VISUAL INSPECTION AND FUNCTIONAL TESTS
microphone grille of the voicemitter microphone
a
ssembly.
g. Listen for this sound reproduced in the amplifier
s
peaker.
h. Depress and release the on/off button again to turn
the unit OFF. The LED on the amplifier unit should
be OFF.
4. Firehawk Responder Second Stage Regulator
a
. The FireHawk M7 Responder Air Mask is equipped
with a quick-connect second stage intermediate
pressure hose, inspect the rubber washer for deteri-
oration, dirt, cracks, tears, or tackiness.
b. Ensure that the Firehawk Responder Regulator seal-
ing ring is seated properly in its groove on the outlet
of the regulator and that it is not torn, gouged, or
nicked.
c. Ensure that the FireHawk Responder Regulator
pneumatic plug is free of dirt and not damaged.
5. PR14 First Stage Regulator
a. Inspect the regulator mounting bracket (attached to
the backplate) for cracks, weakened areas, or signs
of heat or chemical related damage.
b. Inspect the regulator mounting bracket screws to
ensure they are secure.
c. Inspect the regulator mounting bracket to ensure
that it holds the regulator securely.
d. Inspect the pressure relief valve. Ensure that the
relief holes are clear and free of debris or other con-
taminants. Ensure that the pressure relief valve is
properly secured.
e. Inspect the hose connections. Ensure that the
hoses are properly secured.
6. Audi-Larm Alarm
a. Unthread the Audi-Larm Alarm coupling nut from
the cylinder valve. Inspect the coupling nut for
thread damage.
b. Ensure there is an o-ring present and not damaged.
Replace the o-ring if it is damaged.
c. Ensure that the bell is properly aligned and that the
screws are tight. If the bell is loose, remove the
alarm from service.
d. Inspect the relief valve for damage. Ensure the relief
valve label is not damaged and that the relief valve
ports are not showing. If damaged, remove the air
mask from service and replace the relief valve.
e. Reattach Audi-Larm Alarm to the cylinder valve.
7. High Pressure Hose
a. Inspect the high pressure hose between the Audi-
Larm Alarm and the PR14 First Stage Regulator.
Look for cuts or severe abrasions. If damage is pre-
sent, replace the hose.
8. Cylinder and Valve Assembly
a. Air mask cylinders should be recharged as soon as
possible after use. Cylinders should not be stored
partially charged for two reasons:
• If used without recharge, the service life of the air
mask is reduced.
• The cylinder burst disc vents excess pressure if a
full cylinder is over exposed to fire or heat. If the
cylinder is not full, it may be damaged before the
b
urst disc vents.
b. If the cylinder is less than FULL (within 10% of
r
ated service pressure), recharge it before storage.
Cylinder air must be at least CGA Quality
Verification Level (Grade) D respirable air. MSA rec-
ommends breathing air quality in accordance with
NFPA 1989.
c
. Inspect the cylinder valve for signs of damage. The
valve may be opened slightly to ensure it operates
properly. Be sure to fully close the valve.
d. Inspect the cylinder body for cracks, dents, weak-
ened areas, corrosive agents causing the fibers to
break or peel, or signs of heat-related damage. If
the cylinder is damaged return it to an MSA Service
Center.
e. Check the hydrostatic test date on the cylinder
approval sticker located on the cylinder neck.
Fiberglass composite cylinders must be tested
every three years. Carbon-wrapped and steel cylin-
ders must be tested every five years.
f. Ensure the needle and gauge face on the cylinder
valve gauge are clearly visible and that the gauge
stem is not bent.
It is also essential that the required inspections and tests
be performed on all air mask cylinders in accordance with
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. DOT reg-
ulations require that composite cylinders be retired from
service after the fifteenth year. This does not include cylin-
der valve assemblies that may be reused. Steel and alu-
minum cylinder service life is indefinite if proper inspec-
tion and hydrostatic test procedures are followed and they
indicate that the cylinder may remain in service. Contact
an MSA distributor or sales associate for more information
regarding this policy.
Note: ANSI Z88.5 recommends checking cylinder pres-
sure weekly. For maximum safety the cylinders should be
stored full or empty (pressure above ambient but less than
100 psi).
9. FireHawk M7 Carrier and Harness
a. Operate the latch wing on the cylinder band to
ensure that it opens and closes properly and that it
holds the cylinder securely. If the cylinder band and
latch is locked, the latch wing should not turn.
b. Inspect the back plate for cracks, weakened areas,
or signs of damage due to heat or chemical related
damage.
c. Inspect all harness components for cuts, tears,
abrasions, or signs of damage due to heat or chem-
ical related damage.
10. FireHawk M7 Control Module
a. Inspect the gauge hose and power cable for any
visible signs of damage.
b. Inspect for external cracks in the housing and
ensure the rubber cover is not damaged.
c. Ensure the buttons are not damaged or missing.
d. Ensure the gauge hose and power cable are
12
TAL 803 (L) Rev. 1 - 10086011
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