G1 SCBA Washing Machine Instructions
WARNING!
Read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions, warnings and cautions for the SCBA washing machine and detergent prior to use.
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Do NOT use cleaning substances that can or might attack any part of the SCBA. |
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Do NOT use alcohol, which can cause deterioration of rubber parts. |
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Do NOT use cleaning products that contain hydrocarbons or solvents such as nitro-thinner. |
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Do NOT use radiant heat such as the sun or radiators to dry cleaned parts. |
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When a drying cabinet is used, do NOT exceed a temperature of 120°F (48°C). |
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Make sure there is no water, moisture, or dampness on or in the facepiece and regulator before returning the SCBA to service. Any moisture on or in the facepiece or regulator can freeze and result in a malfunction of the SCBA. |
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Failure to clean and decontaminate the SCBA correctly after each use can cause overexposure to contamination and result in illness, disease, or death. |
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During cleaning, wear adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with the detergent and washing machine manufacturers’ recommendations. |
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Make sure the pH level does not exceed 10.5, or local jurisdiction limits, whichever is lower. |
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Water temperature must not exceed 130°F (55°C). |
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Use all of the required caps and plugs during washing to minimize the potential for water ingress and damage. |
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DO NOT wash with the battery in place. Remove the battery from the unit and use the battery plug. |
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Caps and plugs must only be used during wash cycle, and MUST be removed before use. |
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Ensure all caps and plugs are undamaged prior to each use. |
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Ensure the second stage regulator O-rings are present and undamaged before and after each washing cycle. |
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It is recommended to use the detergent for the specific washing machine as it is called out in Table 1. For use of other detergents or washing machines review section 1.1 for further guidance. |
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Any water on or in the SCBA components can freeze and restrict airflow. |
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
Parameters for SCBA Washing Machines and Detergents
MSA has tested the Solo Rescue SCBA DECON WASHER® and Meiko TopClean D & M DECON Washer with the corresponding detergents in Table 1, using the procedure outlined in this document. Based on the testing, MSA expects that, when washing is performed in accordance with this document and all washing machine manufacturer instructions, the G1 SCBA will continue to perform after washing.
NOTE: Frequent washing of the SCBA may accelerate discoloration and wear. Lab testing has shown that these noted characteristics were merely cosmetic and did not impact the function of the SCBA.
Table 1 SCBA Washing Machine and Detergent
| Solo Rescue SCBA DECON WASHER |
Puro C87 SCBA Decon Detergent (P/N 90521) |
| Meiko TopClean D & M DECON Washer |
Decon MD Detergent (P/N 9209590)
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NOTE: An equivalent washing machine and/or detergent may be used but should meet the parameters as stated in these instructions, which are outlined as follows:
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Washer Type: May consist of a rotating or stationary basket with either rotating or stationary jets. |
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Wash water should maintain: |
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A detergent concentration of 0.6% |
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A pH level between 6.0 - 10.5 |
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A water temperature not to exceed 130° F (55° C) |
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An outlet pressure not to exceed 40 psi (2.76 bar) |
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Have a wash cycle not to exceed 8 minutes |
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Contain a minimum of one (1) rinse cycle |
Preparing and Washing in an SCBA Washing Machine
NOTE: Follow the regulations of your local municipality or your facility permit requirements for the effluent discharge from the laundering process.
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Figure 1
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1.
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Apply all caps and plugs. |
NOTE: The caps and plugs required for machine washing are available in Kit P/N 10207584. Contact MSA Customer Service at 1-800-MSA-2222 to order.
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Apply the cap to the facepiece mounted regulator. See Figure 1 |
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Figure 2
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Remove the battery from the unit and use the battery plug. DO NOT wash with the battery in place. See Figure 2 |
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Figure 3 quick-connect fitting
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c.
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The cylinder may be attached to the SCBA or removed for washing. If the cylinder is removed for washing, apply the plug as noted below. |
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Cylinder Attached: No plug is required. The cylinder and high pressure line must be connected. |
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Quick Connect, No Cylinder attached: Unscrew the quick-connect adapter from the male CGA plug, and insert the CGA plug. See Figure 3. |
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Threaded Connect, No Cylinder Attached: Apply threaded plug. See Figure 4. |
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Figure 4 threaded fitting
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Figure 5
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d.
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Apply the cap to the pressure relief valve. See Figure 5 |
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e.
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Ensure the universal air connections boot and boot for the buddy breather system are in place. |
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Place the SCBA unit inside the washing machine according to manufacturer’s instructions. |
NOTE: If washing facepieces, refer to the manufacturer’s washing machine instructions.
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Position everything in a way that it will be exposed to the water. |
NOTE: Remove the buddy breather assembly and/or universal air connection hose assembly from pouch for washing. Ensure the boots are in place.
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Calibrate the washing machine to supply 0.6% concentration of the appropriate detergent. |
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Wash the SCBAs and facepieces for an 8 minute cycle. |
NOTE: Repeat washing if additional cleaning is necessary.
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Remove the SCBAs from the washer. |
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Remove all caps, plugs, washing battery and boots from the SCBA. See Step 1. |
NOTE: To remove the cap from the regulator, push the buttons on the regulator.
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Keep caps, plugs and boots off and hoses exposed from their pouches for the drying process. |
WARNING!
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Before going into a hazardous environment, make sure there is no water, moisture, or dampness on or in any of the SCBA components. Any moisture on or in the SCBA components can freeze and result in a malfunction of the SCBA. Make sure all components operate correctly. |
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Before going into a hazardous environment, make sure there is no water or ice on the inner surfaces and components of the regulator, regulator buttons, and bypass valve. Make sure the buttons and bypass valve operate correctly. |
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Do not use a regulator that has water contamination on the inner surfaces or components. Remove the regulator from service, and dry all surfaces and components fully. Make sure all regulator components are fully dry before returning the regulator to service. |
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Do not put parts near a heater or in direct sunlight to dry. |
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
When washing is complete, either air dry or use a heated cabinet to dry the SCBA and facepieces. See Table 2.
Table 2 Recommended Drying Times
NOTE: Dry times vary depending on various factors that include, but are not limited to: temperature, humidity, air circulation, and elevation above sea level.
NOTE: Not all components dry in the same amount of time. Make sure there is no water, moisture, or dampness on or in any of the components before returning the SCBA to service.
Thoroughly dry the facepiece and facepiece mounted regulator after cleaning and disinfecting. Moisture can cause problems in the SCBA if it freezes. However, moisture can cause freezing problems even if the surrounding air is above freezing. Air flowing from the cylinder through the pressure reducer and regulator decreases from cylinder pressure to close to atmospheric pressure very quickly. This causes the air to expand and creates a cooling effect. Although the surrounding temperature may be warmer than 32°F (0°C), the temperature inside the regulator may be lower.
Verification Testing Required Before SCBA Returned to Service
WARNING!
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Inspection and Functional tests must be completed after drying but before use. |
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Do a negative pressure seal test after every cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance procedure, and after every exchange of parts. |
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
If damage on the speaking diaphragm is noted, remove the facepiece from service and return it to an MSA trained and certified repair technician.
If cracking is noted on the regulator buttons, remove the SCBA from service and return it to an MSA trained and certified repair technician.
Perform all functional tests in MSA G1 Operating Manual (P/N 10187007), Section 5.