September 30, 1998
| SUBJECT: | 3M/Racal PAPR Filter and Battery Update |
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) wishes to inform users of the approval status for the NIOSH-approved 3M/Racal model AH15, and AH21 Airstream Dust/Mist Helmet systems.
The June 12, 1998, NIOSH Respirator User Notice informed users that the Racal part number 520-01-02R01 battery pack (3M Company part number 78-8124-0051-9) , as well as other battery packs incorporating un-approved modifications were not in conformance with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)/NIOSH approval requirements and therefore, PAPRs incorporating these battery packs were not considered to be MSHA/NIOSH approved devices.
Since then, 3M Company has applied for and received NIOSH approval for the revised part number 520-01-02R01 battery pack (3M Company part number 78-8124-0051-9) used with the model AH15 and AH21 Airstream Dust/Mist Helmet systems, as well as for MSHA intrinsic safety approval on the battery pack to be used on the model AH21 system. Therefore, the 3M/Racal model, AH15, and AH21 Airstream Dust/Mist Helmet systems incorporating the part number 520-01-02R01 battery pack are in conformance with the MSHA/NIOSH approval requirements for TC-21C-211. Note that the approved battery pack part number remains 520-01-02R01.
Also note that the 3M recall program covering the Racal part number 60-23-16R05 filter remains in effect. As stated in the June 12, 1998, Respirator User Notice, NIOSH recommends all users to inspect all Racal Part No. 60-23-16R05 filters in their possession for the presence of defective welds between the plastic sleeve and the filtering material, and also to comply with the 3M filter recall program affecting all filters with date codes G01 through G11. Users should advise NIOSH and 3M Co. of any defective filters identified with date codes other than G01 through G11.
If you have any questions, please contact MSHA at 304-547-0400 or NIOSH at 1-800-35NIOSH.
Sincerely yours,
Richard W. Metzler, Chief
Certification and Quality Assurance Branch
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, NIOSH