over the visor.
(2) Pull the helmet cover as visor holder completely over the
bottom edge of the helmet.

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MSA USE
Vautex Elite S 9
3.3. Preparation
Before donning the protective suit the following instructions must be followed:
(1) Spread the protective suit on the floor.
(2) Align the sleeves and legs of the protective suit ensuring there are no twists.
(3) Open the zip fully and carefully in stages.
(4) Treat the suit lens on the inside and the lens of the respiratory protective mask on the
outside with the anti-misting agent MSA klar-pilot.
(5) Place the safety high boots upright and expose the boot openings.
(6) Check the compressed air breathing apparatus and full face mask in accordance with the
corresponding operating manual and check the sealing.
3.4. Donning the Protective Suit
When donning the protective suit a second person (assistant) is required to help.
Donning respiratory protection
(1) Put the compressed air breathing apparatus and full face
mask on in accordance with the corresponding operating
manual.
(2) Open cylinder valves fully.
(3) Don the protective helmet and put on the cotton gloves.
Attention!
Ensure that the mask is properly tightened since it could
slip as a result of the wearer's increased sweat when
wearing the protective suit.
Adjusting the head strap
(4) The assistant adjusts the head strap so that the head section
is set to the optimum size for the size of the helmet.
Donning the boots
(5) Stand next to the protective suit, remove footwear.
(6) Step into the suit.
(7) Step into the right, followed by the left, boot.

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USE MSA
10 Vautex Elite S
Attaching the support belt
(8) Roughly adjust the length of the support belt from the crotch
of the protective suit.
(9) Pull the protective suit up to crotch.
(10) Attach the support belt to the waist belt of the compressed air
breathing apparatus.
(11) Adjust the length of the support belt.
The belt must be attached tightly whilst ensuring freedom of
movement.
Pulling the left glove over fully
(12) The assistant holds on to the loose hanging sleeves of the
protective suit at the support ring of the left glove system and
pulls the sleeve without creases to the side.
(13) Pull the left sleeve on fully whilst ensuring that the glove
system fits properly.
Pulling the protective suit on
(14) The assistant raises the protective suit over the compressed
air cylinders.
(15) Hold the lens up by the bottom edge using your left hand.
(16) The assistant places the head part over the helmet.
Pulling the right glove over fully
(17) The assistant holds on to the support ring of the right glove
system and pulls the sleeve without creases to the side.
(18) Pull the right sleeve on fully whilst ensuring that the glove
system fits properly.

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MSA USE
Vautex Elite S 11
Attention!
Carefully close the zip by gently pulling. As the zip slider
moves downwards, hold on to the suit material at the
same level.
Pulling with excessive force can lead to irreparable
damage and to the zip opening when in use or losing its
sealing.
Make sure that both halves of the chain are located
parallel to each other without lateral load.
Closing the protective suit
(19) Stretch your right arm gently backwards and downwards and
use your left hand to hold the lens upwards by the bottom
edge to ensure that the zip is freely accessible and tight for
closing.
(20) The assistant gently closes the zip in stages until reaching
chest height.
(21) The assistant connects the automatic lung mechanism.
(22) The assistant gently fully closes the zip in stages.
Attention!
In order to prevent the penetration of toxic agents the zip
must be fully closed. In order to verify this, the assistant
must look through the lens from the outside to the zip
end. If any light can be seen the zip must be closed up
to the end chamber.
Check readiness for use
(23) Check the freedom of movement of the head, arms and legs.
(24) Indicate readiness for use.

