by Natalie Edwards

If you want maximum functionality and long life from your powered air respirator, you need to keep it clean and well maintained. The good news is, it's pretty simple to do and won't take much effort as long as you make it a regular thing. Here's a so quick, so easy guide to keeping your PAPR clean and maintained...

 

Cleaning

Your respirator components need to be cleaned, inspected and prepared for next use after each use. Although cleaning may be the last thing you feel like doing after a long days welding, it's better to do it after use than waiting until morning, so the dirt has less time to stick. You also don't want any nasty surprises as you're preparing to start work in the morning!

1. Blower Unit & Battery Pack

Clean the outer surfaces of the PAPR and battery pack with a soft cloth dampened in a solution of water and mild, PH neutral detergent.

  • Be careful not to get water inside the body of the unit.
  • Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
  • Ensure the electrical contacts of the motor/blower and battery pack are dry before assembling well.

2. Breathing Tube

Wiping the exterior is NOT ENOUGH! Make sure you clean the outer hose and connection on the breathing tube with the soft cloth dipped in water and detergent solution.

  • Optional breathing tube covers can be used to help with the cleaning.
  • Ensure the breathing tube is completely dry before using or storing.
  • The tube cannot be immersed in liquids for cleaning and must be replaced if wet.

3. Filters

Open the filter cover and inspect all the filters and spark screens.

  • The Particle and Pre-Filters CANNOT BE CLEANED.
  • The spark screen can be cleaned using a clean, soft cloth dipped in a solution of water and a mild pH neutral detergent.
  • Completely dry the spark screen with a clean cloth.
  • Replace the pre-filter and particle filter if excessively dirty, wet or damaged.
  • Do not attempt to remove contamination using a compressed air line as this will automatically invalidate the warranty.
  • If the spark screen cannot be cleaned or is damaged, replace with a new spark screen.

4. Face Seal

The face seal can be cleaned once disassembled from the shell. Use a soft cloth dipped in water and detergent solution.

  • Replace if it is damaged.

Storage

PAPR systems are not intrinsically safe. They should be kept away from flammable, or explosive atmospheres. Storage should be in a clean, dry, cool place with filters.

Blower Storage

Stored at a temperature between -10°C to 55°C, in a clean environment without direct light.

Battery Storage

To help maximise battery service life:

  • Disconnect the charger after a full charge has been received.
  • Battery should be removed from the blower if storing for a long time.
  • Store the battery at -10°C to 45°C, R.H. <85% to get maximum battery service life.