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
ENGLISH 2
NEDERLANDS 25
EN
NL
EN14594:2005 3B
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
2797
AS/NZS 1716:2012
BMP# 714303
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
BSI Certified Product

2
ASTRO®
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORDS AND SYMBOLS 2
INTRODUCTION 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
PROTECTION PROVIDED AND LIMITATIONS 4
RESPIRATORY COMPONENT DIAGRAM - 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 17
INSPECTION AND CLEANING 19
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES 21
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY STATEMENT 24
NEDERLANDS 25
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
CERTIFIED BY:
BSI Group The Netherlands B.V. (NB 2797)
Say Building, John M. Keynesplein 9, 1066 EP
Amsterdam
Netherlands

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
T: [phone] E: [e-mail] rpbsafety.com
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For technical assistance contact our Customer Service Department at 1-866-494-4599 or email:
[e-mail]
Form #: 7.20.502
Rev: 9
INTRODUCTION
The RPB®ASTRO®heavy industry respirator designed for abrasive blasting and other industrial
applications. The ASTRO® can increase productivity with the advanced tear-off lens system and
other innovative features. The ASTRO®is a Compressed Airline Breathing Apparatus tested to EN
14594 (AS/NZS 1716) - When used with RPB®Breathing Air Line and Flow Control Device.
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.

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ASTRO®
RESPIRATION
The RPB®ASTRO®is approved 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
an EN 14594 approved respirator with an Assigned Protection Factor of 40 (Nominal 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). This respirator is approved with the 03-102 Constant Flow Valve.
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 21% ±1% 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 -10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F).
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 CE standards 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 DOES NOT meet EN 166:2001 (AS/NZS 1337.1:2010)
requirements.
The ASTRO®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®DOES NOT meet EN 397:2012+A1:2012 (AS/NZS 1801:1997) 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 permissible exposure levels.
PPE REGULATION:
The ASTRO®conforms to the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
The Declaration of Conformity can be found at rpbsafety.com/resources/
See the Storage section for information on packaging and protection required for transportation.

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 EN 14594 (AS/NZS 1716) approved Respirator.
1. Respirator Helmet
Assembly
2. Breathing
Tube
Assembly
3. Air Supply Hose
FIGURE 1.1
CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
A Not for use in atmospheres containing
less than 21% ±1% oxygen.
B Not for use in atmospheres immediately
dangerous to life or health.
C Do not exceed maximum use
concentrations established by regulatory
standards
D Air-line respirators can be used only
when the respirators are supplied with
respirable air meeting the requirements
of EN 12021 (AS/NZS 1715) 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 local government 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 (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 EN 12021 and AS/NZS
1715 requirements.
AIR QUALITY
This respirator must be supplied with clean breathable air at all times. Breathable air must at least
meet the requirements for EN 12021 and AS/NZS 1715. 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 e.g. 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.
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
national, local, or military standards and regulations and consensus standards such as CE and AS/
NZS. 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.
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.
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.
Train employees in the ASTRO®’s use, maintenance, and limitations.
Appoint a qualified individual who is knowledgable about the RPB®ASTRO®to provide
training:
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;
c) have an understanding of the site’s respirator program; and
d) be knowledgable of applicable regulations.

9
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 approved respirator:
Respirator Helmet Assembly (ASTRO®)
Breathing Tube Assembly
Flow Control Device (Constant Flow Valve)
Breathing Air Line
See Respirator Component Diagram (page 6). The RPB®ASTRO®is only approved to be used with
the RPB®Constant Flow Valve. Use only authentic RPB®brand parts and components that are part
of the 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 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 hazardous gases, liquids
or dust from entering the helmet. An incomplete or improperly installed lens system could provide
inadequate impact and respiratory protection. See Respirator Setup and Care (page 15). See Donning