13
NOTE
USER SEAL CHECKS
Each time you put on a respirator before entering a hazardous atmosphere, and periodically while
wearing the respirator in the contaminated area, you must check the effectiveness of the facepiece-to-
face seal by conducting a User Seal Check.
1)
Positive Pressure User Seal Check
a)
Place the palm of your hand over the exhalation valve and exhale normally (Figure 10).
b)
If the facepiece moves away from your face slightly and no air leaks between the face and the
facepiece, an effective seal has been obtained.
2)
Negative Pressure User Seal Check
a)
Place the palms of both hands over the cartridges or filter covers and inhale normally. Hold
your breath for (5) seconds (Figure 11).
b)
If the facepiece pulls into your face slightly and no air leaks between the face and the
facepiece, an effective seal has been obtained.
3)
If you detect any leaks, reseat the facepiece and/or readjust the tension of the head straps. Note
that sometimes the straps may need to be loosened.
4)
Repeat the User Seal Check(s) until an effective seal has been obtained. If you cannot achieve a
seal, do not use this respirator. See your Supervisor for either a replacement respirator or to be
refitted to an appropriate size.
WARNING
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
7600 Series facepieces have a double-flanged sealing area to assure a maximum seal to the face.
Be careful not to overtighten the respirator. Overtightening could distort the seal and may cause
leakage between the facepiece-to-face seal.
If you cannot promptly achieve an effective seal while wearing the respirator in a contaminated
area, you should immediately leave the contaminated area to prevent the risk of serious injury,
illness or death.