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USE MSA
12 Vautex Elite S
3.5. Removing the Protective Suit
Attention!
If the protective suit is heavily soiled a preliminary cleaning should be carried out by
an assistant before removing to ensure that toxic agents are removed from the
protective suit. Whilst doing so the protective suit remains fully donned and closed.
The assistant must wear the appropriate personal protection equipment when doing
this e.g. protective gloves, respiratory protection, protective suit.
The preliminary cleaning is, if possible, performed using water with suitable detergent additives.
When removing the protective suit, avoid any contact with the soiled outside of the suit. To
avoid any impurities from reaching the inside the assistant must ensure that he does not come
into contact with them.
The removal of the protective suit is performed in reverse order from the donning procedure:
Attention!
Carefully open the zip by pulling gently.
As the zip slider moves downwards, hold on to the suit material at the same level.
Opening with excessive force can cause long-lasting damage.
(1) Pull your arms from the sleeves and hold on to the lens from the inside.
(2) Open the protective suit carefully.
(3) Pull the protective suit off.
(4) Drop off helmet.
(5) Remove the compressed air breathing apparatus.
(6) In order to protect the inside of the suit from contamination fully close the zip of the
removed protective suit.
(7) For transport of the protective suit, e.g. loosely fold the suit and pack into a polythene bag
or similar.
3.6. Disposal
The protective clothing itself does not require any special handling with regard to disposal.
However, the disposal of contaminated protective suits is carried out in accordance with local
legislation depending on the extent of the contamination through toxic waste.

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MSA CLEANING, DISINFECTION
Vautex Elite S 13
4. Cleaning, Disinfection
4.1. Cleaning
The protective suit must be cleaned after each use. To do this remove the valve discs of the suit
(Section 5.3) and unbutton the rucksack reinforcement. These parts must be cleaned
separately and fitted back only after they have been dried.
Attention!
The use of cleaning and disinfection materials, or the use of cleaning and disinfection
processes, which are not permitted by MSA, can damage the protective suit and can
destroy its protective properties (e.g. the use of a washing machine and drier).
Do not clean the protective suit using hard, sharp or pointed instruments.
Do not use organic solvents for cleaning such as nitro thinner, alcohol, spirit, petrol.
The protective suit is to be cleaned as follows:
(1) If the protective suit is not too badly soiled wash it once by hand at 30°C using a mild
detergent. If badly soiled repeat the washing procedure.
(2) Then rinse twice in clear water.
Attention!
To ensure full tightness the zip links must be free from foreign bodies such as
bristles, hairs, threads and other impurities.
(3) Thoroughly clean the zip separately with water and a soft brush.
(4) Then hang the protective suit by the boots to dry.
Attention!
The protective suit and the removed parts must not be dried in radiant heat
(e.g. sunlight, radiators) to prevent destroying the structure of the protective suit.
When using a drying cabinet, the temperature may not exceed 40°C.
(5) After cleaning the protective suit disinfect it e.g. with the disinfectant AUER 90
(Section 4.2).
(6) Then rinse thoroughly with water!
(7) After each use and cleaning/ disinfection, a tightness test of the protective suit and its
valves is performed (Section 5.2).
(8) Grease the zip (Section 5.5).

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MAINTENANCE MSA
14 Vautex Elite S
4.2. Disinfection
Disinfection should only be carried out as follows using disinfectant AUER 90 only:
(1) Dilute the disinfectant AUER 90 with water (water temperature max. 30°C).
(2) Immerse the parts to be disinfected directly in the disinfectant solution or apply the solution
with a rag and allow it to work.
(3) Then rinse all parts thoroughly with water.
Concentration and working times of the disinfectant AUER 90:
Concentration Working Time
Normal disinfection 2.0% 15 Minutes
Attention!
The safety instructions on the bottle or container of the disinfectant AUER 90 must be
observed.
5. Maintenance
5.1. Maintenance Intervals
The maintenance work shall be carried out by qualified service engineers or technicians. The
corresponding seminars can be ordered at MSA.
All maintenance work carried out must be noted on the appropriate inspection plate.
The maintenance periods specified below refer only to protective suits.
Task to be Performed Before Use After Use Half-Yearly Every Two
Years
Cleaning, Disinfection X
Maintenance X X
Function test and tightness test X X
Valve disc replacement X X
Sealing ring replacement X
Control by wearer X
Service zip X X

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MSA MAINTENANCE
Vautex Elite S 15
5.2. Tightness Test of the Protective Suit
After each use, after each cleaning / disinfection, after each maintenance / repair or on a half-
yearly basis, a tightness test of the protective suit must be performed. In order to do so use the
MSA suit tightness tester kit with the valve leak test adapter.
The valves can be tested using a mask testing instrument in conjunction with the valve leak test
adapter and the compensation container.
The test instruments can be ordered separately at MSA (Section 8).
Only inflate the protective suit with clean oil-free compressed air (breathable air quality
in accordance with EN 12021) to ensure that after the tightness test there are no
residues left in the suit.
In order to avoid erroneous measurement perform the test in a draught-free room.
Test according to EN 464:
(1) Remove the valve discs and angled prechambers, close the valve bodies with the valve
closing cap (this can act simultaneously as a test and/or filling connection).
(2) Inflate the suit to 18 mbar positive pressure. Whilst doing so the pressure must be held for
10 minutes at 17.0 ±0.5 mbar.
(3) Reduce positive pressure to 16.5 ±0.3 mbar (test pressure). The maximum permitted
pressure drop in 6 min: 3 mbar.
(4) At the end of the test, reassemble the valve discs and the angled prechambers.
(5) Then perform a valve tightness test (Section 5.4).
In practice the following maintenance test has divergently been tried and tested:
(1) Remove the valve discs and angled prechambers, close the valve bodies with the valve
closing cap (this can act simultaneously as a test and/or filling connection).
(2) Inflate protective suit 18 ±0.5 mbar positive pressure.
(3) Stabilising time approx. 3 min.
(4) Reduce positive pressure to 16 ±0.5 mbar (test pressure). The maximum permitted
pressure drop is in 3 min: 2 mbar.
(5) At the end of the test reassemble the valve discs and angled prechambers.
(6) Then perform a valve tightness test (Section 5.4).
In the event of doubt, check in accordance with EN 464 (see above).
Checks in case of leaks
If leaks are detected during the tightness test it must be checked whether
the test instrument is tightly connected to the valve,
the zip is fully closed and tight,
the valves are properly assembled.

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MAINTENANCE MSA
16 Vautex Elite S
5.3. Replacing the Suit Valves
Fig 2 Suit Valve
1 Ring nut 4 Valve housing
2 Slip ring 5 Valve disc
3 Gasket 6 Prechamber
Removing the suit valves
(1) Pull off the angled prechamber of the valve to be removed.
(2) Open the suit and lay out the inside to allow access to the valve.
(3) Use one hand to grip the valve housing from the outside and the other to unscrew the ring
nut from the valve housing inwards using a valve spanner.
Reassembling the suit valves
(1) Insert the ring nut with the slip ring correctly fitted from inside through the head strap hole,
the gasket opening and the valve hole on the suit shell.
(2) Screw the valve housing onto the ring nut from the outside.
(3) Use one hand to grip the valve housing from the outside and the other to screw on the ring
nut from the inside to the valve housing using a valve spanner.
The torque must be 250 Ncm.
(4) Fit the valve disc
(5) Mount the prechamber by overstretching whereby the angled part is pointing in the
direction of the boot.
5.4. Tightness Test of the Valves
After each use and cleaning / disinfection and after each maintenance / repair task or every half-
year, a tightness test of the suit valves must be carried out. The tightness of the suit valves is to
be checked using e.g. the MSA valve leak test adapter in connection with the compensation
container and the mask tightness test instrument (Section 8):
create a negative pressure of 10 mbar.
max. pressure change within one minute must not exceed 1 mbar.
If a leak is detected, either the valve disc or the entire suit valve assembly must be replaced
(Section 5.3).
The valve discs and gaskets must be replaced every two years (Section 5.1).
5
6
4
3
2
1

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MSA MAINTENANCE
Vautex Elite S 17
5.5. Zip
Fig 3 Zip Area to be treated with Grease
1 Grease film 2 Zip links
After each use, after each cleaning or disinfection or every half year (Section 5.1) the zip
should be lubricated using a grease pencil or it should be sprayed using a zip grease spray.
This applies a thin film of grease to the zip links.
5.6. Visual Control of the Protective Suit
The protective suit must be checked for irregularities. These include:
scratches or abrasion points,
breaks in the suit material
swollen or brittle material
and damaged seams.
Visible changes to the outside of the suit material such as slight abrasion and / or slight
discolouration do not impair its protective effectiveness against chemicals.
The discharge of ageing inhibition agents during storage does not impair the quality of the
safety high boots.
Please ensure that when using the ASV (Automatic Switch Valve) none of the internal air supply
hoses are buckled and that they have been securely connected.
5.7. Maintenance of the Spacer
The spacer does not require maintenance. If the spacer does not work properly, the hose will
need to be replaced. Remove one end of the hose from the end casing and pull the entire hose
out of the hose casing. Replace with a new one.
5.8. Repair
The repair of suit material, seams or the replacement of zips may only be carried out by MSA or
MSA authorised customer service.
Before submitting the protective suit for maintenance and/or repair purposes, it must be fully
decontaminated, cleaned and disinfected. Confirmation of this is given on the maintenance and
repair form (Section 8).
Only MSA original spare parts can be used for repairs.
5.9. Replacing the Lens
Vautex Elite Expert
The replacement of the lens can be carried out by trained persons, authorised workshops or by
MSA customer service.
Vautex Elite S
The Instructions for use come along with the spare part kit (Section 8).
1 2

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MAINTENANCE MSA
18 Vautex Elite S
5.10. Replacing the Gloves
Fig 4 Gloves
1 Cuff tube (protective rubber) for outer glove 5 Rubber ring
2 Outer glove 6 Clamp protection
3 Inner glove 7 Screw and nut clamp
4 Tube piece
Disassembling the outer gloves
(1) Pull off cuff tube.
(2) Pull off outer glove.
Disassembling the inner gloves
(1) Open zip fully.
(2) Turn the sleeves of the protective suit inside out.
(3) Loosen screw and nut clamp (SW7).
(4) Pull out tube piece with glove.
(5) Pull glove off tube piece.
2
1
3 4
5
6 7

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MSA MAINTENANCE
Vautex Elite S 19
Reassembling the inner gloves
Attention!
In order to guarantee full tightness, check the tightness of the suit after each glove
replacement before fitting the outer gloves (Section 5.2).
(1) Insert tube piece into glove cuff.
(2) Insert tube piece and glove into the sleeve.
(3) Align glove.
(4) Fit the screw and nut clamp on.
(5) Fit clamp protector under clamp.
(6) Turn clamp lock on the screw clamp on the seam.
(7) Tighten screw and nut clamp with SW7, tightening torque: 400 ±30 Ncm.
(8) Push inner glove to the outside.
Ensure that the clamp lock is on the seam and that the clamp protector covers the
clamp lock.
Reassembling the outer gloves
(1) Takes place only after successful tightness test of protective suit.
(2) Pull the outer glove over the inner glove.
(3) The inner roll of the outer glove must be fitted into the groove of the tube piece.
(4) Then assemble the cuff tube.

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MAINTENANCE MSA
20 Vautex Elite S
5.11. Replacing the Safety High Boots
Fig 5 Safety high boots
1 Safety high boot complete 5 Tube piece
2 Protective suit leg 6 Safety high boot
3 Screw and nut clamp 7
4 Clamp protection
Cap tube (protective rubber) for safety high boot
Removing the safety high boots
(1) Remove cap tube from the boot shaft.
(2) Open protective suit zip fully.
(3) Turn protective suit legs inside out.
(4) Loosen and remove screw and nut clamp (SW7).
(5) Pull out tube piece.
(6) Remove safety high boot from the protective suit leg.
2
3
4
5
7
6
1