88VX Series Airline Respirator
User Manual
W
arning
5
1.
This respirator, when properly fitted and used, in conjunction with adherence to OSHA regulations and industry
standards, will provide a reasonable degree of protection to the wearer. The respirator significantly reduces, but
may not totally eliminate, the breathing of contaminants depending on the work practices involved. Where
concentrations of contaminants are excessive, respirator wearers may obtain a higher level of protection from a
valve-operated, pressure demand airline respirator or a pressure demand, self contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) respirator. At this time there are no side by side field studies for comparison. However, OSHA does assign
higher protection factors to these groups of respirators. Ideally, the employer should measure concentrations inside
the breathing zone on a periodic basis to ensure that the wearer is receiving adequate protection.
2.
Before using this respirator, Federal Law requires that the employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory
hazard(s) in the workplace, and that this evaluation shall include a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to
respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant’s chemical state and physical form. Do not exceed
maximum use concentrations established by OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, ACGIH, or other regulatory standards.
3.
Improper respirator use may damage your health and/or cause your death. Improper use may also cause certain
life threatening delayed lung diseases such as silicosis, pneumoconiosis, or asbestosis.
4.
DO NOT wear this respirator if any of the following conditions exist:
- Atmosphere is immediately dangerous to your life or health (IDLH),
- You CANNOT escape without the aid of the respirator,
- Atmosphere contains less than 19.5% oxygen,
- Work area is poorly ventilated,
- Unknown contaminants are present, or
- Contaminant concentrations are in excess of regulations or recommendations (as described in item 2 above).
5.
DO NOT wear this respirator until you have passed a complete medical evaluation (perhaps including a lung x-ray)
conducted by qualified medical personnel, and have been trained in the respirator’s use, maintenance, and
limitations by a qualified individual (appointed by your employer) who has extensive knowledge of Bullard 88VX
Series respirators.
6.
DO NOT modify or alter this respirator in any manner. Use only NIOSH approved 88VX Series components and
replacement parts manufactured by Bullard for use with this respirator.
Failure to use NIOSH-approved Bullard components and replacement parts such as lenses, hoses, flow control
devices, capes, and climate control devices, voids NIOSH approval of the entire respirator, invalidates all Bullard
warranties, and could cause death, serious injury, lung disease, or exposure to other hazardous or life threatening
conditions.
7.
Inspect all components of this respirator system daily for signs of wear, tear, or damage that might reduce the
degree of protection originally provided.
Immediately replace worn or damaged components with NIOSH approved Bullard 88VX Series components or
remove the respirator from service. (See INSPECTION, CLEANING, AND STORAGE section on pages 14-15 for proper
maintenance of 88VX Series respirators.)
8.
Be certain your employer has determined that the breathing air source provides at least Grade D breathable air. This
respirator must be supplied with clean breathable air at all times.
9.
Do not connect the respirator’s air supply hose to nitrogen, oxygen, toxic gases, inert gases, or other unbreathable,
non-Grade D air sources. To prevent this, the employer shall use airline couplings used for this respirator that shall
be incompatible with outlets for other gas systems, as required by OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 (i) (8). Check
the air source before using the respirator. Failure to connect to the proper air source could result in death or serious
injury.
10. Do not use this respirator in poorly ventilated areas or confined spaces such as tanks, small rooms, tunnels, or
vessels unless the confined space is well ventilated and the contaminant concentrations are below the upper limit
recommended for this respirator. In addition, follow all procedures for confined space entry, operation and exit as
defined in applicable regulations and standards, including 29 CFR 1910.146.
(Continued on Page 6)
WARNING
