Respirex Flo-Pod Instructions For Use Manual

Flo-Pod™ Hood

Instructions for use

BS\094\B\2017

EN

Contents

General Information ................................................................................ 1

Designation ............................................................................................ 1

Warnings & Limitations ........................................................................... 1

Pre-Checks ............................................................................................. 2

Donning procedure ................................................................................. 2

Dong procedure ................................................................................... 4

Emergency procedure ............................................................................ 4

Storage & Transportation........................................................................ 5

Cleaning ................................................................................................. 5

Sizing ...................................................................................................... 5

General Information

The Respirex Flo-Pod™ hood forms part of a modular
powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) system with
breathing air supplied via a hood mounted Flo-Pod™

turbo unit. The Flo-Pod™ turbo unit must be tted with
a P3 particulate lter at all times. Please refer to the user

information supplied with the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit for

product specic details.

Important: The Flo-Pod™ hood must only be used in
combination with the Respirex Flo-Pod™ turbo unit, no
other model of turbo unit is compatible.

Note: The Flo-Pod™ turbo unit and/or P3 lters can be

supplied separately from the hood.

All respiratory protective equipment manufactured
by Respirex International Ltd is CE marked and type­approved to indicate compliance with the personal
protective equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The
Flo-Pod™ system meets the requirements of EN

12941:1998 + A2:2008 (Powered ltering devices

incorporating a helmet or hood).

The above standard species the physical performance

requirements of the equipment, i.e. level of respiratory
protection and mechanical strength of component parts etc.

Always use the Flo-Pod™ system in accordance with
the instructions supplied (including relevant instructions

supplied with the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit and P3 lter).

Designation

The Flo-Pod™ system (hood, turbo unit and P3 lter)
is designated as a powered ltering device EN 12941

TH3P R SL, where:

TH=powered ltering device incorporating a helmet

or hood

3= Class (inward leakage 0.2% or less)

P=Particulate lter

R=Filter suitable for reuse against aerosols (several
workshifts)

SL=Solid and liquid aerosols

The Flo-Pod™ system, as approved to EN 12941 TH3,
has a UK Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 40*.

*In accordance with Annex C of EN529:2005.

Warnings & Limitations

• Only for use by trained, competent personnel.

• Failure to follow all instructions and/or failure to wear

the Flo-Pod™ system during all times of exposure may
be detrimental to the wearer’s health.

• Flo-Pod™ hoods manufactured from blue laminate
material are designed for single use only, Respirex cannot
guarantee the integrity or performance characteristics
of laminate hoods that have seen multiple use.

• Always seek advice if you are in any doubt as to the
suitability of the Flo-Pod™ system for your particular
working environment. Refer to rear of user instructions
for contact details.

• The Flo-Pod™ system should not be used to provide
respiratory protection against unknown atmospheric
contaminants, or when concentrations of contaminant
are unknown or immediately dangerous to life or health
(IDLH). Use only in atmospheres where the oxygen
content of the air is 18-23 vol.%.

• During use, always ensure that lter inlets and

exhalation valves remain unobstructed.

• At very high work rates the pressure in the Flo-Pod™
system may become negative at peak inhalation ow.

• Leave the contaminated environment and remove the

hood if:

a. Damage occurs to any part of the Flo-Pod™

system

b. Airow into the hood reduces or ceases, or if

misting of the visor occurs

c. Red LED warning displays/low ow warning

sounds
d. Breathing becomes dicult
e. Dizziness or other distress occurs
f. Contaminants can be tasted or smelled, or an

irritation occurs

• Use of the Flo-Pod™ system in the ‘power-o’ state
will oer little or no respiratory protection and is
regarded as an abnormal situation. In the ‘power-o’

state a rapid build up of carbon dioxide and depletion
of oxygen within the hood may occur.

• The Flo-Pod™ system must not be worn in restricted
spaces (e.g. tunnels, unventilated tanks or pits) due

to the risk of oxygen deciency or presence of heavy

oxygen-displacing gases (e.g. carbon dioxide).

• Never attempt to remove lter canisters from the Flo-

Pod™ turbo unit in a contaminated atmosphere.

• The user should not confuse the lter markings of

EN12941 (protection class when worn with a Flo­Pod™ turbo unit) with markings relating to any other
standards.

• The Flo-Pod™ system is not designed to be used for
abrasive blasting operations or in applications with

a high ammability risk. Alternative PPE oering the

necessary level of protection should be utilised for
such applications.

• The Flo-Pod™ system should not be worn in working
environments that require the wearing of safety
helmets or where protection against non-ionizing
radiation is necessary.

• Materials used in the construction of the system are
not known to cause allergic reactions to the majority
of individuals. The system contains no components
made from natural rubber latex.

• Do not attempt to service the Flo-Pod™ hood; the
hood contains no user-serviceable parts.

• Usable temperature range -10
of <90%.

1

o

C to +40oC at a humidity

Pre-Checks

To ensure proper functioning, the hood and all
component parts should be inspected for damage prior
to use. Do not use any hood which shows signs of failure
which may reduce the degree of protection intended.

1. Remove the hood from its packaging and fold out.

2. Carry out a thorough visual inspection for any
damage that may impair correct operation.

3. Check the hood is free from contamination, both
externally and internally.

4. Check the hood materials are free from tears and
holes, paying particular attention to the seam
areas.

5. Check that vision through the visor is not obscured

by large scratches or scu marks.

6. Ensure the expiry date printed on the P3 lter
canister has not been exceeded.

7. Respirex recommend that the exhalation valves are
part of the visual pre-check. If the valve diaphragm
is distorted or damaged in any way the hood
should not be used.

8. Ensure the battery pack has been charged as
detailed in the instructions supplied with the Flo-

Pod™ turbo unit, and/or that sucient charge

remains to power the turbo unit for the likely
duration of the relevant work task.

Donning procedure

Note: Before beginning the donning process, ensure

that the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit has been correctly tted to

the Flo-Pod™ hood following the instructions supplied.

Important: Before donning the Flo-Pod™ hood wearers
should familiarise themselves thoroughly with the user
information supplied with the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit.

It is recommended that before using a Flo-Pod™

system for the rst time wearers are given training by

a competent person, and that details of the training are
recorded.

9. Remove any outer clothing and personal eects
which may cause damage to the hood (e.g. pens,
badges, jewellery, etc.).

10. Ensure that a P3 lter canister is screwed rmly
into the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit (Fig.1).

11. Adjust the battery pack waist belt until comfortable
and fasten the buckle securely.

12. Plug the power cable connected to the Flo-Pod™
turbo unit into the socket on the battery pack
(Fig.2). Ensure that the white line marked on the
cable plug is aligned with the arrow marked on the
battery pack.

Fig. 1. Check P3 lter is tted to

turbo unit

Fig. 2. Plug turbo unit power cable

into battery pack

13. Turn on the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit using the orange
switch located on the underside of the battery
pack (Fig.3). IMPORTANT: To avoid a suocation
hazard never attempt to wear a Flo-Pod™ hood
before switching on the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit. Wait
until a Green LED is displayed on turbo unit before
proceeding with rest of donning procedure.

Fig. 3. Switch on turbo unit

2

14. Open neck seal fully by loosening the drawstring
(Fig. 4).

Fig. 6. Tighten drawstring

Fig. 4. Loosen drawstring

15. Position the hood over your head and tighten
the drawstring neck seal to a comfortable level
(Figs. 5 & 6).

Fig. 5. Position hood over head

16. The cape of the hood should be pulled downwards
and adjusted until it sits evenly on the shoulders;
the turbo unit must be positioned a maximum
distance of 4cm in front of the wearer’s chin. The
position of the turbo unit can be adjusted by pulling
downwards on the ties attached to the rear cape
(Fig. 7) or by use of the battery pack waist belt.

Fig. 7. Pull ties downwards

3

Fig. 8. Pass ties under arms

17. The ties should pass under the arms and be
fastened securely across the chest using the
buckle provided (Figs. 8 & 9).

Dong procedure

1. To remove the hood, unfasten the buckle on the

under arm ties and lift the hood upwards and o

the shoulders.

2. Pull the hood forwards and withdraw your head
though the neck seal (Fig 10). It is unnecessary to
loosen the drawstring as the neck seal will stretch

suciently to allow your head to be removed from

the hood.

Fig. 10. Hood dong

3. Switch o the Flo-Pod™ turbo unit and disconnect
the power lead from the battery pack.

4. Unfasten the waist belt buckle, then remove belt
and battery pack.

Fig. 9. Donning complete

Before being re-used with a new hood, the Flo-Pod™
turbo unit should be decontaminated according to your
company procedures. Depending upon the nature and
concentration of contaminant introduced during use, it

may be necessary to replace the P3 lter canister tted

to the turbo unit. Refer to the instructions supplied with

the lter for further information.

Emergency procedure

If any of the following occur during use, evacuate the
work area immediately and remove the hood as detailed
above:

• Flo-Pod™ turbo unit displays RED LED warning light

and/or low ow warning device sounds

• Misting of the visor occurs

• There is a complete loss of air supply to the hood

4

Storage & Transportation

The recommended temperature range for storage is

-10°C to +40°C.

Store hoods in the original packaging, correct way up as
marked on the box.

Store above ground level in dry conditions free from
harmful gases and vapours and away from direct
sunlight.

Always rotate stock.

Never store outdoors or in damp conditions.

Only remove the hood from original packaging when
intending to use.

Care needs to be taken when storing hoods at extreme
temperatures.

At sub-zero temperatures the exibility of suit materials
may be reduced and the hood could suer damage if not

handled with care.

At high temperatures some component parts in the hood

may suer distortion if incorrectly stored.

For further information on storage of the Flo-Pod™ turbo

unit and P3 lters, refer to the relevant user instructions

supplied.

In order to maintain the level of protection oered,

care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage
occurring to Flo-Pod™ hoods during transportation
between work areas. It is recommended that Flo-Pod™
hoods are transported in a suitably sized rigid container
resistant to penetration by sharp objects, abrasive
surfaces, chemicals, oils, solvents etc.

Sizing

The following pictogram designates the range of height
& chest sizes suitable for use with the Flo-Pod™ hood.
Body measurements in cm.

Cleaning

Flo-Pod™ hoods manufactured from PVC materials
should be cleaned by wiping the outer surfaces with a
sponge using a solution of Citikleen* and warm water
(temperature not exceeding 50°C), followed by rinsing
with cold water. Inner surfaces of the hood should be
sprayed with Synodor to kill all bacteria.

Do not use solvents or strong cleaning and disinfecting
agents as these can damage the visor and valve seals.

Care should be taken to avoid allowing water to enter
the exhalation valves.

Hoods should be hung in a warm room to dry at a
temperature not exceeding 30°C.

*Mix one part Citrikleen to 19 parts water, i.e 5%
solution. Never use Citrikleen in neat form as this will
cause damage to the hood materials.

Both Citrikleen & Synodor can be supplied by Respirex.

Note: Flo-Pod™ hoods manufactured from blue
laminate material are designed as single-use items and
are not suitable for cleaning.

Refer to user instructions supplied with the Flo-Pod™

turbo unit for product specic cleaning instructions.

5

RESPIREX INTERNATIONAL LTD,

Unit F Kingseld Business Centre,

Philanthropic Road,

Redhill,

Surrey RH1 4DP

United Kingdom

Tel. [phone]

Fax.[phone]

www.respirexinternational.com

Type Examination By : BSI (0086),

Kitemark Court,

Davy Avenue,

Knowhill,

Milton Keynes MK5 8PP

United Kingdom