RPB ASTRO User manual

EMPLOYERS: read this manual and the flow control device instruction
manual and carry out the employer responsibilities (page 8).
PRODUCT USERS: read this manual and the flow control device instruction
manual and follow the product user safety instructions (page 10).
Manuals are regularly updated. Make sure this manual is available to all
users for reference.
CURRENT VERSION OF MANUAL AND OTHER LANGUAGES:
rpbsafety.com/respirators/astro
The Respiratory Protection Brand®
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2
ASTRO®
ASTRO®
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORDS AND SYMBOLS 2
INTRODUCTION 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
PROTECTION PROVIDED AND LIMITATIONS 4
RESPIRATORY COMPONENT DIAGRAM - NIOSH CAUTIONS & LIMITATIONS 6
AIR SOURCE, FITTINGS, AND PRESSURE 7
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES 8
PRODUCT USER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 10
BREATHING AIR PRESSURE TABLE 13
RESPIRATOR SETUP AND CARE 15
DONNING AND DOFFING 19
INSPECTION AND CLEANING 21
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES 23
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY STATEMENT 26
CONTENTS
RPB®Safety LLC is an ISO9001 certified company.
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORDS AND SYMBOLS
The following signal word and safety symbols are used in this manual and product labeling:
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
Read the Instruction Manual.
Additional copies of RPB®manuals can be found at rpbsafety.com.
WARNING
DANGER

3
RPB®SAFETY - GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
2807 Samoset Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
T: 1-866-494-4599 F: 1-866-494-4509 E: [e-mail] rpbsafety.com
RPB®SAFETY - APAC
1 Ivan Jamieson Place, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053 New Zealand.
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] rpbsafety.com
RPB®SAFETY - EMEA
Unit 2, Teardrop Industrial Park, London Road, Swanley, BR8 8TS, United Kingdom
T: [phone] E: [e-mail] rpbsafety.com
Copyright ©2019 RPB Safety, LLC. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this
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Safety, LLC. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from
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All trademarks, service marks, and logos used in this publication, both registered and
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world, that are owned by, developed in whole or in part by, or licensed by RPB Safety, LLC.
For technical assistance contact our Customer Service Department at 1-866-494-4599 or
email: [e-mail]
Form #: RPB37
Rev: 13
INTRODUCTION
The RPB®ASTRO®SUPPLIED - AIR RESPIRATOR TYPE CE is specifically designed for use
during Abrasive Blasting. The ASTRO® can increase productivity with the advanced tear-off
lens system and other innovative features.
This product must be inspected and maintained in accordance with this instruction manual at
all times.
See PROTECTION PROVIDED AND LIMITATIONS (page 4) for details.

4
ASTRO®
RESPIRATION
The RPB®ASTRO®is approved by NIOSH in the category as follows:
Supplied Air
The RPB®ASTRO®respirator, when properly fitted and used with all required components,
including the Breathing Tube Assembly, Flow Control Device, and RPB®Breathing Air Line is
a NIOSH approved Type CE respirator with an assigned protection factor of 1000. As such, it
significantly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the breathing of contaminates by the
respirator wearer. Use with an airline filter, such as the 04-900 RPB®RADEX®Airline Filter.
Specific protection depends on the setup of the airline filter (see the RPB®RADEX®Instruction
Manual). The is respirator is approved with the 03-500 C40™Climate Control Device, and the
NV2016 Flow Control Valve Flow Control Devices.
HAZARD LIMITATIONS
The RPB®ASTRO®Respirator is NOT FOR USE if:
In atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).
Wearer cannot escape without the aid of the respirator.
Atmosphere contains less than 19.5% oxygen.
For protection against hazardous gases (e.g., carbon monoxide).
Contaminants are in excess of regulations or recommendations.
Contaminants or contaminant concentrations are unknown.
Work area is poorly ventilated.
The temperature is outside the range of 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to +60°C).
PROTECTION PROVIDED AND LIMITATIONS
Improper selection, fit, use, or maintenance of this product can result in
injury; life threatening delayed lung, skin or eye disease; or death.
This product is intended for occupational use in accordance with applicable standards or
regulations for your location, industry, and activity (see Employer Responsibilities, page 8).
Familiarity with standards and regulations related to the use of this protective equipment is
recommended, even if they do not directly apply to you. If self-employed or if used in a non-
occupational setting, refer to Employer Responsibilities and Product User Safety Instructions. Go
to rpbsafety.com/important-safety-information/ for helpful links to OSHA and other content.
Employers: Read this manual and the air supply device Instruction Manual and carry out the
Employer Responsibilities (page 8).
Product users: Read this manual and the air supply device Instruction Manual and follow the
Product User Safety Instructions (page 10).
Check website for updates. Product manuals are regularly updated.
Visit rpbsafety.com/resources/ for the most recent version of this manual before using the product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING

5
FACE AND EYES:
The ASTRO® respirator with Inner Lens meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 requirements and designed
for abrasive blasting, grinding, and other industrial applications.
The ASTRO®is not is not designed or tested to provide protection against molten metals or
corrosive liquids.
Note: Safety glasses may be required to be worn depending on the job hazard analysis.
The ASTRO®does not protect against the potential transfer of impact to glasses worn
underneath the Visor. It does not provide complete eye and face protection against severe
impact and penetration and is not a substitute for good safety practices and engineering
controls.
HEAD:
The ASTRO®meets the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1C requirements for physical head
protection as a hard hat. The helmet is design to provide limited head protection by
reducing the force of falling objects striking the top of the head. Ensure the helmet is
adjusted to properly fit the user by adjusting the head harness and side pads.
HEARING:
Hearing protection must be worn and properly fitted when exposed to noise levels that
exceed the OSHA permissible exposure levels.

6
ASTRO®
RESPIRATOR COMPONENT CONCEPT
The RPB®ASTRO®Respirator consists of three main components: Respirator Helmet
Assembly, Breathing Tube Assembly, And Air Supply Hose. All three components must be
present and properly assembled to constitute a complete NIOSH approved Respirator.
1. Respirator Helmet
Assembly
2. Breathing
Tube
Assembly
3. Air Supply Hose
FIGURE 1.1
NIOSH - CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
A Not for use in atmospheres containing
less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
B Not for use in atmospheres
immediately dangerous to life or
health.
C Do not exceed maximum use
concentrations established by
regulatory standards
PLACE NIOSH APPROVAL LABEL HERE.
D Air-line respirators can be used only
when the respirators are supplied
with respirable air meeting the
requirements of CGA G-7.1 Grade D or
higher quality.
E Use only the pressure ranges and
hose lengths specified in the user’s
instructions
J Failure to properly use and maintain
this product could result in injury or
death.
M All approved respirators shall be
selected, fitted, used and maintained
in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, and
other applicable regulations.
N Never substitute, modify, add or omit
parts. use only exact replacement
parts in the configuration as specified
by the manufacturer.
O Refer to user’s instructions, and/or
maintenance manuals for information
on use and maintenance of these
respirators.
S Special or critical user’s instructions
and/or specific limitations apply.
Refer to user’s Instruction page 13-14
(Breathing Air Pressure Table) before
donning.

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AIR SOURCE
Supplied Air
Locate the air source in a clean air environment, always use a filter on the inlet of your air
source. Make sure the air source is somewhere that vehicles, forklifts, and other machinery
are not running near the air inlet, as this will cause carbon monoxide to be drawn into your
air supply. Always use suitable after coolers/dryers with filters and carbon monoxide alarms
to ensure clean breathable air is supplied at all times. A Radex®Airline Filter (04-900) and
a GX4®Gas Monitor (08-400) are recommended. The air should be regularly sampled to
ensure that it meets Grade D requirements.
AIR QUALITY
This respirator must be supplied with clean breathable air at all times. Breathable air must at
least meet the requirements for Type 1 gaseous air described in the Compressed Gas Association
Commodity Specifications G-7.1 (Grade D or higher) and as specified by Federal Law 42 CFR
84, subpart J.84.141(b) and 29 CFR 1910.134 (i) the RPB®ASTRO®does not purify air or filter
contaminants. A carbon monoxide monitor must be used at all times.
Do not connect the respirator’s air supply hose to nitrogen, toxic gases,
inert gases or other non-breathable air sources. Check the air source
before using the respirator. This apparatus is not designed for use with mobile air supply systems
i.e. cylinders. Connecting the supply hose to a non-breathable air source will result in serious
injury or death.
BREATHING AIR SUPPLY HOSES AND FITTINGS
RPB®breathing air supply hoses and fittings must be used between the point of attachment
and the respirator breathing air connection at the wearer’s belt. The hose sections must be
within the correct length and the amount of sections must be within the number specified in
the breathing air pressure table on pages 13-14.
BREATHING AIR PRESSURE
The air pressure must be continually monitored at the point of attachment. Air pressure must
be read from a reliable pressure gauge whilst the respirator has air flowing through it.
AIR SOURCE, FITTINGS, AND PRESSURE
DANGER

