Respirex Airprotex AF User manual

Airprotex AF Suit
Instructions for use
ENGLISH
BS\100\A\2013

Contents
General Information..................................................................................1
Warnings & Limitations ............................................................................1
Pre-Checks ....................................................................................................2
Use of owmeter ........................................................................................2
Checking the low ow warning device..............................................3
Donning procedure...................................................................................3
Fitting gloves into the optional Respirex ‘O’ ring cu ...................6
Dong procedure .....................................................................................6
Emergency procedure..............................................................................6
Storage & Transportation ........................................................................6
Cleaning.........................................................................................................7
Sizing ..............................................................................................................7

General Information
The Respirex Airprotex AF suit forms part of a modular
compressed air line breathing apparatus system, breathing
air is supplied from an external compressed air source
providing pressure. Air owing into the suit must comply
with the requirements detailed in EN12021:1998.
The Airprotex AF suit is type approved for use with the
following items of compressed air line breathing apparatus:
In combination with a breather pack attached to the inside
of the suit that is connected to a Respirex AF 429 regulator
waist belt assembly. In this conguration the breather pack
delivers air directly to the wearer whilst further air is fed from
the regulator to a network of tubes in the suit for cooling
purposes.
The AF 429 regulator must be supplied with air at a pressure
of between 4-9 bar, i.e. the pressure at the regulator itself, the
indicated pressure at the air source may be higher dependant
upon the lengths of compressed air supply tube (CAST)
being used. Within this pressure range a ow rate of between
270 litres/min and 400 litres/min of air will be delivered into
the suit. In the event of the ow rate falling below 270 litres/
min the low ow warning device will sound. In this situation
you must either leave the working environment and remove
the suit or increase the pressure of the air supply until the
low ow device ceases to sound. Refer to page 2 for use
of owmeter.
All respiratory protective equipment manufactured by
Respirex International Ltd is CE marked and type-approved
to indicate compliance with the European directive on
personal protective equipment (PPE) 89/686/EEC. When
worn in combination, the Airprotex AF suit and AF 429
regulator meets the requirements for non-gas-tight (Type
2) chemical protective suits as detailed in the European
standard EN 943-1:2002.
The above standard species the physical performance
requirements of the equipment, i.e. level of respiratory
protection provided and mechanical strength of component
parts etc.
Always use the Airprotex AF suit in accordance with the
instructions supplied.
Warnings & Limitations
• Only for use by trained, competent personnel.
• Failure to follow all instructions and/or failure to wear the
Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator during all times of
exposure may be detrimental to the wearer’s health.
• Airprotex AF suits are designed as limited use garments,
i.e. designed to be worn until hygienic cleaning becomes
necessary or limited use chemical contamination has
occurred and disposal is required.
• Airprotex AF suits manufactured from blue laminate
material are designed for single use only, Respirex cannot
guarantee the integrity or performance characteristics of
any laminate suit that has seen multiple use.
• Warning symbol displayed on product marking indicates
that suits manufactured from 300 micron PVC (A00015)
only achieve a performance level of class 2 for trapezoidal
tear resistance; EN943-1:2002 requires chemical protective
clothing materials to have a minimum performance
level of class 3. If the intended use of the product is
likely to involve contact with sharp edges alternative
PPE of higher mechanical strength may be necessary.
Suits manufactured from blue laminate material (A00132)
only achieve a performance level of class 4 for seam
strength; EN943-1:2002 requires chemical protective
clothing to have a minimum performance level of class 5.
Dependant upon the intended working environment, PPE
of higher mechanical strength may be necessary.
• Always seek advice if you are in any doubt as to the
suitability of the Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator for
your particular working environment. Refer to rear of user
instructions for contact details.
• The Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator should not be
used to provide respiratory protection against unknown
atmospheric contaminants, or when concentrations of
contaminant are unknown or immediately dangerous to
life or health (IDLH). Use only in atmospheres where the
oxygen content of the air is 18-23 vol.%.
• The suit must NOT be used with oxygen only or oxygen
enriched air.
• At very high work rates the pressure in the Airprotex AF suit
may become negative at peak inhalation ow.
• Leave the contaminated environment and remove the suit
if:
a. Damage occurs to any part of the system
b. Airow into the suit reduces or ceases, or if misting of
the visor occurs
c. Breathing becomes dicult
d. Dizziness or other distress occurs
e. Contaminants can be tasted or smelled, or an irritation
occurs
• The Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator is not
designed to be used for abrasive blasting operations or in
applications with a high ammability risk. Alternative PPE
oering the necessary level of protection should be utilised
for such applications.
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Pre-Checks
To ensure proper functioning, the suit and all component
parts should be inspected for damage prior to use. Do not
use any suit which shows signs of failure which may reduce
the degree of protection intended.
1. Select the correct size suit, remove from packaging and
fold out.
2. Carry out a thorough visual inspection for any damage
that may impair correct operation.
3. Check the suit is free from contamination, both
externally and internally.
4. Check the suit is free from tears and holes, paying
particular attention to the seam areas.
5. Check that product marking is clearly legible.
6. Check the zipper operates correctly.
7. Check the breather pack is undamaged.
8. Check that vision through the visor is not obscured by
large scratches or scu marks.
9. Where applicable, check that gloves have been
correctly tted to the suit.
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10. It is recommended that the exhalation valves are
part of the visual pre-check. If the valve diaphragm is
distorted or damaged in any way the suit should not
be used.
Inspection of the compressed air supply tube (CAST) which
supplies breathing quality air to the operator should be
carried out at least once per month and before each shift
cycle.
During the inspection the following should be checked:
1. The CAST is clean externally.
2. The CAST is free from damage (holes, splits, etc). If
necessary submerge the CAST in water to locate any
leaks if signs of external damage is evident.
3. Air line coupling connections are in good working
order.
The CAST must NOT be used until any defect identied has
been rectied.
Use of owmeter
Prior to donning the Airprotex AF suit the airow should be
checked by means of a Respirex owmeter to ensure the
correct rate of breathing air is being delivered to the wearer.
Simply screw the AF 429 regulator to the owmeter using
the thumb wheel connection as shown in Fig.1. Adjust the
air supply at source until the oat rests between the relevant
marks on the owmeter (max ow rate 400 litres/min, min
ow rate 270 litres/min).
• The Airprotex AF suit and AF 429 regulator should not be
worn in working environments that require the wearing of
safety helmets or where protection against non-ionizing
radiation is necessary.
• Airprotex AF suits are manufactured from non-breathable
materials. Users who show signs of excessive stress
such as fever, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, diculty
in breathing, becoming fatigued or any unusual
order or taste, should leave the working environment
immediately and remove themselves from the suit.
The wearing of a Airprotex AF suit with a view to duration,
protection, comfort and heat stress is generally the
sole responsibility of the user. Respirex assumes no
responsibility for improper use of the Airprotex AF suit.
The Respirex Koolvest which maintains a comfortable
cooling level of 18oC by means of pre-charged KoolPacks
can be worn in combination with the Airprotex AF suit. For
further information please contact Respirex International
Ltd, contact details can be found at the rear of these
instructions.
• 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.
• Always use compatible PPE, e.g. gloves and safety footwear
advised by Respirex.
• Do not attempt to service the Airprotex AF suit or AF 429
regulator; the system contains no user-serviceable parts.
Fig.1. Use of owmeter

4. Whilst seated, place both legs into the suit and slide
your feet down the legs and into the integral socks (Fig.
4).
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3. Fasten the AF 429 regulator belt comfortably around
your waist with the low ow warning device uppermost
and the airline connections facing towards the rear
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 2. Attach breather pack
Fig. 3. Don AF 429 regulator belt
Fig. 4.Insert legs into suit
Checking the low ow warning device
1. With the Respirex owmeter connected to the AF 429
regulator as described above, reduce the air pressure
to obtain the minimum permissible airow into the suit
(270 litres/min).
2. When the minimum airow is reached the low ow
warning device will sound a high pitch whistle.
3. After checking the low ow warning device set the
air pressure back to the correct working pressure and
disconnect the regulator from the owmeter.
Having ensured that an airow within acceptable limits
is being delivered and that the low ow warning device is
functioning correctly, don the Airprotex AF suit following the
procedure detailed below.
Donning procedure
Important: Before donning the Aiprotex AF suit it is strongly
recommended that full training is given on wearing and
decontamination by a competent person and the details of
the training recorded. For safety purposes it is preferable for
an assistant to help with the donning and dong procedure;
this will simplify the process and reduce the likelihood of
stumbling or tripping which may result in personal injury or
damage to the suit.
1. Remove any outer clothing, footwear* and personal
eects which may cause damage to the suit (e.g. pens,
badges, jewellery, etc.). Note: Suits that are supplied
with integral socks and outer legs (splash guards) are
not designed to have footwear worn internally. *There
is no need to remove footwear when wearing a suit
that features integral socks with reinforced non-slip
soles and ankle ties. In this case your safety footwear is
worn inside the suit.
2. Fully open the suit zipper and attach the breather pack
using the plastic buttons provided (Fig. 2).

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9. The trunk of the suit must be sealed to the CAST. The
trunk can be sealed using either electrical tape (Fig. 9)
or a plastic multi-clip (Fig. 10) available from Respirex.
If using a multi-clip, care should be taken to avoid over
tightening as this may lead to a reduced airow into
the suit .
Fig. 9.Tape around CAST
Fig. 7.Connect internal ventilation system to
AF 429 regulator.
8. The dressing assistant should feed the CAST through
the trunk situated at the rear of the suit and connect to
the lower coupling located on the AF 429 regulator unit
(Fig. 8). Important: The CAST must be connected to an
external compressed air supply delivering respirable air
in accordance with the requirements of EN 12021:1998.
The air pressure at the regulator must be between 4-9
bar.
Fig. 8.Connect CAST to AF 429 regulator
5. Where tted, fasten the ankle ties securely in a bow (do
not over tighten, (Fig. 5). Alternatively don your safety
footwear and pull the outer legs/elasticated ankles
down over the exterior of the boots.
6. Stand up and connect the breather pack to the AF 429
regulator unit using the screw tting provided, tighten
using the thumb wheel (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6.Connect breather pack to AF 429 regulator
Fig. 5.Fasten ankle ties
7. Plug the male coupling attached to the suit’s internal
ventilation system into the upper female socket tted
to the AF 429 regulator unit. Important: The ventilation
hose must be plugged in before connecting the
compresssed air supply (Fig. 7).

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12. Finally, close the zipper fully across the chest (sliders
should meet at the centre) and smooth down the outer
storm aps (Fig.13).
11. Bow forwards slightly and pull the hood of the suit over
your head (Fig. 12).
10. Insert your arms into the sleeves of the suit (Fig. 11).
Fig. 10.Tightening multi-clip around CAST and trunk
Fig. 11.Insert arms into sleeves of suit
Fig. 12.Insert head into hood.
Fig. 13 Fasten zipper fully across chest
Fig.14. Donning complete
Once donning is complete the suit will begin to inate. You
are now ready to enter the working environment.

Dong procedure
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to remove the suit until you
have vacated the working environment and withdrawn to a
safe area.
Persons assisting in the dong procedure should be wearing
appropriate PPE selected by qualied safety personnel.
1. Peel open or unbutton the outer zip ap and open the
zipper fully.
2. Whilst bowing forwards slightly, the dressing assistant
should lift the hood of the suit up and over your head.
3. Remove your arms from the sleeves of the suit.
4. Lower the suit to waist level.
5. Disconnect the AF 429 regulator unit from the breather
pack using the thumb wheel provided.
6. Disconnect the AF 429 regulator unit from the CAST.
7. Remove the taping or unfasten the multi-clip and
withdraw the CAST from the trunk at the rear of the
suit.
8. Disconnect the suit ventilation system from the AF 429
regulator unit.
9. Lower the suit to ankle level and if tted unfasten ankle
ties.
10. Step out of suit.
11. Unfasten and remove the AF 429 regulator belt.
Before being re-used with a new suit, the AF 429 regulator
belt and breather pack should be decontaminated according
to your company procedures.
Emergency procedure
If any of the following occur during use, evacuate the work
area immediately and remove the suit as detailed above:
• The low ow warning device sounds
• Misting of the visor occurs
• There is a complete loss of air supply to the suit
Storage & Transportation
The recommended temperature range for storage is -10°C to
+40°C.
Store suits in the original packaging, correct way up as
marked on the box.
Store above ground level in dry conditions free from harmful
gases and vapours and away from direct sunlight.
Always rotate stock.
Never store outdoors or in damp conditions.
Only remove the suit from its original packaging when
intending to use.
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Fig. 15 Fitting gloves in ‘O’ ring cu
Fitting gloves into the optional
Respirex ‘O’ ring cu
If you have a suit with an ‘O’ ring style cu, gloves can be
replaced by simply stretching over the cu body so that it
sits approximately 2-3 cms inside the glove. Then stretch the
sleeve ‘O’ ring over the cu body; the ‘O’ ring should locate in
the groove running around the cu body (Fig. 15).

Care needs to be taken when storing suits at extreme
temperatures.
At sub-zero temperatures the exibility of suit materials may
be reduced and the hood could suer damage if not handled
with care.
At high temperatures some component parts in the suit may
suer distortion if incorrectly stored.
In order to maintain the level of protection oered, care
should be taken to minimize the risk of damage occurring to
Airprotex AF suits during transportation between work areas.
It is recommended that Airprotex AF suits are transported in
a suitably sized rigid container resistant to penetration by
sharp objects, abrasive surfaces, chemicals, oils, solvents etc.
Cleaning
Airprotex AF suits are primarily intended as limited use
garments and are not deemed suitable for mechanical
cleaning processes. After light use undamaged suits
manufactured from PVC materials may be cleaned using the
steps detailed below provided that contamination is minimal
(refer to individual company procedures for guidance):
Outer surfaces should be wiped with a sponge using a
solution of Citikleen* and warm water (temperature not
exceeding 50°C), followed by rinsing with cold water. Inner
surfaces of the hood should be sprayed with Synodor to kill
all bacteria.
Do not use solvents or strong cleaning and disinfecting
agents as these can damage the visor and valve seals.
Care should be taken to avoid allowing water to enter the
exhalation valves and ventilation tubes.
Suits should be hung in a warm room to dry at a temperature
not exceeding 30°C.
*Mix one part Citrikleen to 19 parts water, i.e 5% solution.
Never use Citrikleen in neat form as this will cause damage
to the hood materials.
Both Citrikleen & Synodor can be supplied by Respirex.
Note: Airprotex AF suits manufactured from blue laminate
material are designed as single-use items and are not
suitable for cleaning.
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Sizing
The following pictograms designate the range of height &
waist sizes suitable for use with the Airprotex AF suit. Body
measurements in cm.
88-96
164-170
SMALL
112-124
182-188
X-LARGE
124-136
188-194
XX-LARGE
96-104
170-176
MEDIUM
104-112
176-182
LARGE
7

RESPIREX INTERNATIONAL LTD,
Unit F Kingseld Business Centre,
Philanthropic Road,
Redhill,
Surrey RH1 4DP
United Kingdom
Tel. [phone]
Fax.[phone]
www.respirexinternational.com
Type Examination By : SGS UK Ltd (0120),
Weston-super-Mare BS22 6WA
ENGLAND