RPB Z-LINK User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Employers: Read this manual and the ow control device Instruction
Manual and carry out the Employer Responsibilities (page 9).
Product users: Read this manual and the ow control device Instruction
Manual and follow the Product User Safety Instructions (page 10).
Make sure this manual is available to all users for reference.
Español: www.rpbsafety.com/product/zlink/
PROTECTING YOU FOR
LIFE’S BEST MOMENTS®
®®

2
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORDS AND SYMBOLS 2
 INTRODUCTION 3
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
 PROTECTION PROVIDED AND LIMITATIONS 4
 RESPIRATORY COMPONENT DIAGRAMS - NIOSH CAUTIONS & LIMITATIONS 6
 AIR SOURCE, FITTINGS, AND PRESSURE 8
 EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES 9
 PRODUCT USER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 10
 BREATHING AIR PRESSURE TABLE 14
 RESPIRATOR SETUP AND CARE
 STANDARD CONFIGURATION 16
 Z-LINK+® (WELDING) CONFIGURATION 26
 DONNING AND DOFFING 35
 STORAGE 35
 COMMUNICATIONS
 COMMS-LINK™ COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 36
 RADIO CONNECTOR COMPATIBILITY 38
 PARTS AND ACCESSORIES 40
 WARRANTY AND LIABILITY STATEMENT 46
CONTENTS
RPB® Safety LLC is an ISO9001 certied 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 www.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: [email protected] rpbsafety.com
Copyright ©2018 RPB Safety, LLC. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this
website are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed,
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Safety, LLC. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of
the content.
All trademarks, service marks, and logos used in this publication, both registered and
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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 #: 7.20.541
Rev: 5
INTRODUCTION
The Z-LINK® is a multiuse respirator for a number of different applications where there is a need
for protection from airborne contaminants, eye/face protection and head protection; such as
welding, grinding, construction and other industrial applications. The optional Quiet-Link™ Ear
Defender earmuff system can add hearing protection. The Z-LINK+® is an optional welding visor
attachment. It allows the user to quickly switch between the standard conguration and the
welding conguration. Additionally, the Vision-Link® light attachment is available to provide light
to the work area and the Comms-Link™ in-helmet communication system allows for hands free
radio communication.
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
RESPIRATION
The RPB® Z-LINK® is approved by NIOSH as a Type C respirator in the categories as follows:
Powered Air
The RPB® Z-LINK® Respirator, when properly tted and used with all required components,
including the Breathing Tube Assembly and the 03-901 RPB® PX4 AIR® Powered Air Purifying
Respirator, is a NIOSH approved powered air purifying respirator with an assigned protection
factor of 1000. As such, it signicantly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the breathing
of contaminates by the respirator wearer. Specic protection depends on the lter selected for
use in the RPB® PX4 AIR® PAPR (see PX4 AIR® Instruction Manual).
Supplied Air
The RPB® Z-LINK® Respirator, when properly tted and used with all required components,
including the Breathing Tube Assembly, 03-101 Constant Flow Valve or the 03-500 C40™
Climate Control Device, and RPB® Breathing Air Line is a NIOSH approved respirator with an
assigned protection factor of 1000. As such, it signicantly reduces, but does not completely
eliminate, the breathing of contaminates by the respirator wearer. Use with an airline lter, such
as the 04-900 RPB® RADEX® Airline Filter. Specic protection depends on the setup of the
airline lter (see the RPB® RADEX® Instruction Manual).
HAZARD LIMITATIONS
The RPB® Z-LINK® 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.
PROTECTION PROVIDED AND LIMITATIONS
Improper selection, t, 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 9). 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/
importantsafetyinformation/ 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 9).
Product users: Read this manual and the air supply device Instruction Manual and follow the
Product User Safety Instructions (page 10).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING

5
 In abrasive blasting applications.
 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).
A ammable or explosive atmosphere is present when used with systems including electrical
parts that are not intrinsically safe, 16-922 Comms-Link™ or 09-913 PTT.
FACE AND EYES:
 The Z-LINK®Visor with Safety Lens meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 requirements and designed for
grinding, painting, and other industrial applications.
 The Z-LINK®Welding Visor with Impact Lens and Auto-Darkening Welding Protection Filter
(ADF) meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 requirements and is designed to protect the operator’s face and
head against sparks and hazardous ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted during the welding
process. See “Auto-Darkening Welding Protection Filter” (page 31) for information about
ADF capabilities and use. Use an approved RPB® welding cape for adequate protection from
sparks, debris, and light ashes.
 The Z-LINK® is not designed or tested to provide protection against molten metals or corrosive
liquids.
Note: the Z-LINK® does not protect against the potential transfer of impact to glasses worn
underneath the Visor. Z-LINK® visors do not provide complete eye and face protection
against severe impact and penetration and are not a substitute for good safety practices and
engineering controls.
HEAD:
 The Z-LINK® meets the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 requirements for physical head protection as a hard
hat. The helmet is designed 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 t the user by
adjusting the head harness and sidepads or Quiet-Link™ if installed.
HEARING:
 When used with the Z-LINK®, the Quiet-Link™ Ear Defender system provides a Noise
Reduction Rating (NRR) of 25db. Refer to the Quiet-Link™ instruction manual to ensure proper
installation and t .
 If Quiet-Link™ is not used, other hearing protection, such as earplugs, must be properly tted
and worn where noise levels exceed the OSHA permissible exposure levels.

