User's Manual
VISUAL INSPECTION AND FUNCTIONAL TESTS
valve label is not damaged and that the relief valve
p
orts 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-
s
ent, 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
burst disc vents.
b. If the cylinder is less than FULL (within 10% of
rated service pressure), recharge it before storage.
Cylinder air must be at least CGA Quality
Verification Level (Grade) D respirable air. In fire ser-
vice applications, MSA recommends 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
h
olds 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
securely attached to the FireHawk M7 Control
Module.
11. FireHawk M7 Power Module
a. Inspect the FireHawk M7 Power Module housing for
external cracks and ensure that the FireHawk M7
Power Module, battery tube, and cylinder stop are
securely attached to the backplate.
b. Inspect the piezo emitters on both sides of the
FireHawk M7 Power Module. Ensure that the emit-
ter covers are not obstructed by dirt or debris.
c. Ensure that the power cable is securely attached to
the FireHawk M7 Power Module. The fitting on the
power cable should not be able to be unthreaded
by hand.
d. Remove the cap from the battery tube. Ensure that
the o-ring is properly installed on the battery cap, if
o-ring is missing, it must be replaced.
e. Inspect the inside of the battery tube. Ensure that
the battery terminals are not corroded and that the
tube if free of moisture and debris.
f. Replace the battery cap on the battery tube.
12. Record Keeping
a. Following inspection, the date and initials of the
designated inspector should be recorded on an
inspection tag. A more detailed record of the opera-
tions performed can be noted on an inspection and
maintenance log, available from MSA. When the
inspection data has been recorded, the air mask is
ready for use.
All repair and replacement of subassemblies must be
carried out by an MSA certified repair technician.
Failure to follow this warning will void NFPA and
NIOSH certifications and can result in serious person-
al injury or death.
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TAL 708 (L) Rev. 1 - 10082858