MSA Versa-Hood, Instructions Manual

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TAL 1201 (L) Rev. 8 - 483389 - DRAFT 1-9-12
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the respirator is not worn in
atmospheres that may be harmful
to the device (see accessories).
7. Do not alter, modify, or substitute
any components without the
approval of the manufacturer.
Such alterations will void the
NIOSH approval.
8. Inspect the respirator regularly
and maintain it according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Repairs must only be made by
properly trained personnel.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Versa-Hood Respirators are Type C,
supplied-air respirator approved by
the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) for use in
atmospheres not immediately danger-
ous to life or health (non-IDLH):
“Not immediately dangerous
to life or health: means haz-
ardous atmosphere which
may produce physical dis-
comfort immediately, chron-
ic poisoning after repeated
exposure, or acute adverse
physiological
symptoms
after prolonged exposure.”
[Title 42 CFR Part 84
Subpart A, Par. 84.2 (x)].
This limitation is necessary because
the air-line respirator depends entirely
on an air supply not carried by the
wearer. If the air supply fails, the
wearer is without respiratory protec-
tion and might not be able to safely
escape from an IDLH atmosphere.
Another limitation of air-line respira-
tors is that the air-supply hose limits
the wearer to a fixed distance from
the air source.
The respirator can be used in many
industrial applications. Its design
makes it an economical device where
a disposable respirator is desirable. A
cover lens is provided to extend the
“life” of the respirator. The cover lens
is simply peeled off when it becomes
contaminated, and the primary lens is
then used. When this lens becomes
contaminated, the entire hood is
removed, disassembled and a new
hood is attached to the hood tube.
The suspension is kept for use with
new hood.
The Versa-Hood Respirator consists
of a loose-fitting hood (shoulder- or
waist-length), hood suspension, hood
tube, a support belt, a flow control
device and an air-supply hose. An
optional protective cap may be
ordered separately if head protection
is required. An optional chin strap also
is available.
The Versa-Hood Respirator is a con-
stant-flow, air-line device. This means
that an air-supply hose delivers a con-
tinuous flow of compressed, respirable
air to the respirator. Three methods of
coupling the respirator to the air-sup-
ply hose are available: Non-Adjustable
Valve-Connector; Adjustable Valve-
Connector; and Direct-Connector.
Approved air-supply hose is available
in either
3
/
8
” or
1
/
2
” id. The
3
/
8
” hose may
be used with an adjustable or non-
adjustable valve-connector or a
3
/
8
”
direct- connector. The
1
/
2
” hose must
be used with the
1 /
2
” direct-connector
only.
Accessory equipment, such as pres-
sure regulators, pressure gauges, or
air-line filters may be necessary to
ensure that the air is at the proper
pressure. Many in-plant installations
require an air purifier and/or monitoring
system to ensure that the air source is
respirable. An accessory air filter is
available from MSA which removes
particulates and nuisance odors. Air-
line monitors also are available from
MSA.
To maintain the NIOSH approval, the
user must provide respirable quality
air at the correct inlet pressure; use
the proper length of approved air-sup-
ply hose and fittings; and use the
device and maintain it according to
the instructions in this manual.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Remove the respirator from the pack-
ing. Thoroughly inspect all components
of your air-line respirator. In many
cases, you will not be the first to han-
dle the respirator. The respirator may
be fully assembled when you receive it.
Whether the respirator is pre-assem-
bled or unassembled in the packing
container, check that all parts are in
place. Inspect the entire respirator to
be sure no parts are damaged. If the
respirator is assembled, go on to DON-
NING THE RESPIRATOR.
ASSEMBLING THE RESPIRATOR
Required Tools
The Versa-Hood Respirator may be
assembled with standard tools and
materials, following good work prac-
tices. The assembly tips below may
help:
1. All tapered pipe connections
should be wrapped with pipe-
thread sealing tape (applied one
thread back from the end) before
assembly.
2. Open-end wrenches or slip-joint
pliers should be used to tighten all
threaded connections, unless
specifically noted otherwise.
3. Test all threaded connections
under pressure with a commercial
leak-test solution or soapy water.
If a leak is detected, locate the
source and correct it before using
the respirator.
General Assembly (all models)
Remove the hood from the container.
Unroll the hood. Be careful not to
damage the lens or lose the plastic
hose clamp (cable tie) included with
the hood.
General Description/Assembling the Respirator