4
OPERATION AND FILTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The Minuteman Asbestos Vacuum has been specifically designed to clean up fibrous asbestos and asbestos dust
of all types. Special filters reduce the incidence of airborne dust that would be created by any other method of
cleaning.
During the removal of asbestos dust, do not sweep, scoop, shovel, or in any manner handle other than by
vacuuming.
Do not at any time attempt to bypass, remove, substitute or by any other means change the filters used in
this vacuum.
Use only approved Minuteman Asbestos Vacuum filters and filter bags.
Before attempting to use and before cleaning, be certain that you fully understand the instructions given
for the setting up or cleaning/changing of filters of this vacuum.
Each facility has its own individual and unique cleaning problems, it is suggested that you use the following:
TANK/FILTER SET-UP PROCEDURE
Refer to Page 6, figure 1.
1. Fully open the plastic bag and place it down into the tank; #4 on the underside of the intake tube as shown.
2. Take the paper bag that has the cardboard collar attached and open it up by gently pulling the folds apart.
3. You will notice two creases on the top side of the collar; carefully bend the ends down (toward) the bag.
4. Insert this bag into the tank and push it to the bottom, taking care not to snag the plastic bag.
5. Locate the cardboard collar around the intake tube and gently work it up past the raised ring that runs around
the tube.
6. Push the plastic bag down past the paper bag; position it about 1/2 to 2/3 down past the top of the bag.
7. Take the paper filter protector bag and insert it into the tank and snap the elastic band around the rim of the
tank. ( About 2 inches of the bag should be outside of the tank.)
8. Place the cloth filter bag onto and into the tank, using the formed outer rim as a guide and press down firmly
onto the tank rim.
9. Position the lid onto the tank, making sure that the gasket of the lid is seated onto the ring of the cloth bag
frame completely around the tank.
10. Snap the lid latches into place.
For proper cleaning of tank and removal/changing of filters, see “Procedure for Removing Contaminated Filters
and for Cleaning of Contaminated Tank”.
PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING CONTAMINATED FILTERS AND FOR CLEANING OF CONTAMINATED TANK
For the benefit of your health, you should always wear a face mask approved for use with asbestos any time you
are using or cleaning this vacuum cleaner. You should also wear gloves.
1. Unplug machine from power source.
2. Carefully and slowly remove lid only (be sure you have not accidentally lifted the cloth filter bag at the
same time). Set the lid/filter assembly aside.
3. Gently tap the inside of the cloth bag to loosen any particles that may be on the opposite surface. Do this
all around the inside surface of the bag.
4. Gently remove the cloth bag and set aside.
5. Carefully undo the elastic band from around the tank and push the entire bag “slowly” into the tank. Do
not allow the elastic band to snap the bag closed.
6. Using a wiping cloth, dampened with water (not soaking wet), wipe down all of the exposed surfaces
inside to the tank; put the cloth aside, do not discard.
7. Carefully and “very” slowly, push the paper bag down and off of the intake tube, using the attached
cardboard collar. After the collar is removed from the intake tube, take the damp cloth and wipe off any
surfaces that were not previously wiped; at this time, re-wipe the entire inside of the tank and drop the
wiping cloth into the tank.
8. Now reach in and gently pull up and around the paper bag the plastic bag that had been previously
inserted. When you have the plastic bag fully extended, “gently” and “slowly” squeeze the bag closed
as close to the filled bag as possible in order to avoid trapping excessive air.
9. Gently remove the bag from the tank. Twist the unfilled portion closed and tie it into a knot.
10. CAUTION: Hazardous materials must be disposed of properly. Never throw contaminated debris in your
usual trash receptacle. Place debris in a plastic bag or can marked “HAZARDOUS MATERIALS” and take
to a hazardous waste handler.
11. For proper assembly of new filters, see “Tank/Filter Set-Up Procedure”.
