10 MSA Cairns® 1836 US
4 Maintenance
4.1.1 General Instructions for Washing and Drying of Helmet and Helmet Components
Read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions, warnings, and cautions for the SCBA decontamination washer
and detergent prior to use.
WARNING!
• During cleaning, wear adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with the detergent and washing
machine manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Do not use cleaning solvents, oils, varnishes, or polishes other than those specifically recommended by MSA or the
decontamination washer manufacturer to clean or decontaminate fire helmets or fire helmet components.
• Do not use equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation to machine-dry complete fire
helmets.
• Do not dry fire helmet in direct / indirect sunlight, under fluorescent light, or under UV light.
• Do not dry a fire helmet in a cabinet air dryer.
• Do not use a fire helmet that is wet from use or cleaning.
• Allow all parts to dry completely before use.
Helmet must be cleaned and decontaminated in accordance with these instructions after each use.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
MSA has evaluated the Solo Rescue SCBA DECON WASHER
®
and MEIKO DECON WASHER (FV 130.2) with Pro Blend
SCBA detergent (P/N PB0010967AA) using the procedure outlined in this document. Based on this testing, MSA expects
that, when washing is performed in accordance with this document and all washing machine manufacturer instructions, the
fire helmet will continue to provide impact, flame, heat, and electrical protection after proper washing.
4.1.2 General DECON Washing
Characteristics of SCBA washing machines may vary depending on the type of machine and its design. These
characteristics can influence the impact of the SCBA washing machine on the fire helmet and its performance after
washing.
These characteristics include, but are not limited to:
• The mechanical load applied to the fire helmet and its component parts
• The temperature to which the fire helmet is exposed during washing
• The ability of the washing machine to maintain a constant concentration of cleaning agents
WARNING!
• Use only Pro-Blend SCBA detergent (P/N PB0010967AA). Use of other detergents or chemicals may cause
degradation of the harness and other components.
• The washing machine must be calibrated to supply 0.6% concentration of detergent.
• A mild detergent with a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH as indicated on product MSDS,
SDS, or original product container shall be used.
• Water temperature must not exceed 105°F (40.5°C).
• Remove all Soft Goods and goggles before washing, and wash as instructed in the User Manual
• Refer to the Cairns User Manual and this video for the proper way to remove soft goods.
• Reverse osmosis water and completely softened water must not be used.
• Follow the regulations of your local municipality or your facility permit requirements for the effluent discharge from the
laundering process.
SCBA washing machine characteristics must be considered when selecting a washing machine.
To Next Page
