INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
LIGHTWEIGHT ABRASIVE BLASTING HELMET
CONTENTS
Read all instructions and warnings before using this product.
Keep this manual for future reference.
NIOSH CAUTIONS & LIMITATIONS	                                                         3
INTRODUCTION 	                                                                        4
RESPIRATOR COMPONENT CONCEPT 	                                                        5
WARNINGS	6
RESPIRATOR OPERATION 	                                                                8
SPECIAL OR CRITICAL USERS INSTRUCTIONS - BREATHING AIR PRESSURE TABLE	                9
RESPIRATOR USE / LENSES	                                                             10
SETTING UP	                                                                          12
DOFFING YOUR HELMET / INSPECTION, CLEANING AND STORAGE 	                             14
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES	                                                               18
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New Zealand.
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RPB, and advancing your safety are registered trademarks of RPB Safety.
For technical assistance contact our Customer Service Department	            Form #: RPB37
on 1-866-494-4599 or email: customerservice@rpbsafety.com	                   Rev: 8
2
                          S E RV I C E S 
                    AN                     US
               M
          U
                                            A
       H
H E A LT H &
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   National Institute for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Occupational Safety and Health
  OF
       T
          N
               E
                   TM          R
                        D E PA
                                                                                                                RPB Safety
                                                 T. 1 866 494 4599                                       F. 1 866 494 4509                                                       E. info@rpbsafety.com
                                                     TYPE CE, CONTINUOUS FLOW, SUPPLIED-AIR RESPIRATOR
                                           THESE RESPIRATORS ARE APPROVED ONLY IN THE FOLLOWING CONFIGURATIONS
                                                                          RESPIRATOR COMPONENTS
                                                                          Regulator
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Breathing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Head Gear
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Air Tube
                                                                          Alternate
                                                              Alternate
                                                                                                   Alternate
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Alternate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Alternate
                                                                          and Belt
                                                              Helmets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Lenses
                                                                                                     Cape
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Visor
                                                                            Flow
                                                                                                                        Alternate Quick                                                                                                                         Cautions
                                                                                                                                                                      Alternate Hoses
                                                                                                                          Disconnect                                                                                                                         and Limitations2
                                                       M
                                                       O
                    TC -                Protection1    D
                                                       E
                                                       L
                                                                          NV2016
                                                                                                               NV2025
                                                                                                                         NV2024
                                                                                                                                  NV2032
                                                                                                                                           NV2034
                                                                                                                                                    NV2037
                                                                                                                                                             NV2027
                                                                                                                                                                        NV2028
                                                                                                                                                                                 NV2029
                                                                                                                                                                                          NV2035
                                                                                                                                                                                                   NV2036
                                                                                                                                                                                                             NV2021
                                                                02-803
                                                                                          03-501
                                                                                                     02-813
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      02-804
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               02-810
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        02-811
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 02-809
                                                                                   2015
               19C-417                   SA/CF/SB     ASTRO     X          X              X          X         X X                X                          X X X                                           X        X        X        X        X           ABCDEJMNOS
               19C-423                   SA/CF/SB     ASTRO                        X                 X                                     X        X                                     X X                X        X        X        X        X           ABCDEJMNOS
     1. PROTECTION
     CF  Continuous Flow 	 SA  Supplied Air SB - Supplied Air Abrasive Blast
     2. CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
     A 	 - 	 Not for use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen.
     B 	 -	 Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health.
     C 	 - 	 Do not exceed maximum use concentrations established by regulatory standards.
     D 	 - 	 Air-line respirators can be used only when the respirators are supplied with respirable air meeting the 		
     		       requirements of CGA G-7.1 Grade D or higher quality.
     E 	 - 	 Use only the pressure ranges and hose lengths specified in the Users Instructions.
     J 	 - 	 Failure to use and maintain this product properly could result in injury or death.
     M 	 - 	 All approved respirators shall be selected, fitted, used and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, 	
     		       and other applicable regulations.
     N 	 - 	 Never substitute, modify, and, or omit parts. Use only exact replacement parts in the configuration 		
     		       specified by the manufacturer.
     O 	 - 	 Refer to user instruction and/or maintenance manuals for information about use and maintenance of 		
     		these respirators.
     S 	 - 	 Special or critical Users Instructions and/or specific use limitations apply. Refer to Users Instructions 		
     		before donning.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3
INTRODUCTION
The RPB ASTRO SUPPLIED - AIR
RESPIRATOR TYPE CE is specifically
designed for use during Abrasive Blasting.
The ASTRO has been designed for use
in atmospheres NOT IMMEDIATELY
DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH, and from
which a user can escape without the aid
of the respirator, or that do not exceed
concentrations allowed by OSHA, EPA or
NIOSH regulations and recommendations.
The RPB ASTRO is Approved by NIOSH
(TC-19C-417, 19C-423 TYPE CE to provide
respiratory protection in abrasive blasting
and type CE painting applications. The cape
is designed to protect the wearers upper
body from rebounding abrasive.
4
RESPIRATOR COMPONENT CONCEPT
The RPB ASTRO SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATOR consists of three main components:
RESPIRATOR HELMET ASSEMBLY, BREATHING TUBE ASSEMBLY, and AIR SUPPLY HOSE
illustrated in Fig1.1. All three components must be present and properly assembled to
constitute a complete NIOSH approved Respirator.
                   Inner & Outer Lenses
        1. Respirator Helmet Assembly
                                    Cape
        2. Breathing Tube Assembly
        3. Air Supply Hose
  Figure 1.1
    !WARNING! Failure to use genuine parts and components that are part of the NIOSH
    approved respirator assembly will void the approval of the entire respirator assembly.
                                                                                             5
!WARNINGS!
1. 	 Do not use this respirator until you           Use only NIOSH approved RPB ASTRO
     have been trained in the respirators           components and replacement parts.
     use, maintenance and limitations by            The use of non approved parts voids
     a qualified individual (appointed by           the NIOSH approval of the entire
     your employer) who has extensive               respirator assembly.
     knowledge of the RPB ASTRO
     Respirator.                                5. 	 Inspect all components of the respirator
                                                     daily for signs of damage or wear
2. 	 Before using this respirator ensure your        and tear that may reduce the level of
     employer has determined that airborne           protection originally provided.
     contaminant concentrations do not
     exceed those allowed by applicable         6. 	 DO NOT use abrasives containing silica,
     OSHA, EPA or NIOSH regulations and              lead, arsenic or sharp glass particles
     recommendations for continuous-flow             - use of abrasives containing these
     supplied air respirators. Federal law           elements could result in serious Injury
     requires that the employer measures             or death.
     and monitors airborne contaminant
                                                7. 	 DO NOT wear this respirator until you
     levels in the work area,                        have passed a complete physical exam
3. 	 DO NOT wear this respirator if any of           including a lung X-ray conducted by
     the following conditions exist:                 qualified medical personnel.
    - 	Atmosphere is immediately dangerous      8. 	 Improper use of this respirator may
       to your life or health.                       cause injury or death. Improper
    - 	You CAN NOT escape without the aid of         use may also cause life threatening
       the respirator.                               delayed lung diseases such as silicosis,
    - 	Atmosphere contains less than 19.5%           pneumoconiosis or asbestosis.
       oxygen.	
                                                9. 	 This respirator, when properly fitted and
    - 	Work area is poorly ventilated.
                                                     used, significantly reduces but does not
    - 	Contaminants are in excess of
                                                     completely eliminate the breathing of
       regulations or recommendations.
                                                     contaminates by the respirator wearer.
    - 	Radiation exists in the work area, or
       materials are Radioactive.               10. 	BE CERTAIN your employer has
                                                     determined that the breathing air
4. 	 Do not modify or alter this respirator.         source providas at least Grade D
6
   breathable air. The respirator must be       -10C or above +60C.
   supplied with clean filtered breathing
   air at all times.
11. DO NOT connect the respirators air
    supply hose to nitrogen, toxic gases,
    inert gases, or other unbreathable
    non Grade D air sources. Check the
    air source before using the respirator.
    Failure to connect the supply hose to
    the proper air source could result in
    serious injury or death.
12. DO NOT use this respirator in poorly
    ventilated areas or confined spaces.
    Ensure the area is well ventilated and
    that the contaminant concentrations
    are below those recommended for this
    respirator. Follow all procedures for
    confined space entry, operation and
    exit as defined in applicable regulations
    and standards.
13. LEAVE WORK AREA IMMEDIATELY IF:
 - 	Any respirator componant becomes
    damaged.
 - 	Airflow stops or slows down.
 - 	Breathing becomes difficult.
 - 	You become dizzy, nauseous, too hot,
    too cold or ill.
 - 	Vision is impaired.
14. DO NOT wear this respirator if the
    ambient usage temperature is below
                                                                        7
RESPIRATOR OPERATION
AIR QUALITY                                     AIR SUPPLY HOSE AND FITTINGS
This respirator must be supplied with clean     RPB Safety air supply hoses must be used
breathable air, Grade D or better, at all       between the point of attachment and the
times. The RPB ASTRO does not purify air       respirator breathing air connection at the
or filter contaminants.                         wearers belt. RPB Safety quick disconnect
Breathable air must be supplied to the          fittings must be used to connect the hose
point of attachment of the RPB Safety air       lengths together. The hose sections must
supply hose. Supplied breathing air must        be within the approved length and the
at least meet the requirements for Type 1       amount of sections must be within the
gaseous air described in the Compressed         number specified in the Breathing Air
Gas Association Commodity Specifications        Pressure Table on page 9.
G.7.1 (Grade D or higher)
                                                BREATHING AIR PRESSURE
AIR SOURCE
                                                The air pressure must be continually
Locate the air source in a clean air            monitored at the point of attachment
environment, always use a filter on the inlet   while the air is flowing to the respirator.
of your air source. Do not park vehicles        Air pressure must be read from a reliable
beside your air inlet as this will cause        pressure gauge whilst the respirator has air
carbon monoxide to be drawn into your air       flowing through it.
supply. Use suitable aftercoolers / dryers      !WARNING! Failure to supply the respirator
with filters and carbon monoxide alarms         with the minimum required pressure at
to assure clean breathable air is supplied      the point of attachment for the length
at all times. The air should be regularly       of air supply hose used could result in
sampled to ensure that it meets Grade D         contaminants being inhaled as the pressure
requirements.                                   in the helmet may become negative due to
                                                peak inhalation flow when working at very
                                                high work rates
8
SPECIAL OR CRITICAL USERS INSTRUCTIONS
BREATHING AIR PRESSURE TABLE
This table lists air pressure ranges needed to provide the RPB ASTRO with the volume
of air that falls within the required range of 6-15cfm or 170-425 lts/min according to U.S
government regulations.
BEFORE USING THIS RESPIRATOR MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE TABLE BELOW.
       1.                2.                   3.            4.         5.             6.
  AIR SOURCE      BREATHING TUBE         AIR SUPPLY      SUPPLY       MAX         PRESSURE
                   ASSEMBLY AND             HOSE          HOSE      NUMBER          RANGE
                   FLOW CONTROL                          LENGTH   OF SECTIONS     (PSIG AIR)
                      DEVICES
                                                          25           1            26- 27
                                                          50           2            27 - 28
                      NV2021/           NV2028(25ft)
   Portable or                                            100          2            30 - 31
                       NV2016           NV2029 (50ft)
    Stationary                                            150          3            33 - 34
                    Flow Control        NV2027(100ft)
   Compressor                                             200          4            36 - 37
                   Valve Assembly
                                                          250          5            38 - 39
                                                          300          6            41 - 43
                                                           50          1             7-8
                      NV2021/                             100          1             8-9
  Low Pressure
                       NV2015           NV2035 (50ft)     150          2            10 - 11
  Compressor
                   Constant Flow        NV2036 (100ft)    200          2            11 - 12
   or Air Pump
                   Valve Assembly                         250          3            12 - 13
                                                          300          3            14 - 15
                                                           25          1             50 - 80
                                                           50          1             55 - 85
                       NV2021/
   Portable or                          NV2028 (25ft)     100          2             60 - 95
                        03-501
    Stationary                          NV2029 (50ft)     150          3             65 - 95
                 Climate Control Tube
   Compressor                           NV2027 (100ft)    200          4            70 - 100
                      Assembly
                                                          250          5            75 - 100
                                                          300          6            85 - 100
Set the air pressure at the point of attachment within the range specified in column 6 for
your breathing tube assembly, hose length and amount of hose sections. Make sure air is
flowing through your respirator when setting the pressure.
Refer to 03-501 C40 Climate Control Tube Instruction for pressure ranges specified for use
with the RPB ASTRO.
    !WARNING! RESPIRATORS MUST BE SUPPLIED WITH RESPIRABLE AIR MEETING THE
    REQUIREMENTS OF CGA G-7.1 GRADE D OR HIGHER QUALITY.
                                                                                               9
RESPIRATOR USE
AIRFLOW CONTROL VALVE
     Figure 2.1                                  Figure 2.2
Air flowing into the helmet is controlled      NOTE: The minimum of 170 Vmin should be
using the regulator as shown in Fig 2.1 and    flowing through the helmet when the regulator is
2.2.                                           in the closed position as in Fig 2.2 and the pressure
                                               set in accordance with the table on page 8.
LENSES
     Figure 3.1                                  Figure 3.2
Inner Lens                                     Outer Lens
Place one end into the gasket first, then      Place the lens into the face frame and push
slowly roll the gasket over the sides of the   past the locating ribs.
lens, working towards the other end.
10
                                                NOTE
                                                Always make sure that a RPB Safety inner
                                                lens is securely fitted into the window
                                                frame gasket. Proceed fitting lenses as Fig
                                                3.1, Fig 3.2, Fig 3.3.
 Figure 3.3
Fold the visor across the front of the helmet
and lock the strap tightly over the side
cleat.
SETTING UP
                                                Head Harness
                                                To adjust the head harness first unclip the
                                                locating pegs, then slide the band in or
                                                out to the desired size. Note: slide inwards
                                                to reduce the size. Once the desired size
                                                is obtained, clip the locating pegs back
                                                together.
                                                Putting the Helmet in Place
  Figure 4.1                                    Hold the helmet in front of you, holding
                                                the inner bib collar open. Lift the helmet
                                                and place it on your head making sure the
                                                head harness fits securely.
                                                                                           11
SETTING UP
     Figure 5.1                                  Figure 5.2
First screw on the breathing hose in a          Screw the loose running nut in a clockwise
clockwise direction onto the helmet.            direction onto the flow control device
                                                (2016).
 Figure 5.3                                      Figure 5.4
Take the quick dis-connect fitting on the Air   Connect the Air Supply Hose Tail to the
Supply Hose and push onto the tail of the       point of attachment supplying Grade D air.
Flow Control Device.
12
FITTING THE CAPE AND BELT
 Figure 6.1                                    Figure 6.2
Once the helmet is fitting comfortably on     Place the Flow Control Device to your
your head, straighten the cape down at the    desired hip pocket.
front and back.
 Figure 6.3                                    Figure 6.4
Now bring both buckles together at the        Now the helmet is fully fitted and the
front and push them until you hear a click.   belt tightened, adjust the airflow into
Pull the tab to tension the belt to your      the helmet with the Flow Control Device
requirement.                                  adjustment barrel see Fig 2.1 on Page 9.
                                              Again check the air pressure at the source
                                              to make sure it is still in accordance with
                                              Table 1.1 on page 9.
                                                                                            13
DOFFING YOUR HELMET
To remove the helmet, first exit the working area and reverse procedures in Respirator Use.
!WARNING! NEVER remove your helmet when in the working area.
INSPECTION, CLEANING AND STORAGE
The RPB ASTRO Supplied Air Respirator has a limited service life, therefore a regular inspec-
tion and replacement programme must be conducted. Certain parts such as lenses must be
replaced frequently.
All components of the respirator assembly should be inspected for damage or wear and
tear before use. Replace worn or damaged parts immediately. USE ONLY RPB SAFETY
ASTRO PARTS. Refer to the parts list for the correct part numbers.
!WARNING! DO NOT CLEAN RESPIRATOR WITH VOLATILE CHEMICALS.
REMOVING THE CAPE                                 INSPECTING THE HELMET
 Figure 7.1                                        Figure 8.1
First remove the cape cover band to reveal        Having removed the cape, wipe out the
the eight press studs. The cape can then          inside of the helmet with a soft cloth and
easily be removed by undoing the four             mild detergent. Check the inside for cracks
press studs.                                      in the shell and damage to the air inlet.
14
INNER LENS AND GASKET                          AIR SUPPLY HOSE
                                               The air supply hoses should be inspected for:
                                               1. 	 Cuts or tears
                                               2. 	 Cracks or signs of perishing
                                               3. 	 Blisters or weak points
                                               4. 	 Abrasive wear the hose or are not worn,
                                                    remove any dirt inside couplings with a
                                                    duster gun.
                                               5. 	 Ferrules firmly crimped in place
                                               6. 	 Quick disconnect couplers do not move
                                                    in.
 Figure 9.1
                                               USE ONLY HOSES NIOSH APPROVED FOR
Make sure the window frame gasket is           USE WITH THIS RESPIRATOR.
securely fitted in the helmet with no cracks
or tears in the seal. Check that the inner     STORAGE
lens is correctly fitted into the gasket.
                                               After the respirator components have been
When necessary replace lenses as in Figures
                                               cleaned and inspected, place them in a
3.1 and 3.2.
                                               plastic bag or an airtight container. Store
                                               the respirator parts away from excessive
BREATHING TUBE ASSEMBLY                        heat, dust, cold, moisture or harmful
                                               chemicals.
Inspect the breathing tube for cracks, tears
or excessive wear. Check that the fittings
                                               After use hang the respirator up by the
are secured into the cuffs tightly, not
                                               hand strap, this will help keep the inside of
allowing any air leaks.
                                               the helmet free of contaminants.
Replace the hose as soon as any signs of
damage or excessive wear become evident.
Do not remove the foam that is inside
the breathing tube as this is a critical
component.
!WARNING! Air leaks will cause a drop in air
flow through the respirator helmet resulting
in less protection from contaminants.
                                                                                           15
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
VISOR AND LENSES                         Figure 10.1
                                             02-807                                            02-806
        02-804                  02-810
                                                                                               02-805
                                                 02-811
                                   02-816
                                                                                             02-809
                                             02-808
 02-804	Visor                                                02-809	   Head Suspension
 02-805	 Visor Strap                                         02-810	   Inner Lens (pkt 10)
 02-806	Cleat                                                02-811	   Outer Lens (pkt 10)
 02-807	 Gasket Seal                                         02-816	   Tearoff Lens
 02-808	 Suspension Clip (pkt 4)
AIR SUPPLY HOSES	                        Figure 10.2
                                                          NV2029                       NV2027
              NV2025
     NV2028
                                 NV2035
                                                                                             NV2036
 NV2027	         100ft Air Supply Hose                       NV2025	   Quick Release Coupler
 NV2028	         25ft Air Supply Hose                        NV2035	   50ft Low Pressure Air Supply Hose
 NV2029	         50ft Air Supply Hose	                       NV2036	   100ft Low Pressure Air Supply Hose
16
BREATHING TUBE & FLOW CONTROL DEVICES	 Figure 10.3
                                                            NV2016
                                                                                       NV2015
                                                                  NV2022      03-501
    NV2021
 NV2021	  Breathing Tube
 NV2022	Belt
 NV2016	  Flow Control Valve Assembly - Includes: Flow Control Valve, Belt
 NV2015	  Constant Flow Valve - Low Pressure
 03-501 	 C40 Climate Control Assembly - Includes: Climate Control, Belt
RESPIRATOR CAPES	                 Figure 10.4
              02-812
                                                                             02-813
 02-812	     Cape Cover Band
 02-813	     Nylon Cape
                                                                                                17
NOTES
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                                                                                                                                                                   19
OTHER PRODUCTS
AIRLINE FILTRATION
The RPB RADEX AIRLINE FILTER offers
increased capacity, versatility and filtration.
This optional equipment combines the
versatility of either floor or wall mounting
with increased filtration capacity, enabling
customization to meet workers needs and
working environments.
AIR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The RPB 4000-01 Cool Air Tube cools
compressed breathing air coming into
the respirator by up to 30F while the
RPB 4000-20 Hot Air Tube will heat the
compressed air by up to 30F. These
maximize worker comfort and increase
productivity in hot or cold climates.
AIR QUALITY MONITORING
The RPB RADEX CO MONITOR helps
ensure worker safety with a unique
traceability feature that monitors and
records carbon monoxide levels, and
temperature. This data that provides
certainty of monitor functioning and can
be stored for up to two years allowing
analysis of plant and field air quality.
1 866 494 4599
www.rpbsafety.com