Air-Purifying Elements
6
HE particulate filters are 99.97% effective against all particulate
aerosols.
Filters and cartridges are supplied in quantities of six per box.
The following abbreviations are approved by NIOSH to indicate
the particulates, gases or vapors which are removed by the
gas/vapor cartridges:
CL
Chlorine
CD
Chlorine Dioxide
HC
Hydrogen Chloride
SD
Sulfur Dioxide
FM
Formaldehyde
AM
Ammonia
MA
Methylamine
OV
Organic Vapors
HF
Hydrogen Fluoride
HE
High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter for Powered
Air-Purifying Respirators
Protection
Filter/Cartridge Type
Quantity
NIOSH / ANSI Color Code
for Cartridge Label
HE
PA3HE
2
Purple
OV/CL/HC/SD/CD/HF/HE
PA3OVAGHE
3
Yellow and Purple
CL/HC/SD/CD/HF/FM/AM/MA/HE
PA3NBC*
3
Olive Green and Purple
www.bullard.com
PA3NBC CARTRIDGE
CHEMICAL WARFARE GAS PERFORMANCE TESTING
Gas Challenge
Test
Flow
Breakthrough
Time to
Concentration
Rate
Concentration
Breakthrough
DMMP
3000 mg/m3
50 lpm
.04 mg/m3
>120 minutes*
Sarin (GB)
4000 mg/m3
32 lpm
.04 mg/m3
>120 minutes*
Cyanogen Chloride (CK)
4000 mg/m3
32 lpm
8.0 mg/m3
30 minutes*
Chloropicrin (PS)
15000 mg/m3
30 lpm
0.7 mg/m3
60 minutes
Hydrogen Cyanide (AC)
5500 mg/m3
30 lpm
5.0 mg/m3
>30 minutes
Tear Gas (CS)
23 mg/m3
64 lpm
0.4 mg/m3
>480 minutes
Tear Gas (CN)
101 mg/m3
64 lpm
0.3 mg/m3
>480 minutes
*These tests are part of the performance specifications for the C2A1 military canister. The PA3NBC Cartridge meets or exceeds the
performance requirements of the C2A1 canister for these gases.
*The PA3NBC cartridge provides protection for acid gases, formaldehyde, and ammonia and therefore is effective against a wide range of Toxic Industrial
Chemicals. The High Efficiency (HE) Particulate Filter provides protection against airborne bacteria, viruses, and other particulates. Although not NIOSH-
approved for use against the following contaminants, independent laboratories have tested and verified that the PA3NBC cartridge is effective against
many chemical warfare agents and/or their recognized surrogates. These agents/surrogates are listed below.
WARNING
Use only the cartridge described in the above table. Used/particulate-
laden cartridges must be changed as a set and not individually. All
cartridges must be of the same type. Do not change cartridges while in
a hazardous atmosphere. Incorrect cartridge selection will invalidate all
performance statements and approvals for this equipment.
Three (3) of the same type of cartridge must be used on the
PA3BU/PA3ISBU blower unit, with the exception of the PA3HE filters
which are used two (2) at a time, in conjunction with the PA3PG plug.
DO NOT use the PA3PG plug to close off a port with any other cartridge
type.
The PA3NBC cartridges and PA3BU blower should only be used with the
20SICVH and 20SICV hoods. These hoods are made of Tychem SL, which
has been tested by DuPont and shown to be effective against chemical
warfare agents. These hoods also feature a press polished vinyl lens
adequate for hospital preparedness applications.
These respirators are not NIOSH-approved for use against chemical
warfare agents.
The respirator and cartridges should not be used beyond eight (8) hours
after initial exposure to chemical warfare agents to avoid possibility of
agent permeation. If liquid exposure is encountered, the respirator
should not be used for more than two (2) hours.
Follow established cartridge change schedules to ensure that cartridges
are replaced before breakthrough occurs. Failure to follow these
warnings could result in death or serious injury.
PA3BU/PA3ISBU Air-Purifying Elements
Principle of Operation
The following filter/cartridge protection classification applies when used with any of the hoods or loose fitting facepieces. In the following
table “Quantity” refers to the number of filters/cartridges which must be attached to the blower unit to provide the required protection.