6
RESPIRATOR COMPONENT DIAGRAM - PAPR
FIGURE 1.1
1. RESPIRATOR
HELMET
ASSEMBLY
2. BREATHING
TUBE
ASSEMBLY
3. AIR SUPPLY
PX4 AIR®
NIOSH - CAUTIONS AND
LIMITATIONS
POWERED AIR
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.
F. Do not use Powered Air-Purifying
Respirators if airow is less than four cfm
(115 lpm) for tight tting face pieces or six
cfm (170 lpm) for hoods and/or helmets.
H. Follow established cartridge and canister
change schedules or observe ESLI to
ensure that cartridge and canisters are
replaced before breakthrough occurs.
I. Contains electrical parts that may cause
an ignition in ammable or explosive
atmospheres.
J. Failure to properly use and maintain this
product could result in injury or death.
L. Follow the manufacturer’s User’s
Instructions for changing cartridges,
canister and/or lters.
M. All approved respirators shall be selected,
tted, 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 conguration as specied by the
manufacturer.
O. Refer to User Instructions, and/or
maintenance manuals for information on
use and maintenance of these respirators.
P. NIOSH does not evaluate respirators for
use as surgical masks.
S. Special or Critical User Instructions and/
or specic limitations apply. Refer to
“S-Special or Critical User Instructions”
in the PX4 Air® Instruction Manual before
donning.

7
NIOSH - CAUTIONS AND
LIMITATIONS
SUPPLIED AIR
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.
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 specied in the user’s
instructions.
J. Failure to properly use and maintain this
product could result in injury or death.
L. Follow the manufacturer’s User’s
Instructions for changing cartridges,
canister and/or lters.
M. All approved respirators shall be selected,
tted, 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 conguration as specied 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 Instructions and/
or specic limitations apply. Refer to
“S-Special or Critical User Instructions”
on page 14 before donning.
RESPIRATOR COMPONENT DIAGRAM - SAR
3. BREATHING
AIR LINE
2. BREATHING
TUBE
ASSEMBLY
AND FLOW
CONTROL
DEVICE
1. RESPIRATOR
HELMET
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 1.2
PLACE NIOSH APPROVAL LABEL HERE.

8
AIR SOURCE, FITTINGS, AND PRESSURE
AIR SOURCE
Powered Air
Check that the contaminated area is within the limits of use for a Powered Air Purifying
Respirator and determine the type of contamination. Once the contamination level has been
conrmed you can then determine the lter cartridge to be used for the application, to make sure
that you are sufciently protected. Make sure that the area is well ventilated and that regular air
samples are taken to conrm the atmosphere stays within the levels recommended by OSHA
and other governing bodies. Follow the PX4 AIR® PAPR Instruction Manual for more details.
Supplied Air
Locate the air source in a clean air environment, always use a lter 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 lters 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 Specications G.7.1 (Grade D or higher) and as specied by Federal Law 42 CFR
84, subpart J.84.141(b) and 29 CFR 1910.134 (i). The RPB® Z-LINK® does not purify air or lter
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 unbreathable non-Grade D 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® air supply hoses and ttings 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 specied in the breathing air
pressure table on page 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 owing through it.
DANGER

9
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Your specic 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 specic to particular contaminants, e.g. silica (see
rpbsafety.com/importantsafetyinformation/ 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 qualied person. Controls should be in place as
appropriate and a qualied 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 specic 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 PX4 AIR® PAPR
or ow control device Instruction Manual for product specications.
Be sure employees are medically qualied to use a respirator.
Have a qualied 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 Z-LINK®’s use, maintenance, and limitations.
Appoint a qualied individual who is knowledgable about the RPB® Z-LINK® per ANSI/ASSE
Z88.2 guidelines to provide training:
Section 8.1 Qualications 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;

10
c) have an understanding of the site’s respirator program; and
d) be knowledgable of applicable regulations.
Train each Z-LINK® user in the product’s use, application, inspection, maintenance, storage,
tting, and limitations in accordance with the content of this Instruction Manual and the
approved ow 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, tted, used, and maintained,
including selection of the appropriate air lter cartridge and, when applicable, welding lter
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.
If you have any questions, contact RPB®.
 Call Customer Service Department at:
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: rpbsafety.com
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 PX4 AIR® PAPR or the ow control
device Instruction Manual (additional copies available at www.rpbsafety.com/resources/) and been
trained in the respirator’s use, maintenance, and limitations by a qualied individual (appointed by
your employer) who is knowledgable about the RPB® Z-LINK® Respirator.
Do not wear this respirator until you have passed a medical evaluation using a medical questionnaire
or an initial medical examination by a qualied 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
Z-LINK® to serve as a complete NIOSH approved respirator:
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED