MSA Respiratory Protective Filters Instructions

: June 3, 2024
: MSA

Table of Contents

MSA Respiratory Protective Filters
Safety Regulations
Toxic gases without smell recognition
Before use
Application conditions
Additional Information for Australian and New Zealand Users:
Open flames, metal droplets
Filter selection
Gas and combination filters
Particle filters
Special filter limitations
Use
Service time
Storage, Maintenance and Disposal
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

MSA Respiratory Protective Filters

Safety Regulations

Correct Use

Respiratory protective filters (gas filters, particle filters, combined filters) are used together with a face piece (full face mask, half mask or in connection with turbo filtering devices) as filtering devices for respiratory protection if the ambient atmosphere contains hazardous material, i.e. hazardous gases and vapours (toxic gases) as well as particles (dusts, fumes, mists, sprays). The product described in this operating manual complies with Directive 89/686/EC or Regulation (EU) 2016/425, respectively. The prototype test was carried out by: Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, IFA, Alte Heerstraße 111, D 53757 St. Augustin, Ref-No. 0121. It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the device. In particular, the safety instructions, as well as the information for the use and operation of the apparatus, must be carefully read and observed. Furthermore, the national regulations applicable in the user‘s country must be taken into account for a safe use Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compliance. The warranties made by MSA with respect to the product are voided if the product is not used and serviced in accordance with the instructions in this manual. Choice and use of filtering devices are beyond the control of MSA but are the responsibility of the user. Therefore, the liability of MSA covers only the consistent quality of this product. The above does not alter statements regarding the warranties and conditions of sale and deliveries.

Safety Instructions
Oxygen content and toxic material concentration This respiratory protective device does not supply oxygen. The permitted minimum oxygen concentration of ambient air is governed by national regulations They have different values for minimum levels of oxygen and this must be taken into account for safe use (typically in the range 17% to 19.5%). Type and concentration of the hazard in the ambient atmosphere must be known to the extent that use of a filtering device is permissible. In case of doubt use a supplied air breathing apparatus. Caution must be given in oxygen enriched atmospheres (ignition) or possibly explosive atmospheres (e.g. through solvents). Hazardous gases that are heavier than air may have a higher concentration near the ground. Leave contaminated area in case of the following: you smell, taste or are irritated by the contaminant; breathing becomes difficult; dizziness or distress.

Toxic gases without smell recognition

Filters used for toxic gases which do not have smell recognition on the clean air side require special rules of use with reference to the time being used and the use itself. If there is any doubt about the composition of the toxic gases, a supplied air breathing apparatus must be used.

Before use

When using gas filters, ensure that no particle-type toxic substances are present, and, when using particle filters, that there are no toxic gases present. If this is not the case, combination filters must be used. The filters must be sealed and intact.

Application conditions

Filtering devices must not be used in confined spaces (containers, canals, pits, etc.). For some applications, an additional protection for eyes and body should be considered. After and before use, check the respirator and if necessary, clean, disinfect and use new filters. Always use only a comete and undamaged respirator. The user of a filtering device must be qualified and trained in its use. The selected filter and proper face piece must be in faultless condition and suitable for the intended application.

Additional Information for Australian and New Zealand Users:

Users should review ASNZS1715 for guidance regarding selection, use and maintenance of respira-tory products. Per ASNZS1716 Class 1 and Class 2 A, B, E and K filters fitted to a full face piece provide a protec-tion factor of up to 50 and 100 times the recommended exposure limit for the contaminant respectively. Class 1 and Class 2 gas or combination filters have a maximum gas vapour concentration of 1000 and 5000 ppm respectively.
Note: that the efficiency of the particulate filter deteriorates in the presence of substances, such as oil mists, commonly encountered in the workplace“.

Open flames, metal droplets

The use of filtering devices, during work with open flames and metal droplets (e.g. welding), may cause serious risk due to ignition of the filter media, which may generate acute levels of toxic substances.

Filter selection

Applicable National Regulations must be observed. For guidance the EN 529:2005 (Recommendations for selection, use, care and maintenance) is available.

Gas and combination filters

Respiratory protective filters are classified according EN 14387:2008, EN 143:2000/A1:2006, and marked with the filter type (code letter and code colour) and filter class (code number). The filter type, filter class and referenced standard are marked on each filter.

Filter type	Colour	Application
A	brown	Vapours from organic compounds with a boiling point higher than

65°C.

B| grey| Inorganic gases and vapours, e.g. chlorine, hydrogen sulphide,

hydrogen cyanide

pressure

For the gas filters A, B, E and K, the filter class to be used depends on the possible maximum concentration of the hazardous gas and the required service time.

For Half Mask and Full Face Masks (EN 14387:2008)

class 1| 1.000 ppm (0,1% vol.)
class 2| 5.000 ppm (0,5% vol.)
class 3| 10.000 ppm (1,0% vol.)

Important notice: In any case applicable National Regulations must be observed, especially to determine maximum allowable concentrations of toxic gases when using filters in conjunction with half, quarter or full face masks. Always the lowest concentration applies.

In Germany gas or combination filters against Carbon monoxide are classified according to DIN 58620:2007: low capacity (class 20), medium capacity (class 60) and high capacity (class 180). The class equates the nominal duration in minutes.

Important notice: In some countries the usage of CO-filters is not allowed. Therefore the national regulations must be observed.

Particle filters

Particle filters are classified according to EN 143:2000 in 3 classes: P1, P2, P3 in ascending order of the filter performance.
Important notice: In any case applicable National Regulations must be observed, especially to determine maximum allowable particle concentrations when using particle
filters in conjunction with half, quarter or full face masks. Always the lowest concentration applies.
Attention!
When using particle filters against radioactive substances, micro organisms (virus, bacteria, fungi and spores thereof) and bio chemically active substances (enzymes, hormones),
only P3 filters with full face masks must be used. The filters must be used only once.

The higher particle filter class includes the protective range (retention capability) of the lower particle filter class when using in conjunction with the same facepiece. Pre-filters may be used to prevent premature clogging through large particles (e.g. when paint spraying), therefore a more frequent replacement of the Pre-filters may be necessary, if the breathing resistance increases.

The additional marking with “R” (reusable) means, additional tests according to EN 143:2000/A1:2006 were done to verify, that the particle filter or the particle part of combination filters is qualified for usage after an exposure against aerosols and may be used for more than one shift. Filter marked with „NR“ (not reusable) must only be used for a single shift only against particles.

Special filter limitations

Special filters against carbon monoxide or nitrous gases, fumes and vapours, in factory-sealed condition may only be used once (see pictogram) for the nominal duration, also if no hazardous agent is present, unless specified differently in their respective instructions. The maximum service time of the special filter against mercury is 50 hours (see pictogram). This applies if no other hazardous agent has penetrated the filter earlier. The filter must always be replaced in case of penetration by a hazardous agent. If carbon monoxide or mercury penetrate the filter this cannot be detected by odour, taste or irritation. For the combined filters of the Reaktor type special regulations of the user apply when used against radioactive hazards. Special filters against nitrous fumes must only be used once.

Use

Face pieces
See operating manual for face piece used.
With the MSA face pieces:
Full face masks 3S, 3S Basis Plus, ADVANTAGE 3100, ULTRA ELITE with standard thread according to EN 148-1 the following MSA filters can be used:

Filter with standard thread EN 148-1
Filters heavier than 300 g up to 500 g (only for full face masks) 90 ABEK2, 92 ABEK2 Hg/St, 93 ABEK2 Hg/St, 93 ABEK CO NO Hg/St, 93 NO CO/St, 95 ABEK2Hg/St black, ABEK P3-NBC and 95 ABEK NBC
Filters up to 300 g (also for half masks, for example Advantage 410) series 90, 92, 93 and particle filter PlexTec With full MSA facepieces with connector thread M 45 x 3 according to EN 148-3: full face mask 3SP-F, ULTRA ELITE P-F.
Filters with thread EN 148-3 MA 45 x 3 PA (series F93/St): The filter F93 ABEK2 Hg/St is intended for exclusive usage for post fire operations or decontamination of chemical protective suits in connection with non power assisted, positively tested positive pressure full face masks according to EN 136:1998 with a thread connection according to EN 148-3.

Service time

The service time of respiratory protective filters depends on the conditions of use. The end of service time of gas filters, resp. the gas filter part of combined filters, most of the time can be detected by odour on the clean air side. The filter must then be replaced. The end of service time of particle filters, resp. the particle filter part of combined filters, most of the time can be noticed by an increase in breathing resistance. The filter must then be replaced. Particle filters that have been used against radio active substances, micro organisms or biochemically active substances must only be used once!
Filter replacement
Remove used filter and remove sealings on both sides for new unpacked filter. Hand tighten slowly.