User manual
49
12.2 MONTHLY CLEANING
1. Assemble the air cylinder pack, regulator and full-face mask/breathing valve.
2. Open the cylinder pack and check the pressure on the pressure gauge before cleaning begins. To prevent
water from entering the regulator and to detect leakage, there should always be pressure in the cylinder
pack. Replace the cylinder pack if the pressure gauge indicates less than 270 bar (3915 psi).
3
. If the full-face mask is used, the xing lock should be removed by loosening the screws. Hold the lower
part of the full-face mask (where the valve is located) with the visor facing upwards. Turn the breathing
valve clockwise to loosen the breathing valve bayonet coupling.
4
. Fill a container with clean water (preferably lukewarm and no hotter than 40°C (100°F)). Use a liquid,
colorless, non-perfumed soap solution.
5
. Wash the face mask and the breathing valve carefully; use a brush if necessary. Remove water and dirt
by pressing the vent button and blowing air through the valve. Repeat until the valve is clean and dry.
6
. Remove the cylinder cover and place the cylinder pack and regulator in the cleaning container. Clean
these parts; use a brush where necessary. Remember that the system must still be pressurized. If there
are leaks, it should be possible to localize these by observing air bubbles. Outowing air will also
prevent water from entering.
Comment: Air bubbles can also come from cavities in the equipment. In order to determine whether or not
a leak is involved, the apparatus should be held underwater at different angles. Try to drain all air pockets
by hand.
7. Remove all parts from the container. Clean the BCW and harness in the container. Use a brush where
necessary.
8
. Fill the container with new clean water and rinse the soapy solution off all parts. Begin with the full-face
mask/breathing valve, continue with the cylinder pack/regulator and nally the BCW or harness.
WARNING! If water accidentally enters and is subsequently not removed from the inhalation side while
cleaning the full-face mask and breathing valve, there is a risk of the valve freezing, which may result
in a continuous airow (valve with free airow). There is a risk of freezing because expanding air can
reduce the temperature to below 0°C (32°F) on the valve's inhalation side when the equipment is used at
low temperatures.
9. Vent the system by pressing in the breathing valve's vent button at the same time that the reserve valve
handle is pulled out to the R position.
Comment: Venting can take up to 30 seconds. The rst-stage regulator's O-ring can be damaged if it is
removed when the system is still pressurized.
10. Blow out moisture from the cylinder valve by opening it and letting air ow out for 1 to 2 seconds.
Comment: The sound from blow cleaning and pressure impacts can cause hearing impairment. Always use
ear protectors when lling or emptying cylinder packs.