8
ASTRO®
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Your specific responsibilities may vary by location and industry, but in general RPB®expects that
employers will:
Follow all applicable standards and regulations for your location, industry, and activity.
Depending on your location and industry, a number of standards and regulations may apply
to your selection and use of respirators and other personal protective equipment. These may
include such things as federal (e.g., OSHA, MSHA, Canadian Occupational Health and Safety),
local (e.g., state, provincial), or military standards and regulations and consensus standards
such as ANSI and CSA. There are also requirements specific to particular contaminants, e.g.
silica (see rpbsafety.com/important-safety-information/ for more information), asbestos,
organic pathogens, etc. Know which requirements apply to your location and industry.
Have appropriate safety programs in place.
Have and follow:
A workplace safety program.
A written respiratory protection program in accordance with applicable standards and
regulations (e.g., OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134; ANSI/ASSE Z88.2; CSA Z94.4, etc.).
In accordance with the above,
Perform a hazard analysis and select appropriate equipment for each activity. A
hazard analysis should be performed by a qualified person. Controls should be in
place as appropriate and a qualified person should determine what kind of respiratory,
face and eye, head, and hearing protection is appropriate for the intended activities
and environments of use. (For example, select a respirator appropriate to the specific
airborne hazards, with consideration of workplace and user factors and with an Assigned
Protection Factor (APF) that meets or exceeds the required level for employee protection,
select welding face and eye protection appropriate to the type of welding to be done, etc.)
As applicable, check your workplace safety program, respiratory protection program, and
standards and regulations for your activity or industry for related protection requirements,
and see this manual (Protection Provided and Limitations, page 4) and the flow control
device Instruction Manual for product specifications.
Be sure employees are medically qualified to use a respirator.
Have a qualified physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) perform
medical evaluations using a medical questionnaire or an initial medical examination per
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.
Train employees in the ASTRO®’s use, maintenance, and limitations.
Appoint a qualified individual who is knowledgable about the RPB®ASTRO®per ANSI/
ASSE Z88.2 guidelines to provide training:
Section 8.1 Qualifications of the Respirator Trainer. Anyone providing respirator training
shall:
a) be knowledgable in the application and use of the respirator(s);
b) have practical knowledge in the selection and use of respirator(s) and work practices
at the site;

9
c) have an understanding of the site’s respirator program; and
d) be knowledgable of applicable regulations.
Train each ASTRO®user in the product’s use, application, inspection, maintenance, storage,
fitting, and limitations in accordance with the content of this Instruction Manual and the
approved flow control device instruction manual and standard or regulatory requirements.
Ensure that each intended user reads both these manuals.
Ensure that equipment is properly set up, used, and maintained.
Make sure that equipment is properly set up, inspected, fitted, used, and maintained,
including selection of the appropriate air filter cartridge and, when applicable, welding
filter shade adjustments, for the application.
Measure and monitor airborne contaminants in the work area.
Measure and monitor airborne contaminant levels in the work area in accordance with
applicable requirements. Make sure work area is well ventilated.
Ensure abrasive is used that is suitable for abrasive blasting.
Check the material safety data sheets for manufacturers warnings and recommendations
and verify the blasting media conforms with applicable standards/regulations (e.g.
regarding respirable silica). Refer to rpbsafety.com/important-safety-information/ for links
to websites that can provide regulatory guidance.
If you have any questions, contact RPB®.
Call Customer Service Department:
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: rpbsafety.com

10
ASTRO®
PRODUCT USER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE INITIAL USE - BE TRAINED AND MEDICALLY QUALIFIED
Do not use this respirator until you have read this manual and the flow control device Instruction
Manual (additional copies available at rpbsafety.com/resources/) and been trained in the
respirator’s use, maintenance, and limitations by a qualified individual (appointed by your
employer) who is knowledgable about the RPB®ASTRO®respirator.
Do not wear this respirator until you have passed a medical evaluation using a medical
questionnaire or an initial medical examination by a qualified physician or other licensed health
care professional (PLHCP).
Allergens: No known common allergens are used in this product.
Some materials could cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. If you have a known
allergy or develop irritation, inform your employer. Irritation may occur from lack of cleaning.
Following all cleaning and care instructions provided in the instruction manuals for this and any
other RPB®products you are using.
MAKE SURE THE SYSTEM IS READY FOR USE
Make sure you have a complete system. Verify that you have all required components for the
ASTRO®to serve as a complete NIOSH approved respirator:
Respirator Helmet Assembly (ASTRO®)
Breathing Tube Assembly
Flow Control Device (Flow Control Valve or C40™Climate Control Device)
Breathing Air Line
See Respirator Component Diagram (page 6). The RPB®ASTRO®is only approved to be used
with the RPB®Flow Control Valve, RPB®C40™Climate Control Device, or RPB®Low Pressure
Constant Flow Valve. Use only authentic RPB®brand parts and components that are part of the
NIOSH approved respirator assembly. Using incomplete or inappropriate equipment, including the
use of counterfeit or non-RPB®parts, can result in inadequate protection and will void the NIOSH
approval of the entire respirator. Do not modify or alter any part of this product.
Inspect all components daily for signs of damage or wear and tear that may reduce the level
of protection originally provided. Remove any damaged component or product, including any
helmet or visor that has been subject to impact, from service until repaired or replaced. Scratched
or damaged safety lenses or other components should be replaced with genuine RPB®brand
replacement parts. When safety and impact lenses are replaced, make sure to remove any
additional protective film from both sides of the lens. If the film is left in place, it could affect the
optical clarity of the lens and cause eye strain. Inspect the inside of the respirator for respirable
dust or other foreign objects. Keep the inside of the respirator clean at all times.
Make sure that the helmet is correctly assembled in the configuration that suits your application.
Never use the respirator without all lenses in place. This includes the Inner and Outer Lenses.
These lenses, when installed properly, are part of the respiratory seal to prevent toxic or