Respirex PRPS User manual

Instructions for use of
Powered Respirator Protective Suit
PRPS
BS\065\B\2017

Table Of Contents
Introduction ..............................Pg1
General Information ..........................Pg2
Limitations of Use ...........................Pg3
Storage .................................Pg4
Suit label ................................Pg5
Preparation for use ...........................Pg6
Indicator lights and warnings, .....................Pg9
Donning procedure...........................Pg10
Decontamination procedures .....................Pg15
Doffing procedure ...........................Pg15
Emergency self doffing procedure ...................Pg17
Disposal of Tychem®TK. .......................Pg18
Battery disposal .............................Pg18
Filter disposal ..............................Pg18
Sizing ..................................Pg19
Permeation Performance ........................Pg20
Physical Properties Of Tychem®TK. Material ............Pg21

Introduction
The Respirex powered respirator protective suit (PRPS) is intended for use by
emergency response personnel after a chemical or biological incident. The suit should
only be used after a process of detection, identification and monitoring which has
established the potential hazard. A typical example of application for the suit would
be to protect personnel decontaminating casualties following such an incident. It is
important to note that the suit is NOT appropriate for use in environments
where the chemical or biological hazard is unknown.
The product is type approved to a manufacturers specification, RILS0002, based
upon the requirements for a limited use type 1b-ET gas-tight chemical protective suit
as detailed in EN943-2:2002. However, the specification for a full facemask has been
replaced by that for a visor. Note: the total mass of the PRPS exceeds that stipulated
for a normal EN12941:1998 filtering device. For changes to manufacturer’s designed
duration refer to 3M Jupiter™ AFU user instructions, 3M Ref QX-3800-1080-8.
The system has additionally been tested against chemical warfare (CW) agents for
permeation resistance and for respiratory protection against standard military
challenges, similar to those defined in the NATO Respirator Triptych D/103:1991.
1

General Information
The suit is manufactured from Tychem®TK., a high-performance chemical
protective clothing material developed by DuPont for protection against gaseous,
liquid and solid chemicals.
The suit is fitted with a 3M Jupiter ™ Air Filter Unit (AFU). The AFU is battery
powered and worn on a waist belt within the suit. The AFU draws air through
externally mounted filters and feeds it through a breathing tube into the head space. A
remote warning and indicator device, featuring three coloured lights, is mounted at
chin level in the head space and connected to the AFU via a cable.
During operational use the AFU must be fitted with 3M TH3 A2B2E2K2P R
filters, enhanced to provide additional protection against chemical and biological
warfare agents (3M Ref. JFR-85-CE). The filters, when used in conjunction with
the 3M Jupiter™ AFU as part of an approved system, conform to the European
standard EN12941:1998. Please refer to the instructions for use supplied with
the 3M Jupiter™ AFU for limitations, storage, cleaning instructions etc.
Garment features include:
·Large semi-rigid visor bonded to the suit.
·Four exhalation valves fitted to the rear of the suit.
·Integral safety boots with steel toe-caps and mid-soles.
·Dual glove system consisting of a laminated inner glove having good
chemical resistance (KemblokTM) bonded to a outer Neoprene glove
affording protection against mechanical risks as well as having some
degree of chemical resistance. The gloves are fitted to the suit by means
of the Respirex locking cone and grommet system.
·Optional re-hydration facility
·Exterior attachment point for distress signal unit
The PRPS is designed as a limited-use garment, i.e. designed to be worn until chemical
contamination has occurred and disposal is required.
A full hygienic cleaning service using specialist equipment is provided by Respirex.
2

Limitations of Use
Failure to follow all instructions on the use of this product may adversely affect the
wearer’s health, may lead to severe illness or permanent disability or even death.
Only for use by trained competent personnel.
PRPS suits should not be used in areas immediately dangerous to life or health
(IDLH).
Tychem®TK. fabric is designed specifically for limited-use garments. Excessive
flexing or folding can lead to weaknesses in the structure of the fabric which may have
an adverse effect on the chemical resistance offered by the suit. However, extensive
operational use of garments manufactured from Tychem®TK.has demonstrated its
durability beyond that of a single-use fabric. Continuity of performance for multiple
use can be assured by a regular programme of inspection and re-certification.
If the suit is heavily contaminated or mechanically damaged in any way it MUST
NOT be used and MUST be disposed of.
Caution: Tychem®TK. is a non-breathable material and the wearer's body
temperature will rise whilst wearing the suit, particulary during periods of
intense physical activity. Wherever possible operational procedures should be
planned to minimise the risk of heat stress occuring. Use of the optional
re-hydration facility is recommended.
Leave the contaminated area immediately and remove the suit if:
a) Any part of the system becomes damaged e.g. tears or punctures in the suit.
b)Airflow into the suit decreases or stops, or visor misting occurs.
c) Breathing becomes difficult.
d)Dizziness or other distress occurs.
e) You taste or smell contaminants or an irritation occurs.
f) An alarm condition occurs.
Never modify or alter this product.
Tychem®TK. meets the resistance to ignition requirements of EN943-1:2002 but
nonetheless should not be exposed to flame.
Tychem®TK. does not have any anti-static treatment or properties and should not be
worn in flammable or potentially explosive environments.
The usable temperature range of the ensemble is -5°C to +40°C <90% humidity.
Users should note that resistance to permeation by chemicals varies with
temperature.
Continuous contact with certain chemicals can adversely effect the field of vision and
protection offered by the visor. If the end-user notices any discolouration of the visor
the suit MUST NOT be used.
3

NEVER change any component parts associated with the suit in a contaminated
area.
Materials used in the construction of the system are not known to cause allergic
reactions to the majority of individuals. The system contains no components made
from natural rubber latex.
This equipment is not to be used in oxygen-deficient environments, e.g. confined
spaces. For further information refer to the instructions for the 3M Jupiter™ AFU.
For any enquiries please contact the Respirex customer services department on
Tel : [phone] or Fax : [phone].
® DuPont’s registered trademark.
Storage
To prevent damage occurring during storage the system is supplied in a plastic
container. Suits should always be stored in a clean and dry condition at ambient
temperature. If being stored for long periods of time the suits should be kept out of
direct sunlight.
Based upon real time use, the PRPS system has a minimum shelf life of five years.
Additional research on Tychem®TK. material would suggest a possible shelf life of
up to ten years.
For the purposes of disposal a sealable hazbag is included with the system. For further
information on disposal refer to page 18.
4
In order to maintain the level of protection offered, care should be taken to
minimize the risk of damage occurring to the PRPS suits during transportation
between work areas. It is recommended that all PRPS suits are transported in a
suitably sized rigid container resistant to penetration by sharp objects, abrasive
surfaces, chemicals, oils, solvents etc.

5
Suit label
1. Manufacturer of garment; Respirex
International Ltd.
2. Manufacturer’s Model number
3. Manufacturer’s Style number
4. Serial number.
5. Material of Manufacture.
6. Manufacturer’s Order No.
7. Customer Name.
8. Date of manufacture;
Day/Month/Year.
9. Flask Pictogram denoting protection
against chemical hazards
10. Garment Size
Size
S
M
L
XL
Chest cms (inches)
86-94 (34"-37")
94-102 (37"-40")
102-112 (40"-44")
109-124 (43"-49")
122-135 (48"-53")
Height cms (inches)
152-165 (5'-5'5")
163-175 (5'4"-5'9")
173-185 (5'8"-6'1")
180-196 (5'11"-6'5")
188-203 (6'2"-6'8")
11. "Open Book Pictogram"; wearer must refer to the "Instructions for use" for
further information.
12. Five care pictograms indicating that clothing is not suitable for cleaning and
reuse.
·Pictogram 1 Do not machine wash
·Pictogram 2 Do not bleach
·Pictogram 3 Do not iron
·Pictogram 4 Do not machine dry
·Pictogram 5 Do not dry clean
12
11
10
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
RILS0002
XXL

Preparation for use
The suit is supplied in a sealed bag, fully tested and in full working order. Nevertheless
it is advisable for the following checks to be carried out in a clean area prior to donning
the suit:
1. Visually inspect the suit for any damage that may reduce the level of
protection; pay particular attention to the seam areas and gloves.
2. Check the suit is free from contamination both externally and internally.
3. Check vision through the visor is not impaired by scratches or heavy scuff
marks.
4. Check the zip operates correctly and the pull tag is in good condition.
5. Verify the breathing tube and remote warning device are connected to the
AFU (fig. 2).
6
Fig.1
Fig.2

6. Fit the battery to the AFU (fig 3).
7. Switch on the AFU. The AFU will beep, the lights on the remote warning
device will cycle for a short time, then the green light will remain illuminated
(fig 4). At this point the 60 minute timer begins.
8. Remove the small plastic screw caps and fit the two filters to the suit (figs. 5 &
6). Important: The clear plastic filter lids should remain in place whilst
the filters are in use.
7
Fig.3 Fig.4
Green light
Red light
Note: Lights as viewed
from exterior of suit
Fig.5
Fig.6

9. An optional airflow check can be carried out as follows.
I. Remove the breathing tube from the air filter unit.
II. Insert the airflow indicator tube into the air filter unit outlet.
III. Hold the AFU so that the tube is vertical and at eye level.
IV. Verify the ball has risen above the black line on the tube (fig 7).
V. Remove the airflow indicator tube and refit the breathing tube.
10. To check warnings block the breathing tube outlet by putting a hand into the
suit headspace and covering the open end of the tube with a flat hand (fig.8).
Ensure that after a short time the buzzer begins to beep and the red light
begins to flash.
11. Remove hand from the outlet. The red light will go out, all three lights will
cycle for a short time then the green light will remain illuminated (fig.9).
12. The suit is now ready for use.
At this point the AFU can be switched off until the user is ready to don the suit. When
the AFU is restarted the lights will cycle for a short time, then the green light will
remain illuminated. The 60 minute timer will re-set.
8
Fig.7
Fig.8
Red light
Fig.9
Green light

Indicator lights and warnings,
·Throughout normal operation the green light will remain illuminated.
·60 minutes after switching on the AFU the amber light will illuminate
intermittently and the buzzer will beep for 10 seconds.
·After 75 minutes (additional 15 minutes) the amber light will remain
illuminated and the buzzer will beep for 10 seconds.
·In an alarm condition the red light will flash and the buzzer will beep.
This indicates either a low air flow or a low battery.
9

Donning procedure
Make sure the suit has been visually inspected and is suitable for the intended use.
Underclothing should be worn beneath the suit. As a minimum, a short sleeve shirt
and long trousers or “long underwear” are recommended. Remove all personal
affects which may result in damage to the suit (e.g. pens, badges, jewelry etc.). Remove
footwear, the suit is fitted with it’s own integral ‘HAZMAX’ safety boots. It is
advisable to tuck trousers into socks to make donning of suit legs and boots easier.
Entry to the suit is made via an opening at the front that is sealed by a gas-tight zip
fastener protected by overlapping flaps with a velcro strip.
It is good practice for an assistant to help the wearer don and doff the suit. This makes
the process easier and quicker, and will help to avoid stumbling or tripping which may
result in personal injury or damage to the suit. NB. The suit must always be donned
in a clean uncontaminated area.
Follow these steps in donning the suit:
1. If applicable, rinse and fill the re-hydration pack. Don the re-hydration pack
and adjust straps until comfortable (fig. 10).
2. Whilst seated, place both legs into the suit (fig. 11).
10
Fig.10 Fig.11

3. Stand up and with the dressing assistant supporting the weight of the AFU at
the rear of the suit, fasten the internal waist belt securely (fig. 12). If necessary
adjust the belt until comfortable.
4. Lift the suit up above waist level and connect the drinking tube that runs from
the headspace to the tube on the re-hydration pack (figs. 13 & 14).
11
Fig.12
Fig.13
Fig.14

5. If required a peak-less safety helmet with chin strap can be now donned (fig
15). NB Owing to the non-breathable nature of the laminate gloves attached to
the suit it is not uncommon for the wearer’s hands to moisten due to sweating.
For this reason it is recommended that cotton gloves are worn to absorb sweat
and to assist with donning and doffing procedure (fig. 16).
6. The dressing assistant should now switch on the AFU to ensure that breathing
air is supplied to the wearer (fig. 17). NB NEVER attempt to wear a PRPS
without switching on the AFU and ensuring the green light is permanently
illuminated (see indicator lights and warnings).
7. Place both arms into the suit (fig.18).
12
Fig.15 Fig.16
Fig.17
Fig.18

8. The wearer should duck forwards and the assistant should pull the hood of the
suit over the head (figs.19 & 20). NB It may be necessary to re-adjust the
helmet after this stage. Ensure that the knitted neck seal sits evenly around the
wearer's neck.
9. With the wearer’s arms in an outstretched position the assistant should fully
fasten the zipper across the chest, (fig.21).
10. Seal down the zip flaps evenly to the suit, trying to leave a minimum of gaps
and ridges for the possible ingression of spray or splash (fig.22). Note: when
sealing down the upper flap you may find it easier to achieve a smooth seal by
working from the centre outwards.
13
Fig.19 Fig.20
Fig.21
Fig.22

11. When fully donned the suit should appear as in figs.23 & 24.
14
Fig.23 Fig.24

Decontamination procedures
Do not remove the PRPS, remove the filters or turn off the Jupiter™ AFU until
you have vacated the contaminated area.
Preliminary washing by means of a high pressure shower will remove most of the
contaminant from the outer surface of the suit sufficient to allow the wearer to
undress from the garment.
Should you not have access to a high pressure shower, the suit can be sprayed with
copious quantities of water and a suitable detergent and neutralizer for a minimum
period of 5 minutes.
Doffing procedure
1. After preliminary decontamination procedures – lay the hazbag supplied with
the suit on the ground, open end facing upwards. The wearer should stand in
the open end of the hazbag in preparation for doffing (fig. 25).
2. With the wearer’s arms in an outstretched position the dressing assistant
should break the velcro seal on the outer zip flaps and fully open the gas-tight
zip across the chest (fig. 26).
3. Wearers’ should now withdraw their arms from the sleeves of the suit and
unfasten both the waist belt attached to the AFU and the chin strap of the
peak-less safety helmet (if worn). After unfastening the waist belt the wearer’s
arms should be crossed over the chest (fig. 27).
15
Fig.25 Fig.26

4. The wearer should duck forwards so that the dressing assistant can lift the
hood of the suit up and over the wearer’s head. Note: It is likely that if a safety
helmet is being worn this will automatically come away from the wearer’s head
and remain in the head space of the suit. The helmet can be recovered from
the suit on completion of the doffing procedure.
5. If wearing the suit in combination with a re-hydration pack this should now be
disconnected from the drinking tube attached to the suit.
6. The dressing assistant should carefully lower the suit to boot level (fig. 28), and
the wearer can now step out of the suit avoiding contact its exterior (fig 29).
16
Fig.27 Fig.28
Fig.29 Fig.30

7. The dressing assistant should now switch off the AFU and unscrew the
externally mounted filters for safe disposal (re-seal filters with the original
plastic caps).
8. If necessary the peak-less safety helmet can now be recovered from the head
space of the suit.
9. The suit, including attached AFU, can now be sealed in the hazbag using the
plastic tie provided (fig. 30). Ensure all relevant information is entered onto
the hazbag tag before returning used systems to Respirex.
Emergency self doffing procedure
1. Withdraw your right arm from the suit sleeve and push against the back of the
zip at the pull tag end.
2. With your left hand unseal the outer velcro flap fastening and undo the zip.
3. Undo the AFU belt and unfasten the helmet chin strap (if worn).
4. Exit the suit.
IMPORTANT: Respirex will only be able to clean, service, sanitize, retest and
repack used PRPS systems once there is documentary confirmation that the
equipment is chemically and biologically safe to handle.
Such confirmation should include:
·The serial numbers of the suit/AFU used.
·Identification of the incident that the equipment has been used at
·A written, signed statement from a competent source that the equipment
has not been exposed to any chemical or biological contamination or that
any such contamination has been completely neutralized and removed.
17

Disposal of Tychem®TK.
Whilst the exact composition of the fabric is confidential to the manufacturer, it is
known that Tychem TK. consists of polymers which do not contain halogens in their
structural formula. After use, Tychem TK. can either be incinerated without harm to
the environment, or can be buried in a responsible manner. It is important to note
that the nature of any chemical contamination on the garment should be taken into
account when deciding on the best method of disposal.
Battery disposal
The 3M Jupiter™ AFU is powered by a single-use lithium/thionyl chloride. For all
further battery information, including disposal, refer to 3M Jupiter™ AFU user
instructions, 3M Ref QX-3800-1080-8.
Filter disposal
In use, the 3M JFR-85-CE filter canister will absorb and retain any particulate
contamination that is present in the immediate environment. Used filter canisters are
potential reservoirs of any contamination that is present and should be disposed of
accordingly. Disposal of used filters should be undertaken in accordance with local
health and safety and environmental regulations. For further information refer to 3M
user instructions, 3M Ref CV-0005-1801-5.
18