3M 6800 Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator Instruction Manual

1. Safety Information

3M industrial and occupational products are intended, labeled, and packaged for sale to trained industrial and occupational customers for workplace use. These products are not intended, labeled, or packaged for sale to or use by consumers (e.g., for home, personal, primary or secondary school, recreational/sporting, or other uses not described in the applicable product packaging or literature).

The respirator must be selected and used in compliance with applicable health and safety regulations and standards (e.g., U.S. OSHA, ANSI), as well as all product literature, user instructions, warnings, and other limitations. The user must take any action required under any recall, field action, or other product use notice. Misuse of 3M industrial and occupational products may result in injury, sickness, death, or property damage. For help with product selection and use, consult your on-site safety professional, industrial hygienist, or other subject matter expert. For additional product information, visit www.3M.com.

2. Package Contents

• 1 x 3M 6800 Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator (Medium, Gray)

Note: Filters and cartridges are sold separately and must be selected based on the specific hazards present in your work environment.

3. Product Overview

The 3M 6800 Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator is designed to provide respiratory protection against certain airborne contaminants when used with approved 3M particulate filters, gas/vapor cartridges, or supplied air respirator systems. Its design prioritizes user comfort and clear visibility.

• Large Lens: Provides a wide field of view for excellent visibility.
• Lightweight and Balanced Design: Enhances comfort during extended use.
• Silicone Faceseal: Offers improved comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning, ensuring a secure fit.
• Versatile Compatibility: Can be used in air-purifying and supplied air respirator modes with various 3M filters and cartridges.
• Center Adapter: Directs exhaled breath downward, reducing fogging and moisture buildup within the facepiece.
• 3M Cool Flow Valve: Facilitates easier breathing, contributing to cooler and drier comfort.

Figure 1: Front view of the 3M 6800 Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator, showing the large clear lens and the central exhalation valve.

4. Setup

4.1 Attaching Filters/Cartridges

1. Align the bayonet fitting of the filter or cartridge with the receptor on the side of the facepiece.
2. Push the filter/cartridge onto the receptor and twist clockwise until it clicks into place.
3. Ensure both filters/cartridges are securely attached and properly seated.

Figure 2: Close-up view demonstrating the bayonet connection for attaching filters or cartridges to the respirator.

4.2 Adjusting Head Straps

The respirator features a four-point head harness for a secure and comfortable fit.

1. Loosen all four straps before donning the respirator.
2. Position the facepiece over your face, ensuring your chin is properly seated in the chin cup.
3. Pull the bottom straps back and fasten them behind your neck.
4. Pull the top straps over your head and adjust them to achieve a snug, but not overly tight, fit.
5. Perform a positive and negative pressure seal check as per 3M guidelines to ensure proper fit.

Figure 3: Rear view of the 3M 6800 Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator, highlighting the adjustable four-point head harness for a customized fit.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the respirator is properly fitted with the correct filters/cartridges, it is ready for use. Always ensure a proper seal before entering a contaminated area.

• Breathing: The 3M Cool Flow Valve and central adapter are designed to make breathing easier and direct exhaled air away from the lens, minimizing fogging.
• Visibility: The large lens provides an unobstructed field of vision. Consider using 3M lens covers for protection against paint spray or other debris, which can be easily replaced.
• Communication: While wearing the full facepiece, communication may be slightly muffled. Speak clearly and directly.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning the Respirator

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the effectiveness and hygiene of your respirator.

1. Remove filters/cartridges before cleaning.
2. Wash the facepiece (excluding filters/cartridges) in warm water with a mild detergent or a 3M respirator cleaning wipe.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Air dry in a clean, non-contaminated area.
5. Store the clean, dry respirator in a sealed bag or container away from contaminated areas.

6.2 Filter/Cartridge Replacement

Filters and cartridges have a limited lifespan and must be replaced regularly based on usage, exposure levels, and manufacturer recommendations.

• Replace particulate filters when breathing becomes difficult.
• Replace gas/vapor cartridges when you detect the contaminant's odor, taste, or irritation, or according to a change-out schedule.
• To remove, twist the filter/cartridge counter-clockwise and pull it off. Dispose of used filters/cartridges according to local regulations.
• Install new filters/cartridges as described in Section 4.1.

7. Troubleshooting

• Poor Seal: Re-adjust head straps. Ensure no hair or clothing is caught under the faceseal. Check for damage to the faceseal.
• Difficulty Breathing: Filters may be clogged. Replace particulate filters.
• Detecting Contaminant Odor/Taste: Gas/vapor cartridges are exhausted. Replace cartridges immediately.
• Lens Fogging: Ensure the respirator is properly sealed and the exhalation valve is clear. The Cool Flow Valve is designed to minimize this, but extreme conditions may still cause some fogging.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or to purchase replacement parts and accessories, please visit the official 3M website or contact 3M customer service.

• 3M Official Website: www.3M.com
• Customer Service: Refer to the 3M website for regional contact information.