Inspection, Cleaning and
Storage
Bullard’s 88VX Series respirators have a limited service
life. Therefore, a regular inspection and replacement
program must be conducted. Certain parts such as capes
and lenses must be replaced frequently.
The 88VX Series respirator and all component parts and
assemblies should be inspected for damage or excessive
wear, before and after each use, to ensure proper
functioning. Immediately remove the respirator from
service and replace parts or assemblies that show any sign
of failure or excessive wear that might reduce the degree
of protection originally provided.
Use only complete NIOSH approved Bullard 88VX Series
components and replacement parts on this respirator.
Refer to parts list (Pages 16-17) for correct part numbers.
Since respirator use and the quality of maintenance
performed vary with each job site, it is impossible to
provide a specific time frame for respirator replacement.
As a general guideline, the 88VX Series respirator should
be replaced after two years of service or less.
This respirator should be cleaned and sanitized at least
weekly, or more often if subjected to heavy use.
Respirators used by more than one person must be
cleaned, inspected and sanitized after each use. If not
cleaned, contamination may cause illness or disease.
REMEMBER, THE AIR YOU BREATHE WILL NOT BE CLEAN
UNLESS THE RESPIRATOR YOU WEAR IS CLEAN.
Cape
Inspection
Remove the cape from the respirator helmet and inspect it
for rips, tears or damage from excessive wear that might
reduce the degree of protection originally provided.
Inspect the inner neck cuff for elasticity.
If you detect any of these signs, replace your cape
immediately or remove the respirator from service.
Cleaning
Machine wash the cape in cold or warm water using a
gentle cycle. Use a mild laundry detergent. Air-dry only.
After cleaning, carefully inspect the cape once again for
signs of damage.
Do not use volatile solvents to clean this respirator or any
parts and assemblies. Strong cleaning and disinfecting
agents, and many solvents, can damage the plastic parts.
Headband and Chin Strap
Inspection
Remove the headband suspension and chin strap from the
inner shell. Inspect the headband for cracks, frayed or cut
crown straps, torn headband or size adjustment slots, loss
of pliability or other signs of excessive wear. Check the
chin strap for loss of elasticity, cuts and cracked hanger
clips.
If damage is detected, replace parts immediately with
Bullard replacement parts or remove the respirator from
service.
Cleaning
The headband suspension and chin strap should be hand-
sponged with warm water and mild detergent, rinsed and
air-dried. After cleaning and before reassembling, once
again carefully inspect the parts for signs of damage.
Helmet
Inspection
Inspect the helmet and inner shell for nicks, gouges,
cracks, holes and any damage due to impact, rough
treatment or wear.
If damage is detected, replace parts immediately with
Bullard replacement parts or remove the respirator from
service.
Cleaning
The helmet, inner shell, and window frame should be hand-
sponged with warm water and mild detergent, rinsed and
air-dried.
After cleaning and before reassembling, once again
carefully inspect the helmet and parts for signs of damage
Lenses and Window Frame Gasket
Inspection
Be sure the plastic inner lens fits securely in the window
frame gasket. Remove any grit or dust from the gasket. Be
sure the plastic outer lens is installed underneath the
clamps on the back of the outer window frame. Inspect the
window frame gasket closely for cuts, wear or damage
that will prevent a proper seal against the inner faceshield
lens or the helmet window frame.
If damage is detected, replace parts immediately with
Bullard replacement parts or remove the respirator from
service.
Cleaning
To clean the lenses, hand-sponge with warm water and
mild detergent, rinse and air-dry.
TM
Inspection, Cleaning, and Stor
age
14
WARNING
Do not substitute any capes other than those
manufactured by Bullard. Substituting other capes will
void the NIOSH approval and could result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
Do not use lenses other than those listed on the next
page. Substituting other lenses voids the NIOSH
approval. Use of non-Bullard lenses may allow
contaminants to enter the respirator and could result
in death or serious injury.
Your respirator cape may be
machine washed