3M Airstream AS-300, Instructions Manual

5

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Please read these instructions in conjunction wth the Reference Leaflet where 

you will find information on:

• Spare parts

• Accessories

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Particular attention should be given to warning statements where 

indicated.

UNPACKING

Your 3M™Airstream™AS-300 Helmet Mounted Powered Air Respirator System 

should contain:

a)AS-300 Powered Air Respirator System

b) Battery Pack

c) Particulate Filter

d) Airflow Indicator

e) User Instructions

f) Reference Leaflet

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The 3M™Airstream™ AS-300 Helmet Mounted Powered Air Respirator System 

is an integrated system designed to provide respiratory, head, eye and face 

protection. These products meet the requirements of EN 12941 (Respiratory 

protective devices - Powered filtering devices). Air is passed through a filter fitted 

within the helmet via a fan at the rear of the helmet. The air flows over the top of 

the wearer’s head and down in front of the face. The visor and combined head 

and face seal prevent the ingress of contaminated air.

APPROVALS

These products are type approved and audited annually by BSI, Kitemark Court, 

Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8PP, UK, Notified Body No. 0086. 

These products are CE Marked to the requirements of either Community 

Directive 89/686/EEC or European Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The applicable 

specific legislation met by the products can be determined by reviewing the 

Certificate and Declaration of Conformity available at the following website 

www.3m.com/Respiratory/certs

This product complies with the European EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.

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 WARNINGS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper selection, training, use, and appropriate maintenance are 

essential in order for the product to help protect the wearer from certain 

airborne contaminants and physical hazards.

• Failure to follow all instructions on the use of these respiratory protection 

products and/or failure to properly wear the complete product during all 

periods of exposure may adversely affect the wearer’s health, lead to 

severe or life threatening illness, injury or permanent disability.

• For suitability and proper use follow local regulations, refer to all 

information supplied or contact a safety professional or 3M on 

0870 60 800 60 (UK) or 1800 320 500 (Ireland).

• Use this respirator system strictly in accordance with all instructions:

• contained in this booklet

• accompanying other components of the system

• Do not use the Airstream helmets in concentrations of contaminant above 10 

times the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL).

• Do not use for respiratory protection against unknown atmospheric 

contaminants or when concentrations of contaminants are unknown or 

immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

• Do not use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen. (3M definition. 

Individual countries may apply their own limits on oxygen deficiency. Seek advice 

if in doubt).

• Only use with spares and accessories listed in the Reference Leaflet and within 

the usage conditions given in the 

Technical Specification

.

• Only for use by trained, competent personnel.

• Leave the contaminated area immediately if:

a) Any part of the system becomes damaged.

b) Airflow into the helmet decreases or stops.

c) Breathing becomes difficult.

d) Dizziness or other distress occurs.

e) You smell or taste contaminants or irritation occurs.

• Never modify or alter this product. Replace parts only with original 3M spare 

parts.

• High winds or very high work rates (where the pressure within the helmet can 

become negative) can reduce protection.

• Adjust equipment as appropriate or consider an alternative form of respiratory 

protective device.

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 Do not use with beards or other facial hair that may inhibit contact 

between the face and the product thus preventing a good seal.

• Never use this helmet if it is cracked or cut. A helmet that has been involved in 

an impact but shows no sign of damage should always be replaced.

• Do not apply paint, solvents, adhesives or self-adhesive labels to the helmet. If 

it is important to stick anything to the helmet, only use rubber or acrylic based 

adhesives.

• Direct contact with sprays, fluids or other substances containing solvents and/or 

alcohols can reduce the durability of the helmet and should therefore be avoided.

• Do not use these products in flammable or explosive atmospheres.

• Do not use in high heat environments above the recommended 

maximum temperature.

 Select and wear appropriate protection when exposed 

to sparks and/or flames.

• Use only with recommended spectacles. Eye protectors against high speed 

particles worn over standard ophthalmic spectacles may transmit impacts, thus 

creating a hazard to the user. Contact your supplier.

• If protection against high speed particles at extremes of temperature is required 

then the selected eye-protector should be marked with the letter T immediately 

after the impact letter, i.e. FT, BT or AT.

• These products do not contain components made from natural rubber latex.

• Materials which may come into contact with the wearer's skin are not known to 

cause allergic reactions to the majority of individuals.

Safe Use of Battery Chargers

To reduce the risks associated with exposure to hazardous voltage which, if not 

avoided, could result in serious injury or death:

- Do not use the chargers outdoors or in wet environments.

- Do not attempt to service the chargers. There are no user-serviceable parts 

inside.

- Inspect the chargers and power cords before use. Replace if any parts are 

damaged.

- Do not substitute, modify or add parts to the chargers.

EQUIPMENT MARKING

The AS-300 Helmet is marked to EN12941 TH1.

The Visors are marked to EN166:2001.

The Visor Surround is marked EN166 3:9:B.

The 3M™AS-361 visor is marked to EN166 2:B:3:9.

The 3M™ Main Filter (060-23-04P) is marked EN12941 TH1 P R S - "For use 

against solid and water based aerosols only".

The 3M™ Charcoal Main Filter (060-23-11P) is marked EN12941 TH1 P R S - 

"For use against solid and water based aerosols only".

The helmet is marked to EN397:2012 and with the month and year of 

manufacture.

The battery is marked EN12941 and with the month and year of manufacture.

The 3M™AS-362 visor is marked to EN166 2:F:3.

PREPARATION FOR USE

Check apparatus is complete, undamaged and correctly assembled. Any 

damaged or defective parts must be replaced with original 3M spare parts before 

use.

Select an approved Battery. Please see the reference leaflet for a list of 3M 

approved batteries.

Helmet adjustment

The helmet can be adjusted to give the best face seal and field of vision.

Adjust the nape strap to fit the wearers head correctly (Figure 1).

The height of the head and the balance of the headtop can be adjusted in four 

locations (Figure 2). Each position can be adjusted independantly to give a 

custom fit.

Battery

The battery should be charged prior to first use (See Maintenance).

Only use recommended battery charger (see reference leaflet for appropriate 

battery charger).

Connect the battery to the system as shown in figure 3. Ensure that the 

connections are clean and free from contaminants before fitting. If necessary 

wipe with a clean, dry cloth before use.

Pre-Filters

Open the pre-filter housing cover and insert the pre-filter (Figure 4)

Filters

Select an approved filter (See Reference Leaflet for a list of 3M approved filters).

Inspect the filter before each use and replace immediately if damaged. For 

replacement of filters see figure 5.

Always properly install the filter and pre-filter into the helmet.

Airflow Check

Before use, undertake the air flow check using the air flow indicator (Figure 6).

1. Switch on the Powered Air Respirator System and turn helmet upside down.

2. Remove the pre-filter (see figure 4 and place the airflow indicator over the grille 

of the motor housing.

3. Turn the helmet up the right way.

If the airflow indicator stays in place then the airflow is sufficient.

If the indicator falls off then the airflow is too low. Refer to fault finding.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

DONNING

1. Ensure the visor is in the raised position and fit headtop. Ensure headtop is 

held firm and comfortable. If necessary adjust headtop as described earlier.

2. Secure battery pack on belt or in pocket.

3. Switch on the Powered Air Respirator System.

4. Grip Face Seal and pull the visor down into the lowered position. At the same 

time position the bottom of the face seal under the chin. Ensure the visor 

retaining button is fully engaged. Check the face seal is correctly positioned all 

around the face and back of the head.