To maintain protection levels, optimise the effective lifetime of the equipment and avoid the additional cost of replacement, it is extremely important to carry out regular checks and maintenance on your Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

Top tips on care & maintenance from 3M:

Understand your responsibilities

Many countries place a legal requirement on companies to maintain their reusable RPE and keep maintenance records. Make sure you understand what is required by law, so you can design your company’s care and maintenance policy to be fully compliant.

Get advice from your manufacturer or distributor

Care and maintenance instructions are included in the product user instructions. Some manufacturers may also publish additional resources to help you manage care and maintenance and provide training to your team.

Consider maintenance when selecting new RPE

There are many factors to consider when selecting new RPE for your team, and budget is normally an important consideration. Remember to consider the durability of the product construction, availability of spare parts and the ease of maintenance before reaching a final decision – these factors can outweigh differences in the initial purchase price of the product.

Don’t forget about filters

Respirator filters do not last forever. Once a gas & vapour filter has been used to its full capacity, it will no longer offer any protection. An overused particulate filter will still protect you, but it will be hard to breathe through, leading to fatigue & reduced productivity. The service life of a filter can be affected by a number of factors, including the type of filter, the concentration of contaminants in the air, breathing rates, humidity and temperature. Best practice is to establish a filter change schedule – a specified time period after which filters will be replaced.

Man changing a filter in a respirator
3M™ Versaflo™ Powered Air Turbo Starter Kit, TR-315UK+

The Versaflo powered air system combines performance, protection and functionality with modern, stylish, lightweight design and unrivalled comfort. Powered Air Starter Kit TR-315UK+ contains TR-302E+ Turbo Unit, Particle Filter, Pre-Filter, Spark Arrestors, Standard Belt, High Capacity Battery, Battery Charger Kit and length adjusting Breathing Tube.

  • Simple starter kit with all the component parts to get you up and running. Simply add the head top required
  • The 2 selectable flow rate options – 185l/mn and 205l/mn – offer more comfort to the user
  • Easy-to-use, versatile, respirator systems for particulate environments
  • Highly Efficient filter captures hazardous dust, mist and fume plus options for nuisance level gases and vapours
  • Slim, lightweight balanced design for comfort
  • Intelligent lithium ion battery quickly charges, has no memory effect and incorporates useful charge indicator
  • Electronic audible and visual low air flow and low battery alarms as well as battery charge indicator /particulate filter loading status indicators and airflow indicator
  • Easy to adjust and maintain
  • Battery charge indicator on the battery
3M™ Secure Click™ Reusable Half Mask HF-800 Series

3M™ Secure Click™ HF 800 Series Half Mask Reusable Respirator helps protect against particulates and a wide variety of gases and vapours when used with approved 3M™ Secure Click™ cartridges and filters. Available in three sizes, the respirators come with an optional speaking diaphragm to help provide easier communication while you work.

Breathability: Greater breathability and comfort provided by the world’s first quad flow cartridge system. Two dual flow cartridges on each respirator combine to create four airflow paths for easier breathing.

Simplicity: The new 3M™ Secure Click™ Series features a quick, simple cartridge/filter connection. It works just like a seat belt. Simply align the connections and push until you hear a click and feel confident that filters and cartridges are installed properly. Quick, easy, one touch user seal check helps provide improved confidence in respirator fit. Optional speaking diaphragm is designed to help provide easier communication while you work.

Comfort: Designed with smart, intuitive features, this respirator helps provide comfort without compromise. Silicone face seal with patented flex joint nose bridge helps provide a softer feel for more comfort on the wearer’s face.

Breathing hazardous levels of particles, gases and vapours can be harmful to your health. 3M™ Secure Click™ Half Mask Reusable Respirator can help reduce exposure to many contaminants when properly fitted and used with approved 3M™ Secure Click™ cartridges and filters.