FIELD NOTES: The M95 Respirator
Posted by Mike Conti
Please note this is not an advertisement. Saber Group, Inc. has no financial or other ties to any respirator manufacturer or distributor. This information is being provided solely for informational purposes. This information is in no way complete in regard to the M95 Respirator, nor does it constitute a thorough overview regarding the operation or employment of the M95 or any other respirator. Saber Group, Inc. assumes no liability whatsoever for the use or misuse of any of the information provided here. Always seek out qualified instruction prior to employing any equipment, methods, or techniques shown on this website.
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The Safety Tech International M95 Full Facepiece Respirator
The M95 FULL FACEPIECE RESPIRATOR is an ergonomically-designed, comfortable, and effective respirator. I have worked extensively with this and many other respirators over the past 35 years in the military, police, and private industries, and believe the M95 to be one of the better negative-pressure respirators available for tactical applications--especially when coupled with the M95 Filter Cartridge. Prior to employing this or any respirator, the user must be familiar with the design and operational capabilities and limitations of the specific device used. Therefore it is strongly suggested that the manufacturer's information be accessed and read thoroughly until a complete level of understanding is achieved. As stated above, professional instruction in the operation and employment of this type of equipment is mandatory to ensure the highest margin of safety for you and your personnel. |
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Safety Notes
Like any piece of equipment, the M95 Respirator will only work as designed when assembled and used correctly. The M95 utilizes a number of modular components which must be installed properly prior to use. While the filter cartridge (shown attached to the mask in the image top right) is the most obvious, other components must be checked as well. A few (but not all) of these components are shown in the photographs provided here. Components shown were selected for illustration based on field use experiences. NOTE: Do not over tighten the filter cartridge when screwing it into the Filter Cartridge Connector Port! You can dislodge the Inhalation Valve resulting in an improper seal. |
All images copyright Saber Group, Inc.
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Inhalation Valve Disks and Valve Seats Correctly Installed
Ensure there is an Inhalation Valve installed in BOTH the right and left (Inhalation) Cartridge Connector Ports, regardless of which port you are installing the filter cartridge into. The (Inhalation) Cartridge Connector Port not being used for filter cartridge attachment is filled by a GRAY PLUG. The plug screws in clockwise and must be seated firmly. (Shown above) The image above shows what you should see when the Filter Cartridge is removed. This is what is should look like if the Inhalation Valve is assembled and inserted into the mask correctly. (Shown left) The Inhalation Valve consists of two green silicone components: the Valve Disk and the Valve Seat. When assembled correctly the Disk sits flush against the Seat as shown at left. |
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Inhalation Valve Disks and Valve Seats INCORRECTLY Installed
If the Inhalation Valve Assembly looks like those shown at left, or if either or both Inhalation Valve components are missing, distorted, or damaged, IMMEDIATELY notify your supervisor, Chemical Agent Officer and/or Amorer! IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS DO NOT EMPLOY THE MASK UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED! |
Exhalation Valve Assembly: Correctly Installed
Gently unscrew the Exhalation Valve Assembly and remove it from the mask. The Exhalation Valve Assembly should look like the one shown at right. If it does not, IMMEDIATELY notify your Chemical Agent Officer! IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS DO NOT EMPLOY THE MASK UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND/OR REPAIRED! Once inspected, screw the Exhalation Valve Assembly clockwise into the Exhalation Valve Connector Port until it seats. Ensure it is firmly seated. |
NOTE: The Valve Disk will deform in the manner shown if the Valve Disk's protruding silicone nipple is pulled too far through the center hole of the Valve Seat. This will render the Inhalation Valve inoperative.
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M95 Nosecup Assembly: Correct
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The M95 is equipped with a gray silicone Nosecup Assembly (shown right).
In addition to ensuring that the Nosecup Assembly is properly installed within the facepiece, you must also ensure that the two green silicone Nosecup Valve Disks and the plastic Valve Seats are installed in the Nosecup itself. The image at right shows how the Nosecup should look when these components are installed properly. Note: Also visible in the center of the Nosecup is the green drinking device tube.
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M95 Nosecup Assembly: Incorrect
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NOTE: Nosecup assembled incorrectly in image at left.
The image at left shows the Nosecup with one of the Inhalation Valve Seats and Disks missing. If the Nosecup Assembly has any missing, distorted, or damaged components, IMMEDIATELY notify your Chemical Agent Officer! IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS DO NOT EMPLOY THE MASK UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND/OR REPAIRED! |
Summary
As always, professional instruction in the operation and employment of this type of equipment is mandatory to ensure the highest margin of safety for you and your personnel. Certified, knowledgeable and competent instructors should be sought prior to purchasing, training with, or employing any critical equipment.
Considering what the respirators are intended to be used for, there are few more critical pieces of equipment we may possess.
As always, professional instruction in the operation and employment of this type of equipment is mandatory to ensure the highest margin of safety for you and your personnel. Certified, knowledgeable and competent instructors should be sought prior to purchasing, training with, or employing any critical equipment.
Considering what the respirators are intended to be used for, there are few more critical pieces of equipment we may possess.