Warning
11
1. NEVER use this respirator, or any supplied air respirator, in concentrations which exceed the maximum use
concentrations for the respirator you have chosen.
2. It is imperative to know the level of concentration of contaminants for which this respirator, or any respirator,
is being used. Otherwise, it is impossible to choose an appropriate respirator. If this respirator is used in
sandblasting, it is necessary to take measurements of the concentrations outside the supplied air respirator during
the blasting operations.
3. It is also imperative that you measure the concentration of dust after the blasting stops before you send your
employee(s) back into the area to perform other tasks such as clean-up or painting. Concentrations may still be high
enough to exceed the maximum use concentrations of many respirators, including supplied air respirators.
4. Do not assume that the concentrations you measured at an earlier time must be or probably are the same now for a
different task or operation. Concentrations may vary significantly depending on a host of factors including, but not limited
to, the number of blasters engaged in the operation, whether the blasting is in an enclosed or partially-enclosed structure
(confined or semi-confined space), whether ventilation is used, and the type of ventilation.
5. This respirator, when properly fitted and used, in conjunction with adherence to OSHA regulations and industry
standards, will provide a reasonable degree of protection to the wearer. The respirator significantly reduces,
but may not totally eliminate, the breathing of contaminants depending on the work practices involved. Where
concentrations of contaminants are excessive, respirator wearers may obtain a higher level of protection from a self
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) respirator. At this time there are no side-by-side field studies for comparison.
However, OSHA does assign higher protection factors to these groups of respirators. Ideally, the employer should
measure concentrations inside the breathing zone on a periodic basis to ensure that the wearer is receiving
adequate protection.
6. Before using this respirator, Federal Law requires that the employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory
hazard(s) in the workplace, and that this evaluation shall include a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to
respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant’s chemical state and physical form. Do not exceed
maximum use concentrations established by OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, ACGIH, or other regulatory standards. All approved
respirators shall be selected, fitted, used and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, NIOSH and other
applicable regulations.
7. Improper respirator use may damage your health and/or cause your death. Improper use may also cause certain
life threatening delayed lung diseases such as silicosis, pneumoconiosis, or asbestosis.
8. Do not wear this respirator if any of the following conditions exist:
- The atmosphere is immediately dangerous to your life or health (IDLH)
- You cannot escape without the aid of the respirator
- The atmosphere contains less than 19.5% oxygen
- The work area is poorly ventilated
- Unknown contaminants are present, or
- Contaminant concentrations are in excess of regulations or recommendations (as described in item 2 above).
9. Do not wear this respirator until you have passed a complete medical evaluation (perhaps including a lung x-ray)
conducted by qualified medical personnel, and have been trained in the respirator’s use, maintenance, and
limitations by a qualified individual (appointed by your employer) who has extensive knowledge of Bullard GenVX
Series respirators.
10. Do not modify or alter this respirator in any manner. Use only NIOSH approved GenVX Series components and
replacement parts manufactured by Bullard for use with this respirator.
Failure to use NIOSH-approved Bullard components and replacement parts such as lenses, hoses, flow control
devices, capes, and climate control devices, voids NIOSH approval of the entire respirator, invalidates all Bullard
warranties, and could cause death, serious injury, lung disease, or exposure to other hazardous or life threatening
conditions. In the past, Bullard has tested after-market or “pirate” air control valves. In these tests, only four (4)
CFM of air was allowed into the breathing zone. Incoming air flow is very important to the respirator user and is
instrumental in keeping contaminants out of the breathing zone of the respirator user. This respirator was designed
and certified by NIOSH to provide a minimum of six (6) CFM to the wearer. Buying replacement parts that are not
manufactured by Bullard and intended for this respirator not only voids NIOSH approval and Bullard warranties, but
also exposes the respirator user to an unreasonable health risk and may result in fines from OSHA.
(Continued on Page 12)
WARNING
GenVX Series Airline Respirator
User Manual