Safety

The cleaning and disinfection of the full face masks is performed in accordance with the cleaning intervals.

There are three possible kinds of cleaning:

• Using a washing machine
• Using an ultrasonic cleaner
• Cleaning by hand.

Do not use cleaning products containing hydrocarbons or solvents [e.g. nitro-thinner].
Cleaned parts must not be dried in radiant heat [sun, radiators].
When using a drying cabinet, the temperature must not exceed +60°C.
Perform a tightness test after every cleaning, disinfection and maintenance or after every exchange of parts.

MSA offers a wide range of full face masks, half masks, filtering face pieces, hoods and visors, in combination with filters and turbo devices which give the user the best choice in selecting the most appropriate respiratory protection.

All MSA filtering devices have been designed to meet the absolutely strongest requirements and been approved according to the relevant European Norm.

In order to help your selection of the right filter, search for the right protection in the following tables.

Chosing a safety helmet may seem to be a very easy process. Find a product that is CE approved, meets the relevant standard, is inexpensive and quickly available. This could be very simple and done within seconds…
But because your head and your people’s head is your most valuable asset, it makes sense to investigate a little more and spend enough time to analyze what would is really the most appropriate head protection solution.
The goal of this document is to help you ask the right questions and carry out the selection process in the most logical and efficient way… because your head deserves the best…!

The MicroMaXX has a small medium-pressure line coupling, for tests with existing test equipment an adapter is needed.  These adapters are available as kit for the pressure reducer valve and for the demand valve: 10056761 Test Adapter-Kit MicroMaXX

This document includes typical Questions and Answers regarding the Care and Use of an MSA Industrial Safety Helmet.
Even though they are considering European Regulation, they can apply to all regions where MSA industrial helmets are used.

By construction gas filters are untight at their cover. When rolling-in metal on metal slight leakages are normal. Covers of gas filters need not to be absolutely tight, in either case leak air is channeled through the charcoal bedding. The manufacturing leak test is taking this into account by testing the entire filter housing. Gas filters with "rotating" covers are safe.

NOTE:  The test values in this table reflect the actual technical status and are obligatory to use. The values and tolerances in this table have absolute priority over values specified in Instruction Manuals or Service Manuals!

The Nominal Protection Factor is the reciprocal value of the inward leakage. As example, EN 136 limits the maximum permissible inward leakage of a full face mask to 0,05%. The re-ciprocal (to 100%) is 2000.
The inward leakage is part of the approval tests and is determined in man tests with at least 10 subjects. The test method is either an SF6-test or NACl (salt mist)-test. The test subjects have to do trials, beyond others they have to turn the head and they must speak.  
Another example: for the Advantage 3000 we have a quantified average inward leakage of < 0,02 %, resulting protection factor is > 5000.
Although objectively measured, this factor indeed is very personal, it is influenced negatively by e.g. beard growth even during the wearing period. This reduces the Nominal Protection Factor, and as such is not a safe method for a risk analysis. In view of this, nominal protection factors are hardly referred to any longer. 
In some countries, in particular the USA, this uncertainty leads to the Assigned Protection Factor (NIOSH), which is the protection factor realistically expected in the workplace by 95% of adequately trained and supervised wearers using properly functioning and correctly fitted respiratory protective equipment. The Assigned Protection Factors are generally different to the Nominal Protection Factors, in most cases they are lower. They are determined for each individual in fit tests. The fit test quantifies the concentration inside and outside the mask resulting in a so called Fit Factor.

What the General Public should know and understand about Respirators and Avian Influenza (H5N1)

Currently, we are not aware of any country or government in the world recommending the use of respirators by the general public for the virus that causes Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu) or any other influenza.  However, the World Health Organization (WHO), US Center for Disease Control (CDC), US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and several European and/ or National Health Protection agencies have recommended that health care workers exposed to patients with confirmed or suspected Avian Influenza use respiratory protection. Government approved particulate respirators help reduce exposure to the Avian Influenza virus and recommendations include US NIOSH approved N95, European CE certified EN143P2 / EN149 FFP2, EN149FFP3, or higher-level respiratory protection.  Recommendations for respiratory protection have also been made for workers involved in culling and inspecting infected birds, and for people exposed to sick birds

It is believed that most cases of Avian Influenza (H5N1) infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.  In such situations, people should avoid contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, and should be careful when handling and cooking poultry.  Strict hand hygiene must also be performed.    In addition to direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces, it is possible that the particles that contain Avian Flu virus could become airborne in the future. When airborne this virus, like other biological agents, can be filtered by respirators with particulate filters.  Biological agents, such as viruses, are particles and can be filtered by particulate filters with the same efficiency as non-biological particles having the same physical characteristics (size, shape, etc.).  However, unlike most industrial particles the government has not established a safe level of exposure to biological agents.  This means that any virus particle you breathe may be unsafe.    Therefore, while respirators will help reduce exposure to avian influenza viruses, there is no guarantee that the user will not contract avian flu.  Respirators may help reduce exposures to airborne biological contaminants, but they don’t eliminate the risk of exposure, infection, illness, or death. 

Nevertheless, if people in the general public make a personal decision to use a government approved respirator to help reduce their exposure to airborne influenza virus, they need to understand that:

1. Reducing exposure to the airborne influenza virus particles does not mean that the risk of exposure, infections and illness has been eliminated.  Respirators will not prevent you from catching the flu in other ways such as touching your mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands or objects, or eating contaminated food. At this time the CDC recommends the best precaution for the general public is hand washing.

2. In order for a respirator to be most  effective  you must properly wear the respirator during the entire time you’re exposed. Removing the respirator to eat, drink, or smoke while you are in a contaminated area means you will be increasing the amount of virus particles you are breathing.  You should contact the respirator manufacturer for further information on proper fit.

3. Fit of the respirator to your face is very important to minimize virus particles from getting inside your respirator. Particles can enter your respirator through any leaks between the respirator and your face large enough to let them in.  Hair from beards and mustaches or anything that prevents the respirator directly touching your skin can prevent a proper seal.   Following the fitting instructions and the instructions to check the fit that come with the respirator are very important. Achieving a good fit means more of the air you breathe goes through the respirator filter.

4. Respirators are not intended for use by children nor by individuals with a medical condition that might prevent the use of a respirator, such as asthma, emphysema or a history of heart disease.  If you have such a condition, consult your health care provider before use. 

5. Disposable respirators should be thrown away after they are used and once used should not be shared with others.

6. Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the fit, use and warnings provided by the manufacturer before using any respirator.

7. Please be cautious of claims being made by websites and other sources regarding the use of respirators for protection against Avian influenza. We recommend that you reference your National Government or National Health Protection Agency for guidance